Physical Therapy Aide: Online Certificate Program

Gain in-demand skills and increase your earning power in the growing field of physical therapy. If you have a passion for supporting people as they overcome physical challenges, you could make a great physical therapy aide and administration specialist. It’s time to jumpstart your career in healthcare — without years of schooling.

a man wearing scrubs helping old lady do dumbbell overhead press.
a male physical aide hekoing old man take steps.

This Physical Therapy Aide Certificate Program is a great fit for:

  • Individuals interested in a career in healthcare
  • Recent high school graduates
  • Any student, healthcare professional, or aspiring healthcare worker who’s looking to join a booming field with opportunities for growth

About the Online Physical Therapy Aide Certificate Program

COURSE LENGTH icon

COURSE LENGTH

18 weeks

TIME COMMITMENT icon

TIME COMMITMENT

15-20 Hours Per Week

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TUITION

$4,000*

*You can pay as little as $261 per month. For full payment options and different financing plans, including interest rates from external lenders, please talk to our enrollment team.

Physical therapy aide and administration specialists work hand-in-hand with physical therapists to provide support to patients recovering from injuries, illnesses or surgeries. You’ll be responsible for preparing treatment areas, setting up equipment and performing routine administrative tasks. Additionally, you’ll assist patients with exercises, ensuring that they are comfortable and safe as they take each small step on the path to recovery.

Pursuing a career as a physical therapy aide and administration specialist can be incredibly rewarding. You will get to work with patients one-on-one and see their progress over time. Especially in a rehabilitation setting, people can get discouraged by their injuries. As a key member of each patient’s recovery process, you will be able to encourage and champion them as they make progress and improve over time.

Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC) exam sponsored by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association.

After obtaining your certification, you’ll be ready to help get people back up on their feet again. And nothing feels better than watching someone leave a final physical therapy session with a smile.

Physical Therapy Aide Fast Facts

24%

PROJECTED GROWTH OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE EMPLOYMENT

25,500

NUMBER OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE JOB OPENINGS PER YEAR

Career Paths

PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE AND ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
REGISTERED NURSE (RN)
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Job growth for physical therapy assistants and aides is expected at 24 percent between now and 2031, far exceeding the national average for all occupations at 5%.

-Bureau of Labor Statistics

Interested in a healthcare career, but not sure where to start?

Download our FREE Finding My Career Path Guide. This PDF (5-min read) is packed with all the resources you need to make an informed decision about your future: 

  • A sample profile of a healthcare job, including salary and job outlook through 2031. 
  • A “Day in the Life” job description to help you picture yourself working your new healthcare career. 
  • The 10 questions you need to ask yourself to determine if healthcare is right for you.





an illustration of a women wearing labcoat helping out injuried man walk.

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Is this Physical Therapy Aide Certificate Program right for me? 

If you have some or many of the following personality traits, abilities or desires, a career as a physical therapy aide may be a great fit!

  • Are you a compassionate person who is capable of helping people who are dealing with physical pain?  
  • Are you detail-oriented, organized and able to follow instructions carefully?  
  • Are you dexterous and comfortable working with your hands to assist in providing treatment to patients?  
  • Do you have strong interpersonal communication skills?  
  • Do you have the physical stamina needed to be on your feet frequently? 

Why Choose St. Ambrose University?

The Physical Therapy Aide Certificate Program at St. Ambrose University offers students:

  • Flexible scheduling options, which allow you to balance your studies with personal commitments. 
  • A program with an emphasis on professionalism, ethics and patient-centered care.
  • Affordable tuition fees and financing options for those who qualify.
  • Convenient and accessible learning from anywhere in the U.S. — without geographical constraints.
  • Supportive online community and resources for networking and career development.

Inquire Today

Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!

Thank you for your interest, you have an exciting journey ahead!

Schedule a call with your Workforce Development Specialist!