Physical Therapy Technician/Aide- WIOA Approved

Course Description

PROFESSIONALISM IN ALLIED HEALTH 32 HOURS; 2 WEEKS

This course will benefit anyone considering a career in allied health, as well as those already working in the field. Allied Health Professionals must be committed to the key attributes of professionalism and strive to reflect this within the delivery of patient-centered safe and effective care. "Professionalism" is a broad term that reflects many different skills and abilities. For an individual to exhibit professionalism, he/she must be armed with specific skills and abilities that do not always show up within certification requirements, or even within a career training curriculum. Soft skills are hard to measure and are typically less well-defined than hard skills. However, soft skills are what set many job candidates apart. Professionalism is not just what one knows, it is how one does their job, how one behaves and how one comes across as they interact with others.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with soft skills training that will provide the tools needed to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism on the job. Key components of the course focus on patient interaction, proper office behavior, medical ethics, diversity and cultural bias, emotional strength, professional appearance and communication. The course maintains a focus on the key attributes that are true markers of professionalism.

This course was created with input from healthcare professionals working in the field, healthcare employers that hire our graduates, professional educators and even former MedCerts students. The end result is a collection of modules that touch on the soft skills that are TRULY important in the real world of allied healthcare. In this course, students are engaged through scenario-based learning that allows for real interaction with virtual co-workers and patients. Additionally, game-based activities keep students engaged and entertained throughout their learning journey.

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN ANATOMY AND MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 96 HOURS; 6 WEEKS

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the language of medicine, through the study of prefixes, suffixes, root words, abbreviation, and pronunciation of words. The curriculum also includes an anatomy and physiology app that enables students to explore, visualize, interact, and experience the anatomy of the human body in 3D and augmented reality (AR). Students will examine the organization of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, hematic, lymphatic and immune, and cardiovascular systems in the human body. They will become familiar with the medical terms that relate to the respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, and excretory systems. Students will also examine terms related to the sensory organs, with a concentration on the organs for hearing, sight, and smell. This immersive experience will trigger thought processes and enhance learning outcomes in their Anatomy and Physiology program. The app has about 50 simulations across different topics.

MEDICAL OFFICE PROCEDURES AND ADMINISTRATION 96 HOURS; 6 WEEKS

This course will introduce the student to the Health care industry, its environment along with the day to day skill set and knowledge required to fulfill a position as a Medical Administrative Assistant. Modules include Professional Behavior, Communication, Law and Ethics, Law and Medicine, Daily Operations, Telephone Techniques, Appointment Scheduling, Correspondence, Computers, HIPPA Regulations, Records Management, Information Management, Basics of Coding, Health Insurance Basics, Professional Fees, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Banking and Financial Management, Practice Management, Marketing and Customer Service.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 64 HOURS; 4 WEEKS

Fundamentals of Physical Therapy is a comprehensive course with insight and focus on assisting the physical therapist and physical therapy assistant with patient care and preparation in a healthcare setting. The course provides foundational knowledge required of an allied healthcare professional. Video-based lessons include fundamentals of physical therapy as it relates to the role of the physical therapy aide/technician as a member of the physical medicine/rehabilitative team. Emphasis is placed on infection control and safety, vital signs, patient preparation and transfers, ambulation support, and gait training. Topics related to physical therapy treatment, range-of-motion exercise, and various agents and modalities are also addressed.

Learning Objectives

• Accumulate Physical Therapy Aide/Technician knowledge and clerical and clinical skills to become an essential member of the physical medicine/rehabilitative team
• Recognize the responsibility of professional communication and customer service in patient care
• Discuss the patient assistance role of the Physical Therapy Aide/Technician to restore strength using various modalities, therapeutic exercise, treatment, and procedures under the direction of the licensed physical therapist
• Gain an understanding of the expectations of an allied healthcare professional in the workplace
• Develop and exercise emotional intelligence, self-management and interpersonal skills
• Build and improve internal and external communication skills with all exchanges
• Enhance the patient care experience with successful interactions and patient satisfaction
• Maintain solution-oriented conversations, manage conflict and build self-confidence
• Follow HIPAA & HITECH Compliance Laws
• Understand the different kinds of insurances and plans
• Perform Medical Front Office Procedures
• Schedule Patients
• Provide Patient Education

Materials Provided

All materials are included within the course.

Measure of Performance

Upon completion you will be ready for:

• Recognize the structure and function of the 11 body systems and their organs
• Understand the medical language that is used to describe those systems
• Analyze and understand medical terms by breaking down their word components
• Appreciate the major diseases and conditions related to the human body
• Apply your knowledge within the healthcare setting
• Apply infection control and environmental safety with patient preparation and treatment
• Describe the steps to turn, transfer, and position patients
• Differentiate between ambulation and gait in reference to assisting and guarding the patient

Course Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please fill out the self-disclosure form. The Office of Disability Services coordinates services for students with disabilities. Documentation of a disability needs to be on file in that office before any accommodations can be provided.