Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program

Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program

Classes Start March 11th

Our Physical Therapy Tech Program in Texas is designed to help you learn how to help patients regain movement and manage pain as they recover from an injury.

The Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program from The College of Health Care Professions is the first step to becoming a certified physical therapy technician. A physical therapy (PT) technician (also known as a rehabilitation therapy technician or physical therapy aide) is a vital part of any physical therapy clinic. PT technicians work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain as they recover from injury. Technicians are also in charge of cleaning equipment, washing linens, and performing clerical tasks like scheduling patient therapies. An education from The College of Health Care Professions is designed to help prepare you to enter the workforce as an entry-level physical therapy technician.

Program Details

Program Length

On-Campus: 36 weeks

Available Locations

McAllen San Antonio - North
Courses
Module IModule IIModule IIIModule IVModule VModule VIModule VIIModule VIII

Master Student/Study Skills

MSS130

Students will become familiar with basic study and learning skills to include learning styles, goal setting, memorization techniques, reading comprehension, note taking, test taking, critical thinking, effective communication diversity, and technology. Prerequisite: None

Lecture8hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours8hr.
Credits0.5 

HIPAA/ OSHA /Infection Control

HIP 130

Students will learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This course will identify rights for individuals and the processes that health care providers must implement to support individual rights. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the rules for the use and disclosure of information. Students will learn about transmission of disease, hand washing techniques and gloving. This course will ensure that students are aware of biohazards and airborne pathogens, including infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Students must demonstrate infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Prerequisite: None

Lecture10hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours10hr.
Credits0.5 

Overview of Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology

OAPT130

Students will learn and Identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body, as well as medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols that are necessary tools for building a medical vocabulary. This course covers general treatment of the sensory, skeletal and muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, Circulatory, Urinary and reproductive, and integumentary systems. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Anatomy and Physiology for Physical Therapy Technologist

PTT 301

Students will learn the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, muscle origins, insertions, actions as they relate in the kinematic chain. Axial/Appendicular Skeleton are reviewed. Research Assignment 1 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours80hr.
Credits4 

Pharmacology

PTT 302

Students will learn classification of drugs, their actions, side effects and/or adverse reactions. This course introduces sources and forms of drugs, drug classifications, drug effects on the body systems, and basic concept of administration and calculation of dosages. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory9hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours25hr.
Credits1 

Introduction to Physical Therapy Technology

PTT 303

Students will learn the history of physical therapy; define members of healthcare team, job duties and responsibilities, as well as professional conduct. Medical abbreviations and the structure of the components of words are also studied. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits2 

Physical Therapy Theory and Lab

PTT 304

Students will learn the rational and physiological interventions of modalities applied to soft tissue injuries in their various stages of repair. Ultrasound, electrical stimulations, various massage and therapeutic techniques, weight training, heat and cold applications accompanied by Range of Motion and Set ups are presented in lecture as well as hands on experience. Research Assignment 2 – Career Service Prep. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory48hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours64hr.
Credits2.5 

Psychology of Behavior Change and Life Span Development

PTT 305

This course is designed to cover diverse concepts associated with being a Physical Therapy Technician. These include but not limited to personality, behavior change, exercise adherence, motivational strategies, lifespan development and effective communication. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture32hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours64hr.
Credits3 

Nutrition Overall Wellness

PTT 306

This course covers the wellness and nutrition aspects to health and fitness. It is designed to provide the student with a sound wellness background so that their decisions may be made concerning all aspects of health and fitness. Additionally, specific wellness and nutritional techniques used to improve health and fitness performance are addressed. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture24hr.
Laboratory8hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits1.5 

Therapeutic Standards

PTT 307

Students will learn body mechanics, transfers, ambulation with assistive devices. Students will also learn draping techniques are discussed. Research Assignment 3 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory48hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours64hr.
Credits2.5 

CPR, First Aid and Vital Signs

PTT 308

Students will learn how to administer first aid in non-life threatening emergencies; students will also learn procedures for activating the emergency medical system and providing CPR. Students will also learn the measurements of basic vital signs; students will have the opportunity to obtain vital sign in a lab setting. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture8hr.
Laboratory24hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours32hr.
Credits1 

Medical Law & Ethics for Physical Therapy Technology

PTT 309

Students learn how ethical codes and the governing of the medical practice, how certification/licensure is granted and/or revoked, patient confidentiality and medical liability and negligence. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory8hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours24hr.
Credits1 

Pathophysiology for Physical Therapy Technologist

PTT 310

Students will learn diseases, disorders and deformities that are related to Physical Therapy, with an emphasis on neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Treatment and Therapeutic procedures performed are also discussed. Research Assignment 4 – Career Services Prep. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory24hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours72hr.
Credits3.5 

Sports Injury Management

PTT 311

Students will learn various mechanisms associated with specific athletic injuries and the considerations for prevention. Assessment and rehabilitation are presented in particular body areas with consideration to soft tissue, neurological and bony complications. This course will also introduce students to understand the basic principles of kinesio-taping, ace wrapping and splinting. Research Assignment 5 – Career Services Prep Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory40hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours56hr.
Credits2 

Prosthetics and Orthotics and Physical Therapy

PTT 312

This course is an introduction for the student to understand basic principles of prosthetic-orthotics. As a member of the rehabilitation care, team students will learn how individuals with disabilities increase their functional abilities by using prosthetic (replacement) or orthotics (support) devices. Students will also learn proper body mechanics, transfers and the different types of ambulation with assistive devices. Prerequisite: Module I. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture16hr.
Laboratory24hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours40hr.
Credits1.5 

Customer Service/Professionalism and Career Preparation

CSP201

This course will teach the student about professionalism, including work-place behaviors that result in positive business relationships. Students will learn goal-setting, stress-management, time-management, professional dress, etiquette, diversity in the work place relationships, excellent customer service, communication at work, conflict management, job search skills, building resumes, and interview techniques. Prerequisite: Module I - VII

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory18hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits2.5 

Cert Prep for Physical Therapy Technician

PTT 313

Certification Prep allows the student to review for a national registry exam. This is done by using review material and the use of practice exam that covers all areas of the exam. Student will complete exam application and take certification exam Prerequisite: Module I - VII

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory15hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits1.5 

Physical Therapy Technician Externship

PTX300

Students will be able to apply in a practical setting the professional skills learned in the classroom, as a Physical Therapy Technician. Prerequisite: All Previous Courses

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship180hr.
Total Hours180hr.
Credits4 

About the Physical Therapy Technician Program

Our Physical Therapy Technician program’s objective is for the student to learn skills a certified PT technician needs. The emphasis is on training you in therapeutic standards of care as well as how to work compassionately with patients. In addition to the courses taught in our school, the program includes hands-on training and an externship to gain real-world work experience.

Certification Information

The Certified Rehabilitation Therapy Technician exam must be passed in order to become a certified physical therapy technician. This exam is included in our program to provide you the opportunity to become certified and apply for entry-level work as a PT technician.

What Skills Could I Learn in the Physical Therapy Technician Program?

In CHCP’s Physical Therapy Technician Program, you will have the opportunity to develop the following skills:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physical therapy technology
  • Physical therapy theory
  • Psychology of behavior change and life span development
  • Nutrition and overall wellness
  • Therapeutic standards
  • CPR, first aid, and vital signs
  • Medical law and ethics for physical therapy
  • Pathophysiology for physical therapy
  • Sports injury management
  • Physical therapy for prosthetics and orthotics
  • Customer service and professionalism

Physical therapy technician jobs are expected to grow by 24% from 2021-2031. This growth is significantly faster than the average of all other occupations. Growth is likely due to an increase in response to the movement and physical health care needs of older populations and populations living with chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. To learn more about physical therapy technician salary and job outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When you are ready to graduate from The College of Health Care Professions, we will be there to help with career placement, resume writing, and interview tips. To learn more, visit our Career Services page.

What Career Options Are Available for Physical Therapy Technicians?

After certification, you can apply for work as a physical therapy technician in the following environments:

  • Outpatient clinics
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Long-term acute care facilities
  • Hospitals/Inpatient rehab settings
  • Chiropractic clinics
  • Physician offices

If you are ready to enroll or want to receive more information on enrolling, simply fill out the form. Someone will be in contact with you soon about how to enroll in The College of Health Care Professions.

Start Your Application

How Do I Enroll?

Enrollment in our Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program is simple; just make sure you meet the following requirements before enrolling:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • The ability to read and write in English
  • Pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 12
  • Be well-coordinated, neat, professional, and able to lift 40 pounds

If you are interested in applying, you can reach out to admissions by calling your local CHCP campus or fill out the form so that an admissions advisor will reach out.

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