Physical Therapy Aide is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO. The program takes 403 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $989.
Program Overview
U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online Physical Therapy Aide program will prepare you for a role as a Physical Therapy Aide in as little as 4 months.
The Physical Therapy Aide Program prepares students to perform the duties of a physical therapist aide, which include working with physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to provide patients with the services they need. In this program, students explore medical terminology and gain a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology. The program also covers various types of physical therapy and how to relate to a variety of clients. Additionally, students gain an understanding of the field of physical therapy as well as the ethical and legal requirements that physical therapy aides must adhere to.
What sets this Program apart
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced on phone or computer
- Complete in 4–5 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching & instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period
- A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
- The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Lead instructor/course expert. Brandy Palacios is a Physical Therapy Aide teacher at U.S. Career Institute. She graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, and also holds a Doctoral degree from the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Admission Requirements and Process
To qualify for enrollment in the program, an applicant must:
- Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
- Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years old; students aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign the enrollment agreement.
- High school diploma or GEDYou need a high school diploma or GED, or college-level coursework; otherwise you may use test evidence to show you can benefit from the program.
- EnglishYou must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Basic informationThe enrollment form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- Enrollment agreementYou must submit a completed enrollment application or agreement with the required payment.
Application Process
- 1Ask your questionsRequest information online or call U.S. Career Institute toll-free at 866-250-6851 to learn more.
- 2Provide basic informationThe form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- 3Pay for your tuitionYou can pay in full or choose the monthly payment plan.
- 4Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosuresEnrollment takes about 5 minutes; the school accepts enrollments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 5Start your first lessonUpon enrollment, students have immediate access to their program online, with 12 months to complete it.
Program Schedule
The Physical Therapy Aide program is 403 clock hours, delivered in 21 lessons with 21 quizzes. Students can complete it in 4-5 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.
The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your Physical Therapy Aide education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
- Option 1, pay in full: $789 (save $200); the application charge is waived.
- Option 2, monthly auto payments: $989 in total at $69 a month, with a first payment of $69, plus a one-time $29 application charge.
First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.
Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.
All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Physical Therapy Aide Career Outlook
Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. With a Physical Therapy Aide Certificate from U.S. Career Institute, you will be prepared to secure entry-level employment in the field of physical therapy.
Opportunities are endless because physical therapists are in need of aides to assist with physical therapy sessions and provide quality care for patients.
Under the direction of a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant, you'll help keep therapy sessions running smoothly by preparing therapy equipment, keeping treatment areas organized, transporting patients, and more. With the aging baby boomers driving up the need for physical therapy services, this career will stay secure for years to come.
What to expect as a U.S. Career Institute student
Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.
Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive exercises, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.
Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).
Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.
Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. It is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.
Curriculum
The Physical Therapy Aide program totals 403 clock hours, taught in 4 instruction packs, listed below as the course outline.
The Physical Therapy Aide Program provides graduates with theoretical instruction and practical skills that prepare them to gain entry-level employment in the field of physical therapy. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be trained to:
- Integrate medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology knowledge as they assist patients in physical therapy settings.
- Comply with ethical and legal requirements regarding patient rights.
- Assist the physical therapist with rehabilitative patient services.
- Develop positive, professional therapeutic relationships with patients.
- Seek an entry-level position in the physical therapy field.
Required Courses
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Frequently Asked Questions
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