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The Busy PT's Guide to Finding Balance

Are You as Smart as a PT Aide?

Published September 5, 2012 4:22 PM by Janey Goude
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If you saw my comment to Toni's blog, you've been expecting this post. Take this pre-test to see if you are as smart as a PT aide.

So, how did you do? I managed a 92 percent (11/12).

This company offers an online physical therapy aide training program. The site used to have a demo for the first lesson, "Introduction to Physical Therapy," where you could access the lecture, quiz and assignment. Fortunately, you can still access it here.

Take a few minutes to look over the assignment and quiz for Lesson 1. How much of this information is relevant for a physical therapy aide? How many of these questions do you want your physical therapy aide to be able to answer?

posted by Janey Goude
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5 comments
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Lisa, Dr. Vilasi, and Camille,

Thanks for you responses. I completely agree.

Without taking the course, it is impossible to know what is being taught, but based on the pre-test and Lesson 1 quiz, the information seems inappropriate for the aide's responsibilities. There appears to be a disconnect.

What concerns me the most is that this course is developed and taught by a physical therapist, who should be intimately familiar with what is required and useful.

Thanks again for taking time to share your thoughts.
Janey Goude September 11, 2012 1:10 AM

I took the pre-test and the lesson 1 quiz.  Why would a tech need to know about the phases of gait? Techs are not licensed personnel and they should not perform direct patient care. They should not be monitoring treatment modalities, exercise, or gait and functional training. Maybe ethics, modality set-up, etc. We worked to hard for our degrees and licenses as PT's and PTA's to give up our skills to certified staff.
Camille English, Physical Therapy - LPTA, Home Health Care September 10, 2012 5:14 PM
Woodstock GA

It would be interesting to know what job placement percentages are for individuals completing this educational program.  Since the majority of a PT aide's job requires common sense and on the job training in terms of how to manage the daily activities, I question if it is worth the while of the potential PT aide to spend $149 on this program.  
Dr Peter J Vilasi, , Executive Director Integrated Physical Therapy Services, Inc. September 10, 2012 3:58 PM
Hubbard OH

I've never met an aide who would be able to the majority of those questions correctly
Dr Peter J Vilasi, , Executive Director Integrated Physical Therapy Services, Inc. September 10, 2012 3:52 PM
Hubbard OH

I got a 10/12.  Seems like a much harder exam for an aide than I would have predicted.  To know the percentage of stance/swing during gait, knowing examples of bacterial illnesses for someone working under the direct supervision of a PT seems like very high expectations.  

Lisa Mueller September 6, 2012 12:44 PM

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