Physical Therapy Technician
The medical field has a strong demand for those who are skilled as Physical Therapy Technicians. The Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) physical therapy technician faculty aids students through classroom study, lab exercises, and practice and clinical training.
Our program is designed to introduce students to the chief responsibilities of physical therapy technicians which includes assisting in routine patient care services under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, managing and maintaining physical therapy equipment, and assisting with administrative duties. This program may also serve as a pathway to Physical Therapist Assistant degree programs.
A Certificate in the Physical Therapy Technician Program from WCCCD prepares you for work as a Physical Therapy Technicians in various settings such as:
- Offices of physical therapists
- Hospitals; state, local, and private
- Offices of physicians
- Specialty centers (i.e., rehabilitation and pediatric facilities)
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Government
What’s the Job Outlook for Physical Therapy Technicians?
Overall employment of Physical Therapy Technicians is projected to grow 25 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an aging population and individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicaltherapist-assistants-and-aides.htm
What’s Required to Complete the Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program?
A certificate in the Physical Therapy Technician Program from WCCCD requires 45 credits to complete.
As a Physical Therapy Technician student at WCCCD, you will take introductory medical courses and science courses for your program.
Some students plan to pursue an Associate degree in a Physical Therapist Assistant program or transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their certificate. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Physical Therapy Technician Certificate?
Most Physical Therapy Technicians students take 3 semesters (1.5 years) to complete certificate required courses.
What Will I Learn as a Physical Therapy Technician Student?
A physical therapy technician student will learn the chief responsibilities of a physical therapy ist technician which include participating in and overseeing the performance of a variety of non-clinical supportive activities such as cleaning equipment, preparing treatment areas, ordering and arranging supplies, and working with confidential medical records.
Recommended course sequence:
Where is WCCCD’s Physical Therapy Technician Program Offered?
The WCCCD’s Physical Therapy Technician Program is offered at our Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus.
As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
Educational Affairs Contact Information
Phone: 313-496-2600
Email: edaffairs@wcccd.edu
