2026 ACHT Riverside and Huntington Park campus recognition graphic
2026 National Recognition

ACHT's Riverside and Huntington Park campuses were named to USA TODAY and Statista's America's Top Vocational Schools 2026.

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Program Snapshot

Everything You Need To Know At A Glance

A focused, career-ready Physical Therapy Aide program designed to prepare students for entry-level healthcare positions through hands-on training, patient care experience, and practical clinical skills.

Program Length

9 Months

Training Format

Hands-On

Training

Campuses

Riverside

Santa Ana

Huntington Park

Credential

Physical Therapy Aide Diploma

New classes start monthly

Inside The Classroom

See How ACHT Trains Future Physical Therapy Aides

Explore the classroom environment, instructors, and hands-on training experience students receive at ACHT. Students learn how to support physical therapists, assist patients during therapy sessions, and understand daily clinical operations in healthcare environments.

  • Instructor-led demonstrations
  • Hands-on patient care practice
  • Training for real healthcare environments
Explore The Program
About The Program

Physical Therapy Aide Training Designed For Real Healthcare Careers

ACHT prepares students with the practical skills needed to support licensed physical therapists and work in rehabilitation and healthcare environments.

Patient Support Skills

  • Patient mobility assistance
  • Exercise support techniques
  • Patient care procedures
  • Supportive device assistance
  • Pain management support

Clinical Skills

  • Hot and cold pack applications
  • Hydrotherapy procedures
  • Paraffin baths
  • Diathermy treatments
  • Therapy equipment support

Physical Therapy Aides play an important role in helping patients improve mobility, recover from injuries, and participate in rehabilitation programs under the supervision of licensed professionals. The ACHT program combines classroom instruction with practical training to prepare students for entry-level healthcare roles.

Video Gallery

Physical Therapy Aide Program Video Gallery

See the instructors, training environment, and hands-on learning experience that make up the ACHT Physical Therapy Aide program.

Meet The Physical Therapy Aide Instructor

Learn how ACHT instructors prepare students for healthcare careers through practical training.

Physical Therapy Aide Student Training Experience

Follow students through classroom activities and hands-on rehabilitation training.

Hands-On Physical Therapy Aide Practice

Watch students practice patient support techniques and clinical procedures.

ACHT student practicing physical therapy aide skills in a training lab
Hands-On Training

Learn Physical Therapy Aide Skills From Day One

Training at ACHT focuses on practical skills from the beginning. Students learn rehabilitation support techniques, observe instructor demonstrations, and practice skills in a supervised learning environment.

Patient support procedures
Rehabilitation assistance
Clinical workflow
Healthcare communication
View Curriculum
What You Will Learn

Your Path From Student To Physical Therapy Aide

A structured training sequence that builds foundational healthcare knowledge, patient support skills, clinical procedures, and workplace experience.

  1. 01

    Healthcare Fundamentals

    Learn basic healthcare concepts, terminology, and skills needed for working in rehabilitation environments.

  2. 02

    Patient Care Procedures

    Develop skills for assisting patients with mobility, exercises, and therapy-related activities.

  3. 03

    Physical Therapy Support Skills

    Learn how to assist physical therapists with daily clinical operations and patient preparation.

  4. 04

    Rehabilitation Training

    Practice supportive treatments including hot and cold packs, hydrotherapy, paraffin baths, and other rehabilitation procedures.

  5. 05

    Clinical Experience

    Apply learned skills in a healthcare environment and gain confidence working with patients.

Externship

Gain Real Healthcare Experience Before Graduation

Students gain practical healthcare experience by applying their training in real-world environments. This experience helps students understand patient interaction, clinical workflow, and the responsibilities of Physical Therapy Aides.

Real healthcare setting

Supervised experience

Resume-building practice

Career confidence

Physical Therapy Aide extern working in a California healthcare clinic
Career Opportunities

Where Physical Therapy Aides Can Work

Physical Therapy Aides can work in different healthcare environments supporting patients and licensed physical therapists.

Physician Offices

Assist with patient preparation and therapy support activities.

Sports Medicine Clinics

Support rehabilitation programs for athletes and active patients.

Rehabilitation Centers

Help patients during therapy sessions and recovery programs.

Orthopedic Clinics

Assist with patient care and clinical operations.

Is This Program Right For You?

Built For Students At Every Stage

If you want a healthcare career focused on helping patients recover mobility and improve quality of life, the Physical Therapy Aide program is a practical first step.

Career Changers

Start a new healthcare career.

Working Adults

Flexible training options for busy schedules.

Recent Graduates

Build practical healthcare skills.

Busy Students

Training designed around your schedule.

Admission Requirements

How To Start Your Physical Therapy Aide Journey

Enrollment is straightforward, and the admissions team guides students through every step.

01

Request Free Information

Complete the form and receive program details and enrollment information.

02

Speak With Admissions

An advisor answers questions and reviews program details.

03

Schedule Campus Tour

Visit the campus and explore the training environment.

04

Begin Training

Enroll and start your Physical Therapy Aide training.

Requirement: Physical Therapy Aides are not required to be licensed. They work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Request Free Information
Student Testimonials

Hear From ACHT Students

Student experiences from ACHT campuses and healthcare training programs.

The labs made the difference for me. By the time I started my externship I had already practiced vitals and EKGs dozens of times, so I felt ready instead of nervous.

M

Maria G.

Riverside Campus

Campus Locations

Three California Campuses

Train close to home with hands-on training at the campus that works best for you.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions prospective Physical Therapy Aide students ask most.