Physical Therapy Aide & Rehabilitation Program

• Duration: 600 total hours of in‑person training combining classroom, lab, and hands‑on clinical practice.

• Curriculum: Aligned with industry standards, the program teaches core physical therapy support skills including patient mobility assistance, therapy exercise instruction, equipment setup, documentation, body mechanics, and injury prevention techniques 

• Outcome: Graduates are trained to assist licensed physical therapists in hospitals, rehab centers, clinics, and outpatient settings, ready for entry‑level roles as Physical Therapy Aides or Rehabilitation Aides 

PTA vs. Physical Therapy Aide – What’s the Difference?

Though similar terms are sometimes used interchangeably, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a licensed provider who delivers therapy under a PT’s direction. The Physical Therapy Aide role—our program’s focus—is a non-licensed support position that enables you to assist with therapy sessions, prepare patients and equipment, and document progress. Mission Career College’s Physical Therapy Aide & Rehabilitation program provides career-focused training for this essential support role .

Mission Career College provides flexible, career‑focused scheduling across our Southern California campuses (Riverside, Victorville, San Bernardino):

• Full‑Time Daytime Schedule (approx. 600 hours): Hybrid model with week‑long classroom/lab blocks and clinical rotations throughout the course. Offered at all campuses.

• Part‑Time Evening/Weekend Option: If available, theory sessions evenings/weekends paired with weekend clinical shifts at select campuses.

Both formats deliver the same 600‑hour curriculum and prepare you for successful entry into PTA support roles 

• Riverside – Main Campus (3750 Santa Fe Ave., Riverside, CA 92507)
• Victorville – Branch Campus (15447 Anacapa Rd., Suite 100, Victorville, CA 92392)
• San Bernardino – Satellite Campus (2211 Hunts Lane, Suite Q, San Bernardino, CA 92408)

Each campus is equipped with skills labs and experienced instructors to ensure you get quality training.

Mission Career College guides you toward a career-ready credential through these steps:

1. Complete the 600‑Hour Program: Finish all classroom, lab, and clinical requirements and pass MCC’s final exam.
2. Certification & Licensure Prep: While this is not a licensed PTA program (no AAS degree), the course prepares you to work as a Physical Therapy Aide supporting PTs in clinical settings .
3. Job Placement Ready: Graduates may pursue roles in rehabilitation and therapy facilities. For those interested in pursuing full PTA licensure, additional accredited programs (AAS) and the NPTE exam are required (state regulated) .

In this hands-on, skills-based program, you will build essential competencies in:

• Therapeutic Assistive Techniques: Help patients with mobility, functional exercises, transfers, and therapeutic sessions under PT supervision.

• Anatomy & Movement Foundations: Understand biomechanics and human anatomy as they relate to patient rehabilitation support.

• Use of Therapy Equipment: Operate modalities like therapy bands, weight systems, treatment tables, and support machinery.

• Patient Documentation & Progress Monitoring: Track exercises, patient responses, and communicate observations accurately.

• Patient Education & Safety: Teach safe at-home exercises, promote wellness, and support patients in following PT plans.

Mission Career College offers an additional opportunity for students who want to strengthen their rehabilitation training: the Advanced Rehabilitation Skills module. This optional 40-hour add‑on is available to students who have completed the 600-hour Physical Therapy Aide & Rehabilitation program.

Purpose: The Advanced Rehabilitation Skills course provides deeper, hands‑on experience in therapy support techniques used in sports rehab, neurological recovery, and post‑surgical care. It is designed to build on your core PTA training and give you expanded practical skills that employers value in hospitals, clinics, and specialized therapy centers.

Curriculum: The 40-hour module covers advanced topics essential to effective rehabilitation support:

• Assisting with progressive mobility and strength exercises
• Safe use of advanced therapy and adaptive equipment
• Supporting patients with neurological or orthopedic conditions
• Documentation and interdisciplinary communication for rehab teams
• Understanding specialty care environments such as sports medicine and post‑acute rehab

Outcome: After completing the Advanced Rehabilitation Skills course, graduates receive an MCC Certificate of Achievement recognizing their expanded training. This added credential enhances job prospects in rehabilitation clinics, sports medicine offices, and advanced therapy settings, making you a competitive candidate for a wide range of entry‑level rehab support roles.

Note: This course is optional but strongly recommended for students seeking to stand out in the physical therapy job market. Completion of the Physical Therapy Aide & Rehabilitation program is required before enrolling in this advanced module.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to enroll:

• Age & Education: Must be at least 16 years old. No high school diploma/GED required, though assessment testing may be required .

• Application & Approval: Complete the MCC application process and speak with an admissions advisor.

• ID & SSN Verification: Provide valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security card for identity verification.

• Health & Immunization Records: Submit recent physical exam documentation, TB clearance, and required immunizations per clinical site policy.

• CPR Certification: Must hold current BLS (Basic Life Support) credential. MCC can assist in obtaining this if needed 

• Background Check: Some clinical sites may require Live-Scan fingerprint clearance; serious criminal convictions could affect eligibility.

Graduates are job-ready for entry‑level positions in multiple healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers: Supporting physical therapy teams in surgical recovery, physical rehabilitation, and mobility restoration.
• Outpatient Therapy Clinics: Preparing equipment, guiding patients through exercises, and helping maintain flow within busy clinic environments.
• Skilled Nursing & Long‑Term Care Facilities: Supporting therapy protocols for residents with mobility and functional goals.

• Chiropractic & Sports Therapy Offices: Assisting with exercise routines, patient support, and clinic preparation. As demand for rehabilitation grows, Physical Therapy Aides play an increasingly vital role in healthcare and wellness support .