Lab Experience

Master the Art of Aquatic Physical Therapy with Hands-On Training

The 2-day in-person pool course is the culmination of the APTA Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy Clinical Competency Certificate, bringing your online learning to life through immersive, hands-on training in the water.

This interactive experience is designed to build your confidence and competence in aquatic physical therapy by integrating knowledge from the 11 online modules with real-world application. You’ll develop advanced handling techniques, refine your clinical decision-making, and explore a wide range of treatment approaches using the unique properties of water and specialized pool equipment.

Throughout the course, you’ll work with multiple case studies to fully understand the aquatic therapy continuum—from evaluation to discharge to wellness. Expect to be in the pool for the majority of the course, actively practicing and refining your skills. A final hands-on assessment will ensure you can effectively apply these techniques with confidence.


Pool Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Apply critical thinking to evidence-based practice to justify the need for aquatic physical therapy interventions.
Anticipate and address challenges for different patient populations before pool entry.
Select and utilize pool equipment to optimize patient outcomes.
Logically progress exercises in the water for rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
Handle patients with confidence in various water depths and positions.
Apply aquatic interventions for gait, balance, and muscle performance training.
Modify techniques to accommodate sensory integration challenges in aquatic sessions.
Develop individualized cardiovascular protocols based on patient-specific needs.
Demonstrate working knowledge of leading aquatic therapy techniques, including:

  • Halliwick
  • Bad Ragaz Ring Method
  • Ai Chi

This one-of-a-kind training will equip you with the skills and confidence to take your aquatic therapy practice to the next level.