Aquatic Therapy Essentials | Introduction to Aquatic Therapy Fundamentals

Available on demand | 4.0 contact hrs | On-demand training + 120 page training manual (PDF)

Description:

Aquatic Therapy Essentials Bootcamp is a fast-paced, clinically grounded introduction to the fundamental principles of aquatic therapy and aquatic exercise. Designed as a practical on-ramp rather than a deep dive, this course provides clinicians and aquatic professionals with the core knowledge needed to understand why water works, when it should be used, and how to apply aquatic principles safely and effectively across rehabilitation and fitness settings. Content emphasizes essential aquatic properties, therapeutic applications, and clinical decision-making frameworks that distinguish skilled aquatic therapy from general water exercise. Aquatic Therapy Essentials Bootcamp is also a required component of the Aquaticist℠ Certification, ensuring all credentialed participants begin with a common knowledge base.

To enroll 2+ learners, use "Buy Licenses' option below.

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Training (4.0 hours) with Training Manual (120 PDF pages)

Total contact hours: 4.0 hours

Learning Objectives

Describe the fundamental properties of water and their relevance to therapeutic exercise and functional training.
Differentiate between skilled aquatic therapy, aquatic exercise, and aquatic fitness programming based on clinical intent and patient presentation.
Apply foundational aquatic therapy principles to support safe, effective programming across diverse populations and facility settings.

Additional Information about Course Content

Foundational Understanding of Aquatic Properties:
Participants gain a clear, practical understanding of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, turbulence, and thermal effects, with emphasis on how these properties influence movement, loading, balance, and physiological response during aquatic interventions.

Distinction Between Therapy and Exercise in the Water:
The course clarifies the clinical differences between skilled aquatic therapy, general aquatic exercise, and fitness-based water programs—helping clinicians, support staff, and administrators align expectations, roles, and documentation practices.

Safety, Screening, and Clinical Readiness:
Content addresses essential safety considerations, including patient selection, basic contraindications, environmental awareness, and therapist responsibilities in aquatic settings to support safe program implementation.

Consistency Across Teams and Facilities:
Designed for facility-wide adoption, the bootcamp establishes shared terminology and clinical reasoning foundations that improve communication among PTs, OTs, fitness staff, aides, and administrators working in or around aquatic programs.

Flexible Implementation for Training and Onboarding:
The modular format supports multiple learning environments, including independent study, structured onboarding, or short in-service sessions, making it easy for facilities to integrate aquatic education without disrupting clinical operations.

Target Audience Statement

This course is designed primarily for professionals with a basic understanding of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Those likely to benefit most are: Physical therapist & assistants, Occupational therapists & assistants, Recreational therapist & assistants, Speech & language pathologist & assistants.

Students who are at the basic level of skill acquisition and those who are at a higher level of skill, but who are looking for a course that provides "best practice" ideas for techniques currently practiced are also welcome.

This course can be applied toward 3 elective hours for individuals who are seeking their ATU Aquaticist credential.

This course does not focus on evaluation or examination of the patient and the content is within the scope of practice for the Assistant working under the supervision of the PT or OT or RT or SLP. While the primary audience for the course is the PT/OT/RT/SLP provider, other rehabilitation providers will find it beneficial.

CEU/CCU Information

CEU/CCU Information:

This course/training is offered under the name ATU Aquatic Therapy Seminars.
Note that state regulations are subject to change and each state has differing standards for approval of CE.
It is the responsibility of the attendee to verify approval and compliance with their state’s licensing board.

PT/PTA:

General Information: ATU reports CE credit through CEbroker.com when applicable. Licensees are responsible for confirming acceptance of this course with their individual licensing boards. Sponsor approval has been granted for continuing competence unit(s) (CCUs) by the Texas chapter of the APTA. This activity has been approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for PTs and PTAs. State PT boards which accept CE approved by a state component of the APTA or state PT licensing boards may likewise accept these credits. Always check with your licensing agency for continuing education credit eligibility.
See below for known exceptions:

New York: CEUs/CCUs NOT available.
California, DC, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia - Pre-approval was not obtained in these states, but individuals are permitted to submit a self-application through their state licensing board. Comply with any deadline and fees for self-applications.

OT/OTA:

General Information: ATU reports CE credit through CEbroker.com when applicable. The Indiana Occupational Therapy Committee hereby certifies that the following continuing education provider has been approved to offer continuing education credits for license renewal for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants (Certificate # 98001187A). Other state licensing boards which accept CE approved by a state component of the AOTA or state OT licensing boards may likewise accept these credits. Always check with your licensing agency for continuing education credit eligibility.
See below for known exceptions:

Montana & New York: CEUs/CCUs NOT available.
DC, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont - Pre-approval was not obtained in these states, but individuals are permitted to submit a self-application through their state licensing board. Comply with any deadline and fees for self-applications.

Instructor

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters degree in physical therapy. Salzman is the Founder and Owner of the Aquatic Resources Network, the largest multidisciplinary clearinghouse of information on aquatic therapy. She currently serves as Director of Aquatic Therapy University and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. Salzman has received the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association, the Judy Cirullo Leadership Award. She has been listed in Who's Who for Aquatics multiple times over the years. Over her career, she has served as:

• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy
• Manager, Regions Hospital Therapy Pool
• Adjunct Faculty, College of St. Catherine’s PT program
• Functional Design Consultant; Aquatic Therapy Facilities
• ARN Database Creator, 19,000 aquatic professionals
• Aquatic Health Research Database (AHRD) Creator, 8000 abstracts and growing
• Author, 5 aquatic therapy-related texts
• Monthly columnist, Aquatics International, Advance for PTs, Onsite Fitness, AusMed and other trade magazines

Patrick Jones - Course author

What's included in this online course?

A step-by-step guide

Your ATU instructor's expertise will help you master the fundamentals of aquatic therapy.

Study at your own pace

You can enroll in this course whenever you want, and study at your own time, location and pace.

Unique learning experience

We will learn with ATU's interactive courses with different media and quizzes, to improve your knowledge.

Course Lessons

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Disclaimer The content provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is intended for use by licensed and student rehabilitation professionals. It does not constitute legal, medical, or billing advice, nor does it create a provider–patient or attorney–client relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and current compliance, laws, payer policies, and professional regulations vary by state and may change over time. Users are responsible for verifying all information with applicable federal, state, and payer rules before applying it in clinical or administrative practice. Participation in any ATU course, program, or resource does not guarantee licensure, certification, or reimbursement and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional judgment, legal consultation, or individualized clinical decision-making. By using this site, you agree that Aquatic Therapy University and its affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from use of this information.

Aquatic Therapy Essentials: Bootcamp