Rehabilitation Therapy Aide
Free noncredit certificate introducing physical, occupational, and speech therapy aide work with hands-on clinical practice.
3171 S. Bundy Dr., Office 112, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Open-enrollment noncredit courses offered year-round across Fall, Spring, and some Summer/Winter terms; sections vary by semester
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Santa Monica College's noncredit (School of Continuing & Community Education) initiative offers tuition-free, short-term training to help adults build job-ready skills and bridge into credit college or the workforce. Classes are open to the community with no prerequisites, removing cost and access barriers so motivated learners can gain marketable, entry-level skills and a certificate of completion in a single semester.
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People interested in rehab/therapy settings and entry-level aide roles
Three courses (HEALTH 900 Introduction to the Career of a Rehabilitation Therapy Aide, HEALTH 902 Clinical Practice, HEALTH 904 Kinesiology); typically meet on Saturdays over a semester. Varies by term.
Rehab therapy terminology, clinical hands-on practice, and kinesiology basics for aide roles
Cost & Outcomes
This training is completely free. Santa Monica College noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free, with no repayment, no student debt, and no hidden program costs.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Tuition-free, open-enrollment noncredit certificate
Covers occupational, physical, and speech therapy aide roles
Includes clinical hands-on practice
Teaches basic anatomy, body mechanics, and kinesiology
Completed in about one semester
Day in the Life
- Saturday class from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Bundy Campus
- Lessons on the roles of occupational, physical, and speech therapy aides and rehabilitation terminology
- Hands-on clinical practice, such as preparing treatment areas, safe body mechanics, and assisting and transporting patients
- Skeletal anatomy and kinesiology lessons in the final course
- One five-week course at a time, taken in sequence across the semester
Taught by Santa Monica College noncredit faculty who meet California Community Colleges minimum qualifications, which set degree and field-experience requirements for noncredit instructors.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Long Saturday sessions and learning anatomy, kinesiology, and medical terminology quickly across three five-week courses.
Hands-on clinical practice and a no-cost first look at three therapy fields, which helps students decide which rehabilitation career fits them.
Employment Support
Noncredit counseling and workshops to help students plan next steps into jobs or further college coursework
Career Services Center support, including career counseling, job search help, and the HireSMC job board where local employers post openings
City of Santa Monica job resources offered with local workforce partners to connect job seekers with local employment
How It Works
Apply to SMC as a student (free) at smc.edu/apply to get an SMC ID and student email
Register for the noncredit course(s) through Corsair Connect, or email NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu or call 310-434-3399 for help enrolling
Attend classes and complete all required courses in the certificate's area of emphasis
Petition for the Certificate of Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.All SMC noncredit courses and certificates are tuition-free.
No. SMC noncredit classes are open to the community with no prerequisites (intermediate or higher ESL is recommended for some courses).
Adults 18 and over. F1 student visa holders are not eligible for noncredit courses.
Apply at smc.edu/apply, then register through Corsair Connect or contact the Noncredit office at 310-434-3399 / NoncreditRegistration@smc.edu.