Physical Therapist Aides
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $24,650
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (42%); Associate's degree (22%); Some college, no degree (15%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: Physical Therapy Aide (PTA); Physical Therapy Technician; Rehabilitation Aide; Physical Therapist Aide (PTA); Restorative Aide (RA); Clinical Rehabilitation Aide; Physical Therapy Attendant; Physical Therapist Technician (Physical Therapy Tech); Rehabilitation Attendant; Restorative Care Technician
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Physical Therapist Aides.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Record treatment given and equipment used.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Physical Therapist Aides.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Physical Therapist Aides.
