Physical Therapy Aide
Quick Facts
Median Salary$35,667
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+53.08%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Physical Therapy Aide assists physical therapists and technicians to help patients with disabling injuries or conditions. Sets up treatment areas and equipment, handles clerical tasks, and helps move patients. Works in the office of an physical therapist or in a healthcare setting.
Core Tasks:
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
- Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
What to expect as a Physical Therapy Aide
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
60% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Physical Therapy Aide related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
936 openings for Physical Therapy Aides
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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