Physical Therapist Aides
Overview
Physical therapist aides work as essential support team members in clinics and hospitals, helping physical therapists care for patients recovering from injuries or managing pain. You'll clean and set up treatment areas with specialized equipment, assist patients as they move around the facility, and handle important administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and answering phones. This role combines hands-on patient interaction with behind-the-scenes work that keeps healthcare facilities running smoothly. Most positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training, making it a great entry point into the growing healthcare field.
Did you know?
PTAs must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam to practice legally in the United States.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$32,727 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Management of Financial Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
- Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
- Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
- Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.
- Record treatment given and equipment used.
- Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
- Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- 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.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
Career Considerations
Education and Licensing Requirements
PTAs must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam to practice legally in the United States.
Strong Job Growth Prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average job growth for PTAs due to an aging population and increased demand for rehabilitation services.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role requires significant physical activity including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods, which may impact long-term career sustainability.