Physical Therapist Aide

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Physical Therapist Aide (PTA); Physical Therapy Aide (PTA); PT Attendant (Physical Therapy Attendant); PT Tech (Physical Therapist Technician); PT Tech (Physical Therapy Technician); Rehabilitation Aide; Rehabilitation Attendant; Rehabilitation Technician (Rehabilitation Tech); Restorative Aide (RA); Therapy Aide

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.
• Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
• 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.
• 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.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Computers and Electronics
• Therapy and Counseling

Skills

• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Recognition
• Oral Expression
• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Selective Attention
• Trunk Strength
• Speech Clarity