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.
Related job titles:
Physical Therapy Aide (PTA), Physical Therapy Aide (PT Aide), Physical Therapy Technician, Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapist Aide (PTA), Physical Therapist Technician, Rehabilitation Technician, Restorative Aide (RA), Clinical Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapy Attendant
Annual Median Wage: $23,680
Projected growth: Much faster than average (29% or higher)
Tasks:
Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
Record treatment given and equipment used.
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.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
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.
Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
Key Skills:
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Related Carees:
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Social and Human Service Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Physical Therapists
Recreational Therapists
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Physical Therapist Aides.
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