What does a Physical Therapy Aide do?

A Physical Therapy Aide makes it possible for a Physical Therapist to deliver exceptional care to patients. By preparing treatment areas, replenishing and ordering supplies and performing clerical tasks, they allow Physical Therapists to focus on administering therapies, so a practice can see more patients each day. As a result, they can help physical therapy practices grow. When they perform duties that involve direct patient contact, an aide can contribute to patient satisfaction and retention rates.

Physical Therapy Aide skills and qualifications

To execute their job duties well, a PT Aide needs a strong set of skills. Including the following qualifications in your Physical Therapist Aide job description may help you attract quality candidates:

• Interpersonal skills to interact positively with patients and coworkers
• Active listening skills to understand and carry out Physical Therapists’ instructions
• Verbal and written communication skills to speak professionally to patients on the phone, in person and via email
• Ability to provide support to patients who may need help moving to treatment areas
• Familiarity with PT equipment, such as TENs units, parallel bars, treadmills, treatment tables and functional trainers
• Observational skills to spot problems with equipment and supplies
• Computer skills to use scheduling, email and medical records management software
• Understanding of infection control, patient safety and patient privacy standards

Physical Therapy Aide experience requirements

Because Physical Therapy Aides typically learn how to perform their assigned duties through on-the-job training, candidates may not need prior experience to succeed in your open position. If staffing shortages may limit your ability to provide initial training, you may wish to specify one or more years of experience as a requirement or preference in your Physical Therapy Aide job description.

Physical Therapy Aide education and training requirements

There are generally no formal education requirements for Physical Therapy Aides. Typically, new hires receive on-the-job training. Some employers may choose to list voluntary Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC) as a qualification in a PT Aide job description. Granted by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), this credential is available for Physical Therapist Aides who pass a written examination. You may also choose to add CPR certification from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or a similar organization to your Physical Therapist Aide job description.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Physical Therapist job description isn’t an exact match for your open position, consider these related jobs:

• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Medical Receptionist

Physical Therapy Aide job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Physical Therapy Aide and a Physical Therapy Assistant?

A Physical Therapy Assistant is typically a graduate of an associate degree program who holds a state-issued license. Their advanced training allows them to administer some forms of therapy to patients and provide hands-on assistance to Physical Therapists during sessions. A Physical Therapy Aide normally doesn’t participate in actual therapy and instead performs tasks to prepare equipment and treatment areas for patient appointments.

What’s the difference between a Physical Therapy Aide and a Rehabilitation Aide?

Rehabilitation Aides perform many of the same tasks as Physical Therapy Aides, such as setting up treatment areas and ordering supplies. However, they tend to work in rehabilitation centers that provide additional services, such as cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy and speech therapy. As a result, they must be familiar with more types of equipment and supplies than PT Aides.

How can I make my Physical Therapist Aide job description stand out?

To make your Physical Therapy Aide job description stand out, summarize the benefits of working for your organization as a bullet list at the beginning. You can call out perks of employment, such as flexible scheduling, insurance benefits, tuition reimbursement programs and opportunities for advancement.

What qualities make for a good PT Aide?

People who are passionate about helping others may find working as a PT Aide to be rewarding. Compassion and empathy can help aides relate to patients. Because a Physical Therapy Aide is responsible for completing a wide range of tasks while adhering to a set patient schedule, individuals who can multitask and thrive when working under strict time constraints are likely to succeed in the role.