Physical Therapist Aides

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Support
• O*NET-SOC code: 31-2022
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

Epic Systems, MEDITECH software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Anti-embolism elastic stockings, Blood pressure cuffs, Canes, Cold packs, Crutches, Electrical stimulation equipment

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Aides
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Psychiatric Technicians
• Psychiatric Aides
• Occupational Therapists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Medical Assistants

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Physical Therapist Aides — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.