Physical therapy is an important aspect of healthcare, helping patients to regain range of motion, manage pain, and prevent future injuries. This form of therapy is often recommended after surgery, injury, illness, or to control symptoms of a chronic condition. The field of physical therapy is growing, with jobs available in various settings that work with patients, including doctors’ offices, hospitals, sports clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, and even home health care. Learn more about what physical therapy aides do and how you can begin a career in this field.
Physical Therapy Aide Jobs: Duties and Responsibilities
Physical therapy aides are a vital part of a patient rehabilitation team and perform numerous duties in patient care and session preparation, all under the supervision of a physical therapist, supporting the therapist in delivering excellent patient care. Prior to each appointment, an aide is responsible for ensuring the treatment area is stocked with necessary supplies and all equipment is clean, sterilized, and ready for use, including washing and folding laundry.
Aides often complete various clerical tasks, working with patients directly by answering phones, scheduling appointments, and updating patient files, or in the back office, ordering supplies and handling insurance claims and other necessary documents. A physical therapy aide can also support patients throughout their sessions by helping them navigate through the treatment area, supporting them physically through exercises, helping them on and off equipment, and providing any other general assistance the patient requires. It’s important to note that physical therapy aides cannot perform clinical duties like patient evaluations or creating therapy plans.
Physical Therapy Aide Training: Required Education and Certifications
Working as a physical therapy aide requires that you have a high school diploma or equivalent and then complete a training program that teaches job-specific skills. Some employers require additional certifications in CPR and basic life support. Obtaining these can boost your resume and increase your chances of getting hired. Once certified, physical therapy aides continue to receive on-the-job training to enhance their knowledge and skills. In some cases, an employer may provide on-the-job training instead of additional certification after high school graduation. Always carefully read job postings to discover the requirements. Finishing a training program through a reputable source can also help with job placement and increase your chances of securing a job.
Aside from the skills that you learn through a job-specific training program, good physical therapy aides also need to be good communicators, compassionate, empathetic, detail-oriented, and observant. Aides also need to have the physical strength and mobility to assist patients. Daily duties are sometimes physically demanding and require stamina and energy to complete.
Enroll in the Physical Therapy Aide Training program at Healthcare Career College, and in under a year, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs in hospitals, sports clinics, and rehab centers, to name just a few exciting job settings. Physical therapy aides are in high demand, with a strong job outlook and a fast job growth rate, and it’s a rewarding field that will allow you to feel good about yourself as you help other people feel better.