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Physical Therapist Aides

Also called: Physical Therapist Aide (PTA), Physical Therapy Aide (PTA), PT Tech (Physical Therapy Technician), Rehabilitation Technician (Rehabilitation Tech)

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Health

  • therapy and counseling

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady

Social

People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.

  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Medical software

  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $31,410

Education

High school diploma/GED or associate's degree is usually needed.