Physical Therapist Aides
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.
Knowledge
Business
- customer service
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Health
- therapy and counseling
Skills
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
Abilities
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Concern for Others
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Medical software
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Education
Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
associate's degree
usually needed
associate's degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Psychiatric Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about physical therapist aides.
