What does a Physical Therapy Aide do?
A physical therapy aide works under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, performing tasks such as cleaning equipment, setting up treatment areas, and performing clerical duties. Watch a video to learn more about how they fit into your health care routine.
How to Become a Physical Therapy Aide
A physical therapy aide typically has a high school diploma, and employers will typically provide you with on-the-job training. Many employers prefer applicants who have some computer skills and are compassionate toward ill or injured people. Training can last up to one month.
Job Description of a Physical Therapy Aide
A physical therapy aide works in the offices of speech, occupational, and physical therapists, as well as hospitals and nursing homes, under the direct supervision of a physical therapist. They are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and gathering equipment as needed.
Physical Therapy Assistant Career Video
Physical therapist assistants and aides assist patients in regaining their mobility, documenting their progress and reporting their findings to the physical therapist. Assistants are on the move most of the day, seeing patients, setting up equipment, and lifting and moving patients as needed.
Article Citations
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. National Center for O*NET Development. 31-2022. 00.00. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. National Center for O*NET Development. 31-2022. 00.00. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. National Center for O*NET Development. 31-2022. 00.00. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. National Center for O*NET Development
Is physical therapy aide a good career?
Job Satisfaction Many employees would be happy in a job with low stress, a good work-life balance, and solid opportunities to advance, get promoted, and earn a higher salary. Here’s how Physical Therapy Aides job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level, and flexibility.
How can I become a physical therapist assistant?
To work as a physical therapist assistant in the United States, you must complete a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist assistant education program and pass a state-administered national exam.
How much do PTAs make starting out?
According to salarygenius.com, if you’re willing to travel, you can expect to earn a starting salary of $67,200 per year, an average of $81,600 per year, and a potential annual income of $96,000 for experienced PTA travel jobs.
How long does it take for a PTA to become a PT?
PTAs who want to pursue a PT education program may need to complete additional course prerequisites, such as advanced biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, math, and/or electives.
Is PTA school difficult?
A PTA program necessitates intensive and effective study, both in terms of mastering academic information and being able to understand and follow instructor instructions, particularly when the student is working in a clinical setting.
What’s the difference between a physical therapy aide and assistant?
Physical therapist assistants assist patients in performing specific exercises as part of their treatment plan. They also perform tasks that are not directly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and performing clerical tasks.
Is PTA a stressful job?
Being a physical therapist assistant can be emotionally draining at times, as many patients are in pain and uncertain about their health. The job also has a lot of physical demands, as a PTA must be comfortable in physical contact with others while assisting patients with exercises.
Can a PTA own a clinic?
Rather than working as an employee in a clinic, many physical therapists have gone into business for themselves, forming their own private practice, which is the only business entity permitted by the California Secretary of State for occupations requiring a license to practice.
What does a physical therapist assistant do on a daily basis?
Physical therapist assistants typically perform the following tasks: observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting their progress and reporting it to a physical therapist. assist patients in performing specific exercises as part of their treatment plan. treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and electrotherapy.
Where do PTAs make the most money?
Physical Therapist Assistants in the Highest-Paying States
| State | Average Hourly Wage | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $33.60 | $69,890 |
| New Jersey | $32.69 | $68,000 |
| Connecticut | $31.64 | $65,810 |
| California | $30.87 | $64,210 |
Who is the highest paid physical therapist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada was the highest-paying state for physical therapists in 2018, with an annual mean wage of $107,920, followed by Alaska ($99,180) and New Jersey ($97,770).
Are PTA being phased out?
Are Physical Therapist Assistants Being Phased Out? Based on available data, there is no indication that physical therapist assistant jobs will be phased out anytime soon.
Is it worth going from PTA to PT?
You can travel as a PTA and earn good money, though not as much as a PT, but it’s not worth 7 more years of school and the opportunity cost that comes with it.
Is it better to be a PT or PTA?
PTAs, on the other hand, are more concerned with preparing patients to be diagnosed and assisting in the execution of the rehabilitation plan, whereas PTs are primarily concerned with diagnosing patients and developing a rehabilitation program that is tailored to the patient’s prognosis.
Is it too late to become a physical therapist?
While the average age of a physical therapy student is around 25, there are plenty of students in their mid-thirties and forties. It’s not too late to start school after your twenties; the program takes only seven years to complete.