National
| Median wages (2008) |
$11.42 hourly, $23,760 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
46,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
17,000 additional employees |
31-2022.00 - Physical Therapist Aides
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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Physical Therapy Aide (PTA), Physical Therapy Aide (PT Aide), Physical Therapy Technician, Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapist Aide (PTA), Physical Therapist Technician, Rehabilitation Technician, Restorative Aide (RA), Clinical Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapy Attendant
Tasks
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients practicing exercises and functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Record treatment given and equipment used.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and report to physical therapist.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
back to top
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Blood pressure cuff kits — Blood pressure cuffs |
| Clinical hydraulic lifts or accessories — Hydraulic lifts |
| Electronic blood pressure units |
| Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs — Cold packs; Hot packs |
| Vascular or compression apparel or supports — Anti-embolism elastic stockings |
| Wheelchairs |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Calendar and scheduling software — Scheduling software |
| Medical software — Patient record maintenance software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software |
