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Become A Physical Therapy Aide

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Working As A Physical Therapy Aide

  • Assisting and Caring for Others
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Getting Information
  • Handling and Moving Objects

  • Deal with People

  • Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment

  • $24,320

    Average Salary

What Does A Physical Therapy Aide Do

A Physical Therapy Aide prepares the treatment room for the patient and assists the patient into physical therapy. They work under the supervision of a physical therapist.

How To Become A Physical Therapy Aide

Physical therapist assistants entering the profession need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Physical therapist aides usually have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.

Education and Training

All states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. There were more than 300 associate’s degree programs for physical therapist assistants accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in 2015.

Programs typically last about 2 years. Classroom study includes courses in algebra, English, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Assistants also gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work. They may earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid skills.

Physical therapist aides typically have a high school diploma or the equivalent. They usually gain clinical experience through on-the-job training that can last from about a week to a month. Employers often prefer to hire applicants with computer skills.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Licensure typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Some states require that applicants pass additional state-administered exams, undergo a criminal background check, and be at least 18 years old. Physical therapist assistants also may need to take continuing education courses to keep their license. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.

Physical therapist aides are not required to be licensed.

Important Qualities

Compassion. Physical therapist assistants and aides should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain, and they must have empathy to help their patients.

Detail oriented. Like other healthcare professionals, physical therapist assistants and aides should be organized and have a keen eye for detail. They must keep accurate records and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.

Dexterity. Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.

Interpersonal skills. Physical therapist assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with clients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; and therefore should be courteous and friendly.

Physical stamina. Physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients. They must often kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods. They should enjoy physical activity.

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Physical Therapy Aide jobs

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Physical Therapy Aide Demographics

Gender

  • Female

    64.5%

  • Male

    33.7%

  • Unknown

    1.7%

Ethnicity

  • White

    74.5%

  • Hispanic or Latino

    14.5%

  • Asian

    8.6%

  • Unknown

    1.8%

  • Black or African American

    0.7%
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Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

    56.5%

  • French

    4.1%

  • Tagalog

    3.7%

  • Swedish

    3.2%

  • Hindi

    3.2%

  • Russian

    3.2%

  • Korean

    2.6%

  • Italian

    2.6%

  • Portuguese

    2.4%

  • Cantonese

    2.2%

  • Mandarin

    1.9%

  • Vietnamese

    1.7%

  • Chinese

    1.7%

  • German

    1.7%

  • Polish

    1.7%

  • Arabic

    1.7%

  • Gujarati

    1.5%

  • Japanese

    1.5%

  • Urdu

    1.5%

  • Thai

    1.3%
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Physical Therapy Aide

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Physical Therapy Aide Education

Physical Therapy Aide

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Real Physical Therapy Aide Salaries

Job Title Company Location Start Date Salary
Physical Therapy Aide Gary Guerriero PTPC New York, NY Mar 03, 2016 $48,001
Physical Therapy Aide Gary Guerriero PTPC New York, NY Mar 03, 2014 $30,011 -
$48,001
Physical Therapy Aide Lomita Health Management, Inc. CA Sep 09, 2015 $29,702
Physical Therapy Aide Altman Physical Therapy Center New York, NY Oct 03, 2011 $29,218
Physical Therapy Aide Lomita Health Management, Inc. CA May 19, 2009 $28,195
Physical Therapy Aide Clackamas Sportscare, LLC OR Jan 10, 2016 $27,131
Physical Therapy Aide Able Bodies Physical Therapy Boston, MA Sep 01, 2013 $24,794 -
$29,531
Physical Therapy Aide San Luis Sports Therapy and Orthopedic Rehabilitat Templeton, CA Apr 01, 2014 $24,522
Physical Therapy Aide Allied Rehab Services, Inc. Torrance, CA May 06, 2011 $24,209
Physical Therapy Aide Allied Rehab Services, Inc. Torrance, CA Jun 03, 2010 $24,209
Physical Therapy Aide San Luis Sports Therapy and Orthopedic Rehabilitat Templeton, CA Apr 04, 2014 $23,959 -
$25,503
Physical Therapy Aide Bucks Physical & Sports Rehabilitation, LLC Richboro, PA Oct 01, 2011 $20,974
Physical Therapy Aide Atlanta Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center Atlanta, GA Aug 01, 2012 $20,870
Physical Therapy Aide Bucks Physical & Sports Rehabilitation, LLC Richboro, PA Oct 01, 2011 $20,870
Physical Therapy Aide Allied Rehab Services, Inc. Torrance, CA Jan 22, 2008 $20,348
Physical Therapy Aide Allied Rehab Services, Inc. Torrance, CA Mar 12, 2008 $20,348
Physical Therapy Aide Allied Rehab Services, Inc. Torrance, CA Feb 12, 2008 $20,348
Physical Therapy Aide Allied Rehab Services, Inc. Torrance, CA Dec 12, 2007 $20,348

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Top Skills for A Physical Therapy Aide

UltrasoundTherapyElectricalStimulationPatientCareTreatmentAreasManualTherapeuticExercisesSchedulingAppointmentsPatientSchedulingPhysicalTherapyEquipmentTreatmentRoomFrontDeskFunctionalActivitiesRehabilitationExercisesPhoneCallsPatientInformationCustomerServicePatientTreatmentPatientChartsHeatPacksProperUSEFrontOffice

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Top Physical Therapy Aide Skills

  1. Ultrasound Therapy
  2. Electrical Stimulation
  3. Patient Care
You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:
  • Performed electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy to aid the recovery of patients.
  • Treated patients with modalities such as traction and electrical stimulation.
  • Assisted physical therapists with patient care.
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
  • Administered active and passive manual therapeutic exercises.

Top Physical Therapy Aide Employers

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