Physical therapy aide vs rehabilitation aide

The differences between physical therapy aides and rehabilitation aides can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a physical therapy aide has an average salary of $31,160, which is higher than the $28,284 average annual salary of a rehabilitation aide.

The top three skills for a physical therapy aide include patients, patient care and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a rehabilitation aide are patients, rehabilitation, and CPR.

Physical therapy aide vs rehabilitation aide overview

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehabilitation Aide
Yearly salary	$31,160	$28,284
Hourly rate	$14.98	$13.60
Growth rate	24%	24%
Number of jobs	99,485	42,701
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	-	-

What does a physical therapy aide do?

Physical therapy aides are employed under physical therapists' direction. They typically perform non-medical tasks, including helping with patient intake, setting up treatment rooms, and assisting with patient transportation to another health care facility. They are also responsible for documenting the responses and progress of patients and communicating with hospital personnel and physicians' offices. There are several skills and competencies to become a successful physical therapy aide, which include active listening skills, attention to detail, and compassion for patients.

What does a rehabilitation aide do?

A rehabilitation aide is responsible for assisting patients with injuries, mental disorders, and illnesses in their treatment plans and medications. Rehabilitation aides monitor the patients' progress and update attending physicians regarding their conditions. They also prepare treatment rooms, including the materials and equipment for the medical procedures, and discuss the process with the patients. A rehabilitation aide must be highly organizational, especially in attending to different patients' needs and ensuring the safety and security of all facilities and assets.

Physical therapy aide vs rehabilitation aide salary

Physical therapy aides and rehabilitation aides have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehabilitation Aide
Average salary	$31,160	$28,284
Salary range	Between $8,000 And $118,000	Between $22,000 And $35,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Loveland, CO
Highest paying state	New York	Colorado
Best paying company	Aya Healthcare	Lifespan
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between physical therapy aide and rehabilitation aide education

There are a few differences between a physical therapy aide and a rehabilitation aide in terms of educational background:

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehabilitation Aide
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Kinesiology	Kinesiology
Most common college	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Physical therapy aide vs rehabilitation aide demographics

Here are the differences between physical therapy aides' and rehabilitation aides' demographics:

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehabilitation Aide
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 35.6% Female, 64.4%	Male, 27.2% Female, 72.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 9.3% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 7.7% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between physical therapy aide and rehabilitation aide duties and responsibilities

Physical therapy aide example responsibilities.

Manage flexible schedule at various company facilities categorize as ILF, ALF, and SNF.
Administer ultrasound and electrical stimulation and start patients with their prescribe exercise programs.
Educate patients on supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
Earn repeated appreciations from supervisor, co-workers, and patients for providing the best quality care with compassion.
Work closely with PT's/PTA's; OT/COTA's and SLP in providing quality hands on care to rehab patients.
Create and maintain patient charts and paperwork including exercise, insurance authorization, insurance, HIPAA, and patient information.

Rehabilitation aide example responsibilities.

Manage inventory of supplies and splints for the department.
Manage organization and cleanliness of therapy room and equipment.
Help patients who used wheelchairs and walkers.
Assist patients with ADL's, collect lab specimens, perform EKG's, occasionally perform duty as a patient sitter.
Assist physical therapists and occupational hand therapist in implementing rehabilitation programs for patients in an outpatient orthopedics and hand therapy clinic.
Assist OTR/L in patient education and DME distribution at SNF

Physical therapy aide vs rehabilitation aide skills

Common physical therapy aide skills

Patients, 42%
Patient Care, 10%
Rehabilitation, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Ultrasound, 5%
Direct Supervision, 4%

Common rehabilitation aide skills

Patients, 34%
Rehabilitation, 18%
CPR, 6%
Direct Supervision, 5%
Cleanliness, 5%
Data Entry, 4%

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Healthcare Support Industry
Physical Therapy Aide
Physical Therapy Aide vs Rehabilitation Aide

Updated January 8, 2025

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