Job Duties
Physical therapy aides keep a physical therapy clinic operating smoothly. Their daily duties include the following responsibilities:
- Greeting and checking in patients
- Scheduling appointments
- Setting up equipment for patient use during appointments
- Transporting patients
- Cleaning and organizing physical therapy facilities
- Observing patients and documenting their responses and progress
- Assisting physical therapists with selected procedures
Work Environment
Physical therapy aides spend a good deal of time interacting with patients, both verbally and physically, so professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail are key. Since physical therapy clinics (like all healthcare facilities) are sanitary spaces, conscientious cleaner-uppers are valued. You’ll likely spend time on the computer and/or phone, but you’ll be on your feet often, too. Dress codes usually require scrubs or comfortable, semi-professional clothing, and work hours vary based on the facility.
Pay Scale
The salary for this role varies based on facility, location, and experience, but the average annual income is $31,410.* Employment generally includes health benefits and paid time off.
Industry Demand
Physical therapy aides are predicted to be in demand over the next decade. The BLS expects physical therapy aides and assistants to experience 19% job growth through 2032, which is higher than average.*
Documents
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*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed March 25, 2024.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.