Physical Therapy Aide Career Profile

Picture this: You’re working in a busy physical therapy clinic, ensuring everything runs smoothly so patients can focus on their recovery. A patient who recently had knee surgery arrives, and you’ve already prepared their treatment area with clean linens and necessary equipment.

Think about being the person who keeps the rehabilitation process moving forward by maintaining a clean, safe environment and helping patients feel comfortable and welcome throughout their therapy journey. 

Physical Therapy Aides are essential support staff who contribute to patient care by handling non-clinical tasks in physical therapy settings. They work under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, and perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations.  

Total Employment: 42,390 (2023)

Common Names for Physical Therapy Aides

• PT Attendant (Physical Therapy Attendant)
• PT Tech (Physical Therapist Technician)
• PT Tech (Physical Therapy Technician)
• Physical Therapist Aide (PTA)
• Physical Therapy Aide (PTA)
• Rehabilitation Aide
• Rehabilitation Attendant
• Rehabilitation Technician (Rehabilitation Tech)
• Restorative Aide (RA)
• Therapy Aide

What Physical Therapy Aides Do

Physical Therapy Aides support the delivery of physical therapy services through non-clinical tasks:

• Patient Support: Assist patients with basic mobility and transportation within the facility, ensuring their safety and comfort during transitions between treatment areas.
• Equipment Management: Clean, sanitize, and organize therapy equipment and treatment areas to maintain hygiene standards and ensure equipment readiness for patient care.
• Administrative Assistance: Process patient documentation, schedule appointments, and maintain organized patient records to support efficient clinic operations.
• Treatment Area Preparation: Set up and break down treatment spaces, including arranging equipment and supplies needed for physical therapy sessions.
• Supply Management: Monitor inventory levels of medical supplies and linens, reporting shortages and maintaining adequate stock for daily operations.
• Safety Protocol Implementation: Follow facility safety guidelines and proper body mechanics when assisting patients and handling equipment to prevent injuries.
• Basic Patient Care Support: Assist physical therapists with non-clinical aspects of patient care, such as helping patients dress or preparing hot/cold packs for treatment.
• Facility Maintenance: Maintain cleanliness and organization of therapy areas, waiting rooms, and common spaces to ensure a professional healthcare environment.