Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of physical therapy, the role of aquatic rehabilitation therapists is gaining increasing recognition.

As health and fitness become prominent, there is an escalating demand for skilled professionals who can guide, enhance, and secure the process of water-based physical therapy.

But let’s dive deeper: What is really expected of an aquatic rehabilitation therapist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring therapist trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect job profile,
• Or simply interested in the nuances of aquatic rehabilitation therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a versatile aquatic rehabilitation therapist job description template, made for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.

Let’s dive right into it.

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists use the therapeutic properties of water to help patients with a variety of health conditions.

The goal is to improve, maintain or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and promote physical well being.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess patient’s health condition and physical abilities, including strength, range of motion, balance and coordination
• Develop a tailored aquatic therapy program to meet individual patient’s needs
• Administer therapeutic exercises, mobility training and muscle reeducation
• Use water resistance and buoyancy to assist or resist movements and improve patient’s physical condition
• Monitor and evaluate patient’s progress and modify treatment plans as needed
• Ensure a safe and clean environment, including monitoring water quality and temperature
• Provide patient with education and advice on health management and lifestyle changes
• Communicate and coordinate with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care

 

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist to join our team.

The Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist will be responsible for providing aquatic therapy to patients with various health conditions and injuries.

This role involves developing individualized therapeutic programs, assessing patient progress, and utilizing specialized techniques to help improve patient mobility, strength, and pain management.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the principles of aquatic therapy and is committed to providing exceptional patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient’s health condition and develop individualized aquatic therapy programs
• Conduct patient therapy sessions utilizing water exercises
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Provide education to patients and caregivers on aquatic therapy exercises and techniques
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care
• Maintain detailed records of patient’s therapy and progress
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of aquatic facilities
• Stay updated on the latest best practices, tools, and trends in aquatic therapy

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Aquatic Therapist or similar role in physical therapy
• Knowledge of aquatic therapy principles and techniques
• Excellent patient management skills
• Ability to create and implement comprehensive therapeutic programs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• BSc degree in Physical Therapy or related field
• Valid license to practice physical therapy
• Certification in aquatic therapy is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist
• Work Environment: Primarily in a therapeutic pool setting. Some travel may be required for home visits or to multiple clinic locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Therapy Services Manager or Rehabilitation Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Do?

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists, also known as aquatic therapists or hydrotherapists, work with patients in water environments to help them recover from injury or manage chronic conditions.

These therapists use the buoyancy, resistance, and temperature of water to create a therapeutic environment for their patients.

This helps to reduce strain on joints and muscles, while still providing a challenging workout for muscle strengthening and conditioning.

They work with a wide variety of patients, including those recovering from surgery, those with chronic conditions such as arthritis, and individuals with neurological disorders.

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists develop individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs and goals of each patient.

This could involve a range of exercises, from gentle movements for flexibility and balance to more strenuous water-based exercises for strength and endurance.

They monitor the patient’s progress throughout the treatment and adjust the program as needed.

They may also provide education on how to perform certain exercises safely and effectively at home.

In addition to their in-water work, Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists often liaise with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, to ensure a holistic approach to the patient’s recovery or condition management.

 

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Qualifications and Skills

An Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, which include:

• Knowledge of aquatic therapy techniques and ability to apply this knowledge in a therapeutic setting.
• Strong ability to evaluate patients’ conditions and develop appropriate aquatic therapy treatment plans.
• Excellent communication skills to discuss patient progress, concerns, and goals with patients, family members, and other healthcare providers.
• Interpersonal skills to establish a rapport with patients and encourage them to participate fully in their therapy program.
• Physical stamina and strength to assist patients in the water and to perform water-based exercises.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapy plans as necessary based on patient progress and response to therapy.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and emergency procedures related to aquatic environments.
• Ability to monitor and document patient progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and report on patient outcomes.

 

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Experience Requirements

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists generally start their career journey with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, kinesiology, or a related field.

This often includes hands-on clinical internships to gain practical experience in the field.

After graduation, the aspiring therapist needs to obtain a state license to practice as a Physical Therapist.

This usually involves passing a national examination.

Entry-level Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists may have 1 to 2 years of experience working in physical therapy, often in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or sports rehabilitation centers.

This experience may or may not include work specific to aquatic therapy.

To specialize in aquatic therapy, therapists often need additional training and certification from an accredited program.

This typically involves a combination of coursework and practical experience in aquatic therapy techniques and treatment.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience generally have honed their skills in aquatic therapy and have a deeper understanding of the therapeutic benefits of water for different patient populations.

These professionals may have worked with a variety of patient types, including those recovering from surgery, individuals with chronic conditions, and athletes.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have additional responsibilities, such as supervising newer therapists, developing and implementing patient treatment plans, and potentially managing a therapeutic pool or aquatic therapy department.

They may be ready for a managerial role or a position as a senior therapist.

 

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a related field.

In addition to this, they must complete a specific training program in aquatic therapy which provides them with the knowledge and skills required to use water-based exercises to help patients recover from injuries and improve their physical abilities.

Most states require Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists to obtain a license to practice.

The licensing criteria vary by state, but usually require the individual to be 18 or older, have completed a bachelor’s degree, and have completed an accredited aquatic therapy program.

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists also need to have a CPR certification and may need to have other life-saving training certifications depending on the work setting.

To enhance their skills and knowledge, many therapists pursue advanced courses in specialized areas of aquatic therapy.

These might include courses on specific types of conditions, patient populations, or therapeutic techniques.

Some professionals in this field also choose to become certified through organizations like the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute.

This certification demonstrates the therapist’s commitment to the field and can increase their credibility with patients and employers.

 

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Salary Expectations

An Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist earns an average salary of $79,810 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on level of experience, specific skills, location, and the size and type of the employing facility.

 

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist need?

Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists need to have a strong understanding of human anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients effectively.

They must also be patient, compassionate, and be able to motivate patients during their therapy sessions.

Knowledge of water safety and swimming skills are crucial for this role.

 

Do Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists typically need a degree in physical therapy or a related field.

They should also have completed coursework or training in aquatic therapy.

Most positions require therapists to be licensed in their state of practice, which typically involves passing a national examination after completing an accredited physical therapy program.

 

What should you look for in an Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist resume?

Look for a degree in physical therapy or a related field, along with specific training or certification in aquatic therapy.

Additionally, check for a valid license to practice physical therapy in your state.

Experience with different patient populations, like children, the elderly, or those with specific conditions such as arthritis or neurological disorders, may also be valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist?

Good Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists are patient, empathetic, and have excellent interpersonal skills.

They should be physically fit, as the job often requires helping patients in and out of the pool.

They should also be creative in developing individualized treatment plans and have excellent problem-solving skills to adjust treatments as necessary.

 

Is it difficult to hire Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapists?

Hiring for this role can be challenging as it requires a unique combination of physical therapy knowledge and aquatic skills.

However, offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment can attract highly qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we submerged you into the depth of what it truly means to be an aquatic rehabilitation therapist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about being in the water.

It’s about sculpting a healthier tomorrow, one swim stroke at a time.

With our reliable aquatic rehabilitation therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a splash.

But why just tread water?

Swim further with our job description generator. It’s your lifeline to creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a part of the bigger wellness journey.

Let’s shape that healthier future. Together.

How to Become an Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapist (Complete Guide)

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