Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of health care, the importance of pediatric physical therapy aides cannot be overstated.

As medical advancements continue, the need for skilled professionals who can aid in the recovery and development of children’s physical abilities becomes even more crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric physical therapy aide?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job profile,
• Or simply curious about the realm of pediatric physical therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric physical therapy aide job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides assist physical therapists in providing care to children with developmental challenges, injuries, or other physical conditions that impact their movement and physical functionality.

They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing treatment plans developed by the physical therapist
• Help children with exercises and movements as outlined in their therapy plan
• Prepare and maintain therapy equipment and supplies
• Monitor and record a child’s progress, updating the physical therapist on any changes or concerns
• Ensure a safe, clean and organized therapy environment
• Comfort and support children and their families, explaining therapy procedures when necessary
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals as part of a holistic care team
• Assist in clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide to assist our team of experienced therapists.

In this role, you will help children with a range of physical disabilities perform exercises and utilize therapeutic equipment under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist.

Our ideal candidate is patient, compassionate, and has a strong desire to support children’s physical well-being.

Prior experience in a pediatric healthcare setting is highly desirable.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in carrying out physical therapy treatment plans developed by the physical therapist.
• Help patients with exercises and mobility training as directed by the therapist.
• Prepare and maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas.
• Monitor and document patients’ progress and report to the physical therapist.
• Keep patient information confidential and comply with all HIPAA guidelines.
• Assist patients in and out of therapy area and ensure their safety during treatments.
• Participate in staff meetings and continuing education programs.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience as a physical therapy aide or similar role is preferred.
• Certification in CPR and first aid.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patient and compassionate nature, especially with children.
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift or move patients as necessary.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• On-the-job training
• Opportunity for advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide
• Work Environment: Pediatric clinic or hospital. The position may require standing for long periods and lifting or moving patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Physical Therapist or Clinical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $45,000 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 a Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Do?

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides work in pediatric clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers or in patients’ homes, assisting Pediatric Physical Therapists in providing care to children with mobility issues, injuries, or developmental disorders.

They assist in therapeutic treatments, such as motor skills activities, strength and balance exercises, and stretching routines designed specifically for children.

They may also help with therapeutic equipment setup and cleanup before and after treatment sessions.

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides are responsible for observing and recording patients’ responses to treatments, and reporting these to the physical therapist.

This role often includes updating patient progress notes and maintaining patient records.

The aide may also perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and managing patient files.

In addition to their clinical duties, Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides often have a key role in creating a comfortable and friendly environment to reduce the anxiety of young patients.

This can involve explaining treatments in a child-friendly way, providing emotional support, and engaging children in playful activities during treatment sessions.

Their role is fundamental in helping children regain or improve their physical abilities and ensuring the smooth operation of the physical therapy practice.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Qualifications and Skills

A competent Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide should possess skills and qualifications that adhere to the needs of the job, such as:

• Understanding of physical therapy principles, practices, and their application to pediatric patients.
• Ability to assist in carrying out individualized therapeutic exercises, and treatments for children as directed by a Physical Therapist.
• Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with children and their families, to ease the children into therapy and motivate them during therapy sessions.
• Strong observation skills to track and report the progress of pediatric patients to the therapist, noting any changes or concerns.
• Communication skills to effectively share information with children, families, and the therapy team, and to understand and implement instructions from the Physical Therapist.
• Physical stamina and ability to perform tasks which require lifting or supporting children during therapy sessions.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapy exercises to the individual needs and capabilities of each child.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical guidelines.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Experience Requirements

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides often start their journey through an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, where they gain substantial theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of physical therapy.

These programs typically take two years to complete and include academic coursework as well as clinical rotations.

Upon graduation, Physical Therapist Assistants can then specialize in pediatric care by working in settings such as pediatric clinics, hospitals, or schools.

This allows them to gain valuable experience working with children who have a wide variety of physical needs.

Entry-level Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through clinical internships or part-time roles in pediatric physical therapy settings.

Those with more than 3 years of experience have likely solidified their technical skills and knowledge in pediatric physical therapy.

They may have also gained exposure to a wider range of pediatric conditions, and have developed a deeper understanding of therapeutic interventions for children.

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides with more than 5 years of experience often have some form of supervisory or leadership experience.

They may be prepared to take on roles such as Lead Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide or Pediatric Physical Therapy Supervisor, where they can guide and mentor less experienced team members.

Additionally, throughout their career, Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides are encouraged to continue their education and training, through workshops, seminars, or advanced certifications, to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric physical therapy.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

While specific requirements may vary by employer, most Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides complete a physical therapy aide certificate program or an associate’s degree program in physical therapy assisting.

These programs cover basic anatomy, medical terminology, therapeutic techniques, and patient interaction.

In addition, Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides require special training in pediatrics that may be obtained through additional coursework, on-the-job training, or a specialized certification program.

This training would involve understanding the specific physical therapy needs and safety considerations for children.

Physical Therapy Aides must also have CPR certification and some states require Aides to be licensed or registered.

While not required, some Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides may opt to continue their education and become a Pediatric Physical Therapist, a role that requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Strong interpersonal skills and a love for working with children are also essential for this role, as Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides spend a lot of time interacting with young patients and their families.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide earns an average salary of $30,000 to $35,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as level of experience, specific qualifications, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide need?

Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides should have strong interpersonal skills to comfort children and communicate with their parents effectively.

They should possess physical stamina to assist in physical therapy sessions and have a basic understanding of child development and physiology.

A keen attention to detail is essential to monitor the child’s progress and report to the physical therapist.

 

What qualifications are needed for a Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide?

A Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide typically requires a high school diploma or GED.

While a specific degree isn’t necessary, some related healthcare or child development courses can be beneficial.

Most of the training is on-the-job.

However, CPR and First Aid certifications are often required.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide’s resume?

You should look for previous experience in pediatric settings or physical therapy clinics.

Additional qualifications in child development, psychology, or healthcare would be beneficial.

Also, check for CPR and First Aid certifications.

Volunteering or internships in related fields can also indicate a passion and commitment to the profession.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide?

A good Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide should be patient, compassionate, and able to connect with children of different ages and development stages.

They should be physically strong to assist in therapy sessions, and have good observation skills to monitor the child’s progress and reactions during treatments.

A genuine interest in child welfare and development is essential.

 

Is it challenging to hire Pediatric Physical Therapy Aides?

As with any healthcare role, finding a qualified Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide can be a challenging task due to the specific skills and character traits required for the job.

However, offering competitive wages, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the truly rewarding journey of being a Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide.

And you know what?

It’s not just about assisting in therapies.

It’s about cultivating a healthier future, one child at a time.

With our comprehensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Aide job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to step forward.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool to crafting laser-precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a healthier future for a child.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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