Physical Therapist Aide Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of physical therapist aides holds a crucial place.

As wellness and healthcare continue to evolve, the demand for skilled hands who can assist, support, and enhance the functions of physical therapists escalates.

But let’s examine the core duties: What’s truly expected from a physical therapist aide?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the fundamentals of physical therapy,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile physical therapist aide job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Physical Therapist Aide Duties and Responsibilities

Physical Therapist Aides assist Physical Therapists in providing therapeutic treatments to patients with physical disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.

They play a critical role in managing the therapy environment and helping patients during their sessions.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing therapy areas for patient treatments, including setting up therapy equipment
• Assisting patients with movement to and from therapy areas
• Observing patients during therapy sessions and reporting their progress to the Physical Therapist
• Performing basic administrative tasks such as maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and managing billing information
• Assisting with patient exercises under the supervision of a Physical Therapist
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized therapy environment, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment after use
• Providing support and encouragement to patients during therapy sessions
• Assisting with patient education on the use of mobility aids and support equipment

 

Physical Therapist Aide Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist Aide to join our team.

The Physical Therapist Aide’s primary role will be to assist our physical therapists in providing care to patients, including setting up treatment areas, preparing equipment, and performing clerical duties.

Our ideal candidate has experience in physical therapy settings, has excellent interpersonal skills, and is able to handle administrative tasks efficiently and effectively.

Ultimately, the role of the Physical Therapist Aide is to support the physical therapy process by providing necessary support to the therapists and ensuring a smooth operation.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures.
• Help patients to move, dress, undress and perform other activities related to therapy.
• Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order and prepare therapy equipment for patient use.
• Perform clerical tasks such as answering telephones, taking appointments, and updating patient records.
• Monitor patients during therapy and report their status and any changes to the physical therapists.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe therapy environment.
• Assist in patient preparation, therapy and rehabilitation.
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas as needed.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree in Physical Therapy or related field is preferred.
• Previous experience as a Physical Therapist Aide or similar role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Physical stamina and the ability to assist patients with physical activities.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR is advantageous.
• Understanding of medical terminology and physical therapy practices.
• Basic computer skills for updating patient records and scheduling appointments.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physical Therapist Aide
• Work Environment: Health care setting with frequent patient interaction. May require some lifting and physical assistance of patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 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 Physical Therapist Aide Do?

Physical Therapist Aides typically work under the supervision of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants in healthcare or rehabilitation settings.

Their primary duty is to ensure a smooth, efficient, and clean therapy environment.

They are responsible for preparing treatment areas, setting up therapy equipment, and helping patients move to or from a therapy area.

Physical Therapist Aides perform tasks like cleaning treatment areas and equipment after each patient’s therapy session, doing laundry, and restocking supplies.

They also assist in patient care, such as helping patients with basic tasks like undressing or dressing and providing support during certain exercises.

Besides, they may also be tasked with clerical duties like scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and updating patient records.

Physical Therapist Aides play a crucial role in the physical therapy process by providing the necessary support to therapists and patients, ensuring a comfortable and efficient therapy experience.

 

Physical Therapist Aide Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Physical Therapist Aide should possess the skills and qualifications necessary for the job role, such as:

• Understanding of physical therapy principles and methods to assist physical therapists with patient care.
• Empathy and compassion to provide care and support to patients during physical therapy sessions.
• Good physical stamina and strength to help move patients and equipment, and perform tasks requiring some physical effort.
• Interpersonal skills to establish effective relationships with patients, their families and healthcare team members.
• Detail-oriented nature to accurately follow the therapist’s instructions and monitor patient’s responses to treatment.
• Time management skills to efficiently handle multiple patients and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication skills to effectively convey information about patient’s progress to physical therapists.
• Basic administrative skills to maintain patient records, schedule appointments and handle other clerical duties as needed.

 

Physical Therapist Aide Experience Requirements

Physical Therapist Aides are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational qualification.

However, prior experience in a healthcare setting or direct patient care can significantly enhance their employability.

Entry-level Physical Therapist Aides might gain experience through internships or part-time roles in healthcare facilities, physiotherapy clinics, or hospitals.

This hands-on experience can provide invaluable exposure to the field and enable them to acquire key skills such as patient handling, preparation of therapy equipment, and understanding of therapy procedures.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience might have more responsibilities such as assisting in more complex therapy procedures, maintaining patient records, and helping with patient rehabilitation exercises.

They may have honed their skills in patient care and therapy assistance and are typically well-equipped to perform most tasks in a physical therapy setting.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have developed excellent communication and organizational skills, have a deep understanding of physical therapy principles, and may have experience in assisting with a wide range of therapy procedures.

They might also have gained some supervisory experience, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and managing patient schedules and therapy plans.

Physical Therapist Aides with over 5 years of experience are often seen as seasoned professionals who can handle all tasks effectively, including managing rehabilitation programs, training newer aides, and may even be involved in administrative duties.

They could be ready for roles such as Physical Therapist Assistant or other advanced positions within the field.

 

Physical Therapist Aide Education and Training Requirements

Physical Therapist Aides typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Many employers provide on-the-job training, but it’s beneficial for candidates to have a background in biology, anatomy, or physiology.

While not always required, certification as a Physical Therapy Aide can provide an advantage in job competition.

This is offered by organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and includes a certification exam that tests knowledge and skills related to physical therapy.

Knowledge of CPR and first aid can be beneficial in this role.

Additionally, understanding the basics of medical terminology and having strong interpersonal skills can also be advantageous.

For those aiming to advance their careers, many Physical Therapist Aides go on to complete a Physical Therapist Assistant program at a college or technical school, which typically requires an associate degree.

Volunteer work in physical therapy departments of hospitals or nursing care facilities provides invaluable hands-on experience and is often looked upon favorably by employers.

 

Physical Therapist Aide Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Physical Therapist Aide is $13.36 (USD) per hour.

This equates to an annual salary of approximately $27,790 (USD).

However, actual earnings can significantly vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographic location, and the specific employer.

 

Physical Therapist Aide Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Physical Therapist Aide need?

Physical Therapist Aides need strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.

They should have physical stamina as the job demands lifting patients and heavy equipment.

Knowledge about medical software and basic medical terminology is beneficial.

Attention to detail, good organization skills, and the ability to follow instructions are also important.

 

Do Physical Therapist Aides need a degree?

Physical Therapist Aides typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Although not necessary, some may opt to complete a certificate program in physical therapy or a related field.

Most of the training is done on the job under the supervision of experienced therapists or assistants.

 

What should you look for in a Physical Therapist Aide resume?

Look for previous experience in a healthcare setting or customer service field on a Physical Therapist Aide resume.

An understanding of basic medical terminology and patient care practices is desirable.

Any formal education related to physical therapy or rehabilitation can be a bonus.

Certification in CPR or basic life support can also be a valuable addition.

 

What qualities make a good Physical Therapist Aide?

A good Physical Therapist Aide is compassionate, patient, and has a genuine desire to help people.

They should be able to handle stressful situations and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Good manual dexterity and physical stamina are necessary to assist patients and handle equipment.

The ability to work as part of a team is also crucial in this role.

 

Is it difficult to hire Physical Therapist Aides?

Hiring Physical Therapist Aides isn’t typically difficult, but it can be challenging to find candidates with the right mix of physical stamina, compassion, and excellent communication skills.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits, and providing a supportive and inclusive work environment can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we have taken a deep dive into the real world of a physical therapist aide.

Surprised?

It’s not just about assisting with physical therapy.

It’s about helping to restore movement, improve mobility and relieve pain, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive physical therapist aide job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this rewarding career.

But why stop there?

Plunge further into the world of job descriptions with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precision-crafted listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each patient you assist is a step closer to a healthier, happier world.

Let’s create that world. Together.