Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees is growing increasingly crucial.

As physical therapy practices evolve, the demand for proficient individuals who can support, enhance and secure our physical therapy processes amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee?

Whether you are:

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

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Duties and Responsibilities

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees assist in the treatment of patients under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.

They are responsible for learning and implementing a variety of therapeutic techniques to improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit physical disabilities.

The following are some duties and responsibilities associated with a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee:

• Assist the Physical Therapist in evaluating patients’ conditions and developing treatment plans
• Carry out certain aspects of treatments as directed by the Physical Therapist, which may include exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment-based therapies
• Observe and document patients’ progress, and report this information to the Physical Therapist
• Teach patients how to use therapeutic equipment, such as crutches, prosthetics, or wheelchairs
• Assist patients with certain movements during therapy sessions
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe treatment area
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families about treatment plans and progress
• Participate in continuing education and training to stay updated on latest physical therapy practices
• Adhere to all federal and state laws regarding patient confidentiality and privacy

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee to join our team.

The trainee will work under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist and assist in the implementation of treatment plans.

The responsibilities include helping patients perform specific exercises, monitoring their progress, and recording their responses.

Trainees should have a basic understanding of physical therapy principles and be eager to learn and grow within this field.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist Physical Therapists in implementing treatment plans.
• Help patients with specific exercises as part of the plan of care.
• Monitor patient progress and response to treatment.
• Document patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate patient progress and possible changes to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

 

Qualifications

• Enrollment in or completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy principles and practices.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and patient confidentiality.
• Physical stamina to work on feet for extended periods.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and team members.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. Physical demands include lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling light to medium weights.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 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 Assistant Trainee Do?

A Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee works under the guidance of a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.

Their role is essentially to assist in providing therapy to patients to alleviate physical ailments and improve their overall quality of life.

This includes helping patients improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit physical disabilities.

Under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, trainees may aid in exercises, therapeutic methods, and treatments.

They might also be involved in preparing patients and the treatment area, as well as maintaining equipment and support devices.

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees often assist in educating patients and their families about what to do at home after treatment.

This includes providing information about exercises, handling emergencies, and helping with the use of devices like crutches or wheelchairs.

They are required to record and document patient’s conditions, responses, and progress, which are used by the Physical Therapist to track progress and adjust treatment plans.

Their role is also to follow all safety and cleanliness protocols to ensure a safe and effective treatment environment.

The ultimate goal of a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee is to gain the necessary skills and experience to become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Qualifications and Skills

As a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee, some important qualifications and skills you should possess are:

• Basic knowledge of physical therapy principles, techniques, and procedures. This will provide a solid foundation for the trainee to build upon as they learn and grow within this role.
• Good physical condition and stamina, as this role often requires assisting patients with exercises and mobility, which can be physically demanding.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. These are critical for building trust with patients, discussing their progress, and working effectively with other members of the healthcare team.
• Attention to detail and good observational skills. These are needed to accurately record patient information, observe their movements, and notice any changes in their physical condition or response to therapy.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and anatomy, as this knowledge is crucial for understanding patients’ conditions and the treatments being administered.
• Problem-solving skills to assist in devising appropriate treatment plans and adapting exercises to suit the needs of individual patients.
• Patience and empathy, as the role often involves working with individuals who are in pain or experiencing difficulty with movement.
• Willingness to learn and take instruction from Physical Therapists and other senior healthcare professionals.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Experience Requirements

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees are often recent graduates of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program, where they have gained theoretical knowledge and clinical experience under the supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

These trainees generally undergo at least two clinical internships during their education, providing them with hands-on experience in different areas of physical therapy.

This experience can include working with patients of various ages and conditions, implementing treatment plans, documenting progress, and using physical therapy equipment.

Even as trainees, they should have the experience of working in a team-oriented environment, as they often work closely with Physical Therapists, other assistants, and healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.

Some Physical Therapy clinics or hospitals may require their Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees to have additional experience in specialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, or sports medicine.

This advanced experience can often be gained through focused clinical rotations or internships.

Even though they are trainees, Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees may also be required to have First Aid and CPR certification, which involves practical training and experience in these critical emergency response skills.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Education and Training Requirements

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee, candidates generally need to have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Following this, they must complete an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

These programs typically take two years to complete and involve academic coursework as well as clinical experiences.

Subjects often studied in these programs include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic exercise, and patient care.

After graduating, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants to become licensed to practice.

The licensure requirements may vary slightly by state.

In order to increase their employability and skills, many Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees may also choose to undergo specialized training or earn additional certifications in areas such as geriatrics or pediatrics.

Continuing education is essential in this field to stay updated with the latest techniques and treatments in physical therapy.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Salary Expectations

A Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee can expect to earn an average wage of $16.85 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as the length and type of training, the location, and the healthcare facility where they are training.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee need?

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees should possess strong interpersonal skills, as they’ll be working closely with patients and other healthcare professionals.

They should also have good physical stamina and dexterity to assist in exercises and therapies.

Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology is essential.

They should also demonstrate empathy, patience, and the ability to motivate and encourage patients during their recovery.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee?

Physical Therapist Assistant Trainees typically need to have at least an associate degree from a physical therapist assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

This program includes both classroom study and clinical experience.

After obtaining the degree, they may need to pass a licensure exam, depending on the state’s requirements.

 

What should you look for in a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee resume?

A resume for a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee should include their educational background, including any clinical experience they have gained during their training.

It should also highlight their interpersonal skills, physical dexterity, and any relevant certifications.

Depending on the work setting, you may want to look for experience with specific patient populations, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.

 

What qualities make a good Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee?

A good Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee is compassionate and patient, which helps them provide emotional support to patients who are struggling with physical ailments.

They should have good attention to detail to accurately follow treatment plans and record patient progress.

Additionally, they must be able to collaborate effectively with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the patient.

 

What is the career path for a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee?

A Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee, after gaining enough experience and fulfilling the necessary licensure requirements, can become a Physical Therapist Assistant.

With further education and experience, they can progress to become a Physical Therapist.

Some may choose to specialize in a specific area of physical therapy, such as sports medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be a Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing exercises and documenting progress.

It’s about shaping healthier futures, one physical therapy session at a time.

With our comprehensive Physical Therapist Assistant Trainee job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every physical therapy session is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.