Physical Therapy Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of health and wellness, the role of physical therapy technicians has never been more crucial.

As society places increased emphasis on physical rehabilitation and recovery, the demand for skilled hands who can facilitate, support, and ensure the effectiveness of physical therapy treatments is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a physical therapy technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the responsibilities of physical therapy technicians,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Physical Therapy Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Physical Therapy Technicians, often referred to as Physical Therapy Aides, play a critical role in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.

They assist Physical Therapists in implementing treatment plans and ensuring the comfort and safety of patients.

Physical Therapy Technicians may have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist patients with exercises as per the physical therapist’s instructions
• Help patients to move, walk, or stand using aids like crutches, walkers, or canes
• Prepare or set up therapy equipment for patient use
• Monitor and document patient progress and responses to treatment
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of therapy area and equipment
• Assist in patient transportation to and from the therapy area
• Manage inventory and ordering of office and therapy supplies
• Perform clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling patient paperwork
• Adhere to all safety protocols to ensure patient safety during treatment

 

Physical Therapy Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Physical Therapy Technician to support our team of Physical Therapists in providing patient care.

The responsibilities include assisting patients with exercises, administering therapeutic equipment, and maintaining patient records.

Our ideal candidate has a strong commitment to improving patients’ physical well-being, excellent communication skills, and ability to follow instructions accurately.

Previous experience as a Physical Therapy Technician or similar role is a plus.

Ultimately, the role of the Physical Therapy Technician is to ensure that the physical therapy process operates smoothly and effectively, enhancing patient comfort and progress.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist Physical Therapists in providing patient care.
• Help patients perform therapeutic exercises under the therapist’s instruction.
• Administer and manage therapeutic equipment.
• Maintain patient records and progress reports.
• Prepare patients and treatment areas for therapy sessions.
• Communicate with patients and their families about treatment plans.
• Ensure all therapy equipment is clean and in working order.
• Adhere to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Physical Therapy Technician or similar role
• Knowledge of physical therapy modalities and equipment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions accurately
• Physically capable of lifting and moving patients if required
• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physical Therapy Technician
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. Physical demands include lifting and moving patients, as well as standing for long periods of time.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Physical Therapist or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $29,000 minimum to $39,000 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 Therapy Technician Do?

Physical Therapy Technicians, also known as Physical Therapy Aides, work under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.

They work in various settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and sports facilities.

Their primary role is to assist Physical Therapists in providing therapy to patients.

They are responsible for preparing treatment areas, setting up therapy equipment, and helping patients with their exercises under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.

They may also be involved in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling insurance matters.

Physical Therapy Technicians often have direct interaction with patients.

They assist patients in moving to or from therapy areas, and provide any necessary physical assistance to patients during therapy sessions.

Their role requires them to have a basic understanding of therapy goals and principles, as they often assist in implementing the therapy plans developed by Physical Therapists.

Physical Therapy Technicians are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the therapy area, ensuring that all equipment is cleaned and stored properly after each use.

Overall, their role is essential in ensuring smooth operation within a physical therapy setting, and they play a crucial part in helping patients recover and improve their physical abilities.

 

Physical Therapy Technician Qualifications and Skills

Physical Therapy Technicians, also known as Physical Therapist Assistants, need a variety of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and industry knowledge to provide effective support to Physical Therapists and patients, including:

• Practical skills and knowledge of therapeutic exercises and physical therapy equipment to assist patients under the supervision of Physical Therapists.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, understand their needs, make them feel comfortable, and explain treatment plans and exercises.
• Problem-solving skills to identify issues in a patient’s progress and suggest possible solutions to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Detail-oriented and observant to accurately document patient progress, notice any changes, and report them to the therapist.
• Physical stamina and strength to assist patients with their exercises, help them move, and handle equipment, often requiring standing for extended periods.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple patients, schedule appointments, and maintain clean and organized treatment areas.
• Patience and empathy to work with patients who may be in pain or face difficulty in completing their exercises.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminologies and administrative skills to manage patient records and documentation.

 

Physical Therapy Technician Experience Requirements

Physical Therapy Technicians, also known as Physical Therapy Aides, often begin their career by completing a high school diploma, followed by on-the-job training.

Some technicians may opt to complete a postsecondary non-degree award or certification program, which includes both classroom and clinical components.

The early on-the-job training usually involves observing and assisting experienced therapists and technicians, learning to set up therapy equipment, and gaining an understanding of the therapy processes.

This often takes around 1-2 years, which is typically considered enough experience for an entry-level Physical Therapy Technician role.

Physical Therapy Technicians who have around 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of therapeutic techniques and equipment, as well as improved communication and patient interaction skills.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have developed specialized skills in specific therapeutic interventions or have experience working with certain patient populations, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.

They may also have managerial or supervisory experience, overseeing other technicians and coordinating therapy schedules.

These individuals are often ready for senior or leadership roles within a Physical Therapy department or clinic.

Some positions may require Physical Therapy Technicians to have completed a CPR or basic life support certification course, and it’s often beneficial for technicians to have experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

 

Physical Therapy Technician Education and Training Requirements

To become a Physical Therapy Technician, typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement.

Many employers provide on-the-job training, but some may prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary education program in physical therapy or a related field.

In these programs, students learn about the human body, medical terminology, and physical therapy techniques.

Most states in the U.S. do not require Physical Therapy Technicians to be licensed or certified.

However, some states do require certification which may involve passing an exam, completing a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, or both.

Physical Therapy Technicians also need to have CPR and first aid certification.

While not always required, many Physical Therapy Technicians pursue additional certifications in areas such as geriatrics, orthopedics, or pediatrics to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Continuing education is essential for Physical Therapy Technicians to keep up with the latest advancements in the field.

This can be done through workshops, courses, or seminars.

 

Physical Therapy Technician Salary Expectations

A Physical Therapy Technician can expect to make an average of $25,730 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience in the field, educational background, and the location of the job.

 

Physical Therapy Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a physical therapy technician need?

Physical Therapy Technicians need a range of skills including excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.

They must also have a good understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as an ability to follow physical therapist’s instructions accurately.

Strong observational skills are also important to monitor a patient’s progress and report it back to the physical therapist.

 

What kind of education does a physical therapy technician need?

Most Physical Therapy Technicians are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

In addition, they usually need to complete a postsecondary education program specifically designed for physical therapy technicians, which might result in a certificate or an associate’s degree.

 

What should you look for in a physical therapy technician’s resume?

When hiring a Physical Therapy Technician, you should look for a resume that showcases a strong educational background in physical therapy or a related field.

Experience in a healthcare setting, particularly with direct patient care, is also highly valuable.

Certifications and credentials, such as CPR certification, can also be a big plus.

 

What qualities make a good physical therapy technician?

A good Physical Therapy Technician is compassionate, patient, and has excellent interpersonal skills.

They should be comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities, and have a genuine desire to help others.

They should also be detail-oriented, as they will need to follow complex treatment plans and monitor patient progress closely.

 

Is it difficult to hire a physical therapy technician?

Hiring a Physical Therapy Technician can be challenging due to the specific skill set and qualifications required.

However, offering competitive salary and benefits, along with opportunities for career advancement, can help attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the essential aspects of being a physical therapy technician.

Guess what?

It’s not just about assisting patients with their exercises.

It’s about helping to shape a healthier future, one patient at a time.

With our go-to physical therapy technician 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 next step in crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient helped is a step towards a healthier society.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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