Trade Schools with Physical Therapy Aide Programs
A physical therapy aide career is an excellent fit for those who enjoy helping others, prefer working as part of a team, and want a job in the healthcare or medical field.
Many vocational schools and community colleges offer physical therapy aide degrees and certificates for students hoping to pursue this career path.
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What Are the Requirements to be a Physical Therapy Aide?
Most facilities require physical therapy aides to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Since these workers have access to confidential patient records, aides must also be at least 18 years old and sign various legal documents and HIPPA forms before they can start working. Passing a background check and drug screening may be requirements as well, depending on where you plan to work.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Physical Therapy Aide?
GED
Many people can start applying for physical therapy aide jobs as soon as they graduate from high school or complete their GED program.
Training
After a week or two of supervised on-the-job training, most employers consider these professionals fully qualified and able to do their tasks independently.
Certificate
Although you can become a physical therapy aide straight out of high school, some people also decide to obtain a physical therapy aide certificate. Program lengths for these courses vary across different trade schools and community colleges. However, most students earn their certificate in two or three months.
How to Become a Physical Therapy Aide
Again, having a high school diploma and some on-the-job training is the minimum requirement for becoming a physical therapy aide. Even so, some states and physical therapy facilities might expect workers in this field to have additional skills and credentials before considering them for employment.
For example, if you want to become a physical therapy aide in Pennsylvania, being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and complying with federal HIPPA regulations are all you need to meet the state’s requirements. However, certain facilities might also expect you to have experience working with elderly people or people with disabilities, as well as life support skills like CPR and first aid.
To help improve your chances of becoming a physical therapy aide in almost any state, hospital, clinic, or physical therapy office, consider taking the following steps:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED
- Obtain a Basic Life Support credential from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross
- Apply for a physical therapy aide position OR enroll in a physical therapy aide school program
- Earn a state or national physical therapy aide certification
- Start applying for physical therapy aide jobs at local hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics
Where Do Physical Therapy Aides Work?
Some physical therapy aides work with doctors or physical therapists with their own private practices. However, most people in this field find jobs in nursing homes, hospitals, and other long-term care facilities.
Outpatient clinics and sports and fitness centers might also employ physical therapy aides.
What is a Physical Therapy Aide?
Similar to how a nursing assistant works under the supervision of a nurse, a physical therapy aide takes direction and instructions from a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapy aides are part of a patient support team dedicated to helping people manage pain and improve their range of motion after surgeries, injuries and illnesses.
What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?
Duties
Duties for physical therapy aides may vary slightly depending on where they work. However, their daily routine generally includes tasks like:
- Checking patients in as they arrive for appointments
- Setting up and putting away physical therapy equipment, such as mobility assistance items, exercise balls, steps and ramps, and wrist and ankle weights
- Preparing hot and cold packs for patients dealing with muscle and joint pain
- Tracking patient progress and responses to treatment
- Cleaning and sanitizing physical therapy equipment and treatment rooms after each use
Responsibilities
Physical therapy aide jobs involve performing various clerical and organizational duties that help keep workplace operations running smoothly.
During a typical workday, a physical therapy aide may be responsible for preparing physical therapy equipment before a patient arrives, cleaning and organizing treatment rooms, and filing or retrieving patient care documents for the physical therapist.
Physical therapy aides might also be responsible for transporting patients to and from treatment areas, especially if the patient uses a cane or wheelchair. Some may also serve as liaisons between physical therapists and doctors or nurses. If they’re working in geriatric, orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, or cardiopulmonary settings, they may have more specialized duties as well.
Is Physical Therapy Aide a Good Career?
According to reports from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapy aide jobs in the United States is likely to increase by 24 percent over the next decade. With so many job openings becoming available during this time frame, physical therapy aide may be a promising career for people who want to find an entry-level position in the healthcare field.
How Much Does a Physical Therapy Aide Make?
On average, physical therapy aide salaries reach about $29,200 per year. However, pay rates vary depending on where you work and live. Physical therapy aides in some states might be able to earn as much as $37,920 a year, while others may only make $22,140 annually.
Those who have official certification and extensive experience may be able to negotiate even higher salaries.
How to Get a Job as a Physical Therapy Aide
Getting a physical therapy aide job involves submitting applications at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices that post employment openings.
During the application and interview process, aspiring physical therapy aides should provide examples of times when they displayed kindness, compassion, focus, and teamwork abilities to prove that they would be a good fit for the job.
You may also need to submit to a drug screening and background check, especially if you apply for a physical therapy aide job at a facility that administers medication or performs other medical procedures.
Some hospitals and outpatient clinics might be willing to employ workers with a criminal record, while others may prefer candidates who can pass the background check and drug test.
Do Physical Therapy Aides Need Certification?
Hopefuls can get a job in this industry with just a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, attending a physical therapy aide school, earning a Basic Life Support credential, and obtaining an official certification can improve your chances of getting a high-paying position at the facility of your choosing.
Organizations like the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) and the National Career Certification Board (NCCB) provide study materials and exams for those looking to become certified physical therapy aides. Once you pass your chosen test, you will receive an official physical therapy aide or physical therapy technician certification.
Are Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants the Same?
Although some people use the titles ‘physical therapy aide” and “physical therapy assistant” interchangeably, these are two separate roles that require different credentials. An aide is only qualified to perform clerical and non-medical tasks.
Meanwhile, a physical therapy assistant works directly with patients, performing duties like:
- Helping patients complete their treatment exercises
- Stretching or massaging patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist
- Showing patients how to use various rehabilitative equipment
- Describing at-home treatment plans to patients and their loved ones
In some smaller clinics and care facilities, the physical therapy assistant may also perform duties that would typically fall to a physical therapy aide. However, their primary role is to help physical therapists administer patient care.
While attending school and becoming certified is optional for a physical therapy aide, physical therapy assistants must complete an accredited education program and obtain an official certification to qualify for healthcare jobs.
What Other Career Options do Physical Therapy Aides Have?
Physical therapy aide jobs require many of the same skills as other healthcare aide and assistant roles. With additional training and education, a physical therapy aide can qualify for a career as a medical or dental assistant, pharmacy technician, or a patient care or medical records tech. An aide could also find work as a physical therapy assistant once they have enough experience and earn the proper credentials.