Physical therapy is one of the fields of healthcare that continues to show growth. Physical therapy can involve exercises for strength and range of motion, therapeutic interventions to improve daily functioning, and training in the use of assistive devices and mobility aids. Clients who have physical disabilities or injuries that prevent them from moving freely may need to be supported or lifted during a physical therapy session. Physical therapy aides set up equipment, monitor client progress, and help with clerical tasks. A certified physical therapist (PT) typically employs one or two physical therapy aides to assist with physically demanding routines and keep the office running smoothly. Physical therapy aides also work with certified physical therapy assistants.
The career as a physical therapist aide can be rewarding since you are helping people to regain functions that allow them to live more independently. The pay may not be comparable to other professional healthcare careers, but it is still enough to live a comfortable life, and many physical therapy aides work part time. Some PT aides go on to get the education, training and certification necessary to become a physical therapy assistant or a licensed physical therapist. Here’s how to become a physical therapy aide.
Educational Requirements
To become a physical therapy aide, you need a high school diploma; there are no college degree requirements for this career. Most PT offices or clinics offer on-the-job training. However, taking some training courses in physical therapy or physical fitness may give you an edge over other candidates. Volunteering to work with people with disabilities in a hospital or clinic will also look good on a job application—and will give you a better idea whether this is a suitable type of work for you before you go out and apply for physical therapy aide jobs.
Characteristics and Skills
A physical therapy aide must be physically fit with the ability to kneel, bend and stand for long periods of time. You may be assisting clients during their physical therapy exercises and treatments under the supervision of a PT or PT assistant. Good social and communication skills are a plus, since you will be interacting with clients and the other staff in the office. Other characteristics of an effective physical therapy aide include good organization skills and the ability to carry out administrative tasks in the office.
Job Prospects and Salary
The number of physical therapy jobs is expected to increase with an increased need for this kind of care. PT offices always need aides. However, since people working physical therapy aide jobs don’t need any special education or training, there is more competition for these jobs.
Typically, the salary for someone working a physical therapy aide job is $20,000 to $30,000 a year; the current median salary is $23,760. Physical therapy aides working in nursing homes and hospitals earned more than aides working in doctors’ or health practitioners’ offices.
Working as a physical therapy aide can be a good place to start if this field interests you and you get satisfaction helping people overcome challenges and live more fulfilling lives. You may find the flexibility you need in terms of part- or full-time hours. Or you may decide to take steps to pursue a degree and license to work as a physical therapist assistant.