Physical Therapist Aides

A Day in the Life

As a physical therapist aide, your job is to provide support to physical therapists and to patients who are working to rebuild muscle or regain motion after surgery, an accident or an illness. When you arrive at work each day, you will be responsible for sterilizing and preparing the different rooms and treatment centers in the physical therapy office where you work. This portion of your day will be relatively short. After you've finished these basic tasks, you'll get to move on to the more rewarding and challenging work of helping patients.

When you work as a physical therapist aide, you will work with a licensed therapy assistant to help patients follow a program of exercises that has been designed for them by a physical therapist. This means that you may need to help patients as they situate themselves on special equipment. You'll also help patients who have difficulty moving go to different stations or areas in your physical therapy office. While you're with patients, you'll do more than just assist with their exercises. You'll be a key motivating force for your patients by encouraging them to complete difficult activities.

In addition to helping and motivating your patients, you'll also make notes about their progress to share with their physical therapist. You may also be asked to help patients complete assessments to gauge their strength and mobility. You'll measure range of motion and record patient vital signs. After each patient's appointment, you'll check in with the therapist to report on patient progress and talk about any adjustments that need to be made to the treatment plan. Your patients will come to know you by name and will rely on you to help them with their wellness goals.

As a physical therapist aide, you'll also be in charge of basic office duties such as organizing supplies, taking inventory and ordering essential supplies. You may take care of billing tasks. You'll also have the opportunity to help patients fill out intake paperwork.