How do they match: Physical Therapist Aides

  • Physical Therapist Technician
  • Physical Therapy Technician
  • Rehabilitation Technician

  • Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

  • Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
  • Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
  • Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.
  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
  • Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
  • Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
  • Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.
  • Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
  • Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
  • Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.

  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
  • Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
  • Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
  • Assist patients with daily activities.
  • Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
  • Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
  • Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
  • Engage patients in exercises or activities.
  • Fit patients for assistive devices.
  • Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
  • Move patients to or from treatment areas.
  • Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
  • Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.