How do they match: Physical Therapist Aides

  • 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.

  • Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
  • Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
  • Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
  • Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
  • 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.
  • Record treatment given and equipment used.
  • 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.
  • Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
  • Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
  • Move patients to or from treatment areas.