How to Become a Physical Therapist Aide

Growth in employment of physical therapy aides is expected to grow 29 percent from 2006 to 2016. There are approximately 46,000 physical therapy aides currently employed--71 percent in physical therapy offices and hospitals and the rest in nursing facilities, offices of physicians, home health centers and outpatient care centers. Now is a great time to become a physical therapy aide.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. In the field of physical therapy, you will find a physical therapist, physical therapy assistant and a physical therapy aide. What is needed to begin your career of physical therapist aide? The minimum requirement is a high school diploma, moderate degree of strength and the ability to kneel, stoop and stand for long periods of time. You will also need to be well organized and detail oriented, have strong interpersonal skills, and be a caring person who likes to help others.

2. Understand that physical therapy aides are often responsible for gathering and preparing therapy equipment. They prepare the treatment rooms with the required equipment for each individual patient's needs. They are there to assist the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. They are given the task to keep the area clean, organized and prepared for the next session. Physical therapy aides will assist the patients to and from the treatment area pushing the patient's wheelchair or having the patient lean on their shoulder as they walk. Physical therapy aides are also responsible for clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, answering phones and filling out insurance forms.

3. Know that physical therapy aides can work full-time or part-time, however, a large number of positions are part-time. They receive on the job training and with direct supervision from physical therapist or physical therapy assistants can learn advance techniques often performed by physical therapy assistants. In a number of states, physical therapy aides can become physical therapy assistants with experience and if necessary further education. Physical therapy aides can expect a median income of $22,060 a year. The range is $15,850 to 32,600 for physical therapy aides. The factors included in that range involve the geographical location as well as where you are employed. Nursing care facilities average $24,170 per year, physician offices $22,680 per year, hospitals $22,680 per year and physical therapy offices $21,230 year. Assisting patients regain skills and abilities they have lost due to accident, illness or age is a rewarding career. If you have a true desire to help those in need and a strong back, this may be the path you were meant to take.