Physical Therapy Aide Job Description

What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?

The first patient of the day finds clean mats and warm hot packs because a physical therapy aide got to the clinic early. Aides keep outpatient clinics, hospital therapy gyms and nursing home rehab rooms running, restocking supplies, checking patients in and helping them move between treatment areas by wheelchair or on foot. Any other hands-on help follows a therapist's instructions.

Physical Therapy Aide Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a physical therapy aide include:

• Clean treatment tables, mats and exercise equipment between patients.
• Set up hot packs, ice, weights and bands before each appointment.
• Help patients move to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or gait belts.
• Wash, fold and stock towels, linens and gowns.
• Answer phones, schedule appointments and check patients in at the front desk.
• Restock supplies and tell the office manager when items run low.
• Stay close to patients during exercises when a therapist asks for an extra spotter.
• Keep the waiting area and treatment rooms tidy and safe to walk through.
• File paperwork, scan documents and verify insurance details for new patients.
• Report equipment problems and patient concerns to the physical therapist on duty.

Required Skills and Qualifications

To succeed as a physical therapy aide, you will need the following skills and qualifications:

• CPR certification
• Safe patient handling and transfer technique
• Infection control and cleaning procedures
• Front desk and scheduling software
• Friendly, encouraging manner with patients in pain
• Stamina for lifting and hours on your feet
• Following directions exactly
• Interest in physical therapy as a future career

Education and Training

While many aides are hired straight out of high school, it is a good idea to earn CPR certification before you apply to show you are ready to help with patients. Training happens on the job. Experience as an aide could lead to a place in a PTA or physical therapy program, since admissions often ask for observation hours.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to BLS, employment of physical therapist aides is projected to grow about 4 percent from 2025 to 2035. The occupation is small, with roughly 6,400 openings a year. Many aides move on to become assistants or therapists, which keeps positions opening for newcomers.

Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Physical therapist aides.