What does a physical therapist aide do?

Physical therapist aides work under the supervision of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to do vary by state. They usually are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized, preparing for each patient’s therapy, and helping patients as needed in moving to or from a treatment area. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and completing insurance forms.

What are the key characteristics for pursuing a career as a physical therapist aide?

When considering a career as a physical therapist aide, there are important qualities one should possess. These qualities include:3 Compassion Attention to detail Dexterity Interpersonal skills Physical stamina

How long does it take to become a physical therapist aide?

The journey to working as a physical therapist aide is different for everyone. At Carrington College, students can complete the Physical Therapy Technology program in as few as 9 months.

Do physical therapist aides need certification?

You don’t have to be certified or licensed to become a physical therapist aide.3 However, a certificate program can prepare you for your career with skills, knowledge, and real-world experience that will make your transition into your first job easier.

Should I go to school to be a physical therapist aide?

Attending school to be a physical therapist aide is a great way to kickstart your career, but it’s not the right decision for everyone. You’ll need to consider your budget, your career goals, and what you want to get out of physical therapist aide training when deciding if going to school is right for you.

Are there any other careers related to physical therapy?

Several jobs are similar to the work of physical therapist aides. Some of these job titles include: Restorative aide Rehabilitation aide Rehabilitation attendant

Medical Programs

Physical Therapy Technology

Earn your Certificate of Achievement to be prepared for employment as a physical therapist aide.

Program Details

Cost & Financial Aid

Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. Every student comes to Carrington College with unique financial needs. Carrington College is committed to helping you achieve your education goals. We participate in most financial assistance programs, both federal and state, as well as private financing. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Academic Cost

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see page 230 of the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College’s Physical Therapy Technology program is available at 2 campuses in Arizona. To learn more about each location, explore their campus pages.

Mesa

Tucson

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at www.accjc.org/.

For comprehensive information on Carrington’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation.

Course Catalog

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Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

For students wanting to further their education after their Physical Therapy Technology certificate, Carrington’s Health Studies Associate of Science Degree program provides an opportunity for individuals to build on prior education to earn the educational credential that is often needed for advancement in the health and wellness fields.

The Health Studies AS Degree program is an online degree-completion option that provides students a broad base of general education course offerings that can be completed in as few as 7 months after you complete the Physical Therapy Technology program at Carrington.

Student Outcomes

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn a Certificate of Achievement in as few as 9 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at 2 of our Arizona campuses.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

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Career Opportunities

Physical therapist aides perform a variety of tasks that help keep the office running smoothly. Physical therapist aides support physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.¹ Their day-to-day responsibilities include cleaning treatment areas, setting up equipment for appointments, washing linens, as well as performing clerical duties such as answering the phone or submitting patient intake forms. In some cases, a physical therapist aide might be responsible for ordering supplies and completing insurance forms.²

A physical therapist aide can also interact with patients, helping them move to different treatment areas. The work and tasks that aides are allowed to do vary by state, and you may also see some variety in the responsibilities required by different employers.² Jobs in offices or facilities that specialize in more intensive rehabilitation, such as helping patients who are recovering from spinal cord injuries, may require aides to assist with more hands-on work with patients.¹ In this environment, a physical therapist aide could help patients fulfill basic life skills, like showering or eating.

What Will I Learn?

Anatomy and Physiology

Medical Terminology

Therapeutic Applications

Check out our guide on becoming a Physical Therapist Aide.

If you’re interested in helping people live healthy, active lives and ready to jumpstart your career in as few as 9 months, then a career as a physical therapist aide might be ideal for you! Physical therapist aides help with tasks like documenting patient treatments, scheduling appointments, and taking clients to different areas of a health care facility.

Physical Therapy Technology FAQ

What does a physical therapist aide do?

Physical therapist aides work under the supervision of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to do vary by state. They usually are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized, preparing for each patient’s therapy, and helping patients as needed in moving to or from a treatment area. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and completing insurance forms.²

Learn more about what you can do in this career here.
What are the key characteristics for pursuing a career as a physical therapist aide?
When considering a career as a physical therapist aide, there are important qualities one should possess. These qualities include:³
- Compassion
- Attention to detail
- Dexterity
- Interpersonal skills
- Physical stamina
How long does it take to become a physical therapist aide?

The journey to working as a physical therapist aide is different for everyone. At Carrington College, students can complete the Physical Therapy Technology program in as few as 9 months.
Do physical therapist aides need certification?

You don’t have to be certified or licensed to become a physical therapist aide.³ However, a certificate program can prepare you for your career with skills, knowledge, and real-world experience that will make your transition into your first job easier.
Should I go to school to be a physical therapist aide?

Attending school to be a physical therapist aide is a great way to kickstart your career, but it’s not the right decision for everyone. You’ll need to consider your budget, your career goals, and what you want to get out of physical therapist aide training when deciding if going to school is right for you.
Are there any other careers related to physical therapy?
Several jobs are similar to the work of physical therapist aides. Some of these job titles include:
- Restorative aide
- Rehabilitation aide
- Rehabilitation attendant

Sources:

Student loans, grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-2
www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-4