Physical Therapy Aides
Jenny Tsang-Quinn
To follow-up on last month’s blog entry on physical therapy assistants, this month, we’ll focus on physical therapy aides (PT aides).
PT aides are expected to be in high demand, and the percentage of jobs is expected to increase by 46% between 2010 and 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average wage for PT aides in New York is $26,910. If you like to interact with people, enjoy moving around, and work in a team setting, becoming a PT aide might be for you.
Like physical therapy assistants, PT aides work under the supervision of a physical therapist. PT aides are also supervised by physical therapy assistants. Together with the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, PT aides are part of an important team that helps patients improve mobility and function.
In New York State, PT aides have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, and often learn their duties in the workplace. PT aides do not need a license to work, but that also means that they cannot provide direct patient care. PT aides may be asked to help a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant while a treatment is being given to patient.
PT aides perform a range of duties, like preparing the treatment room and ensuring that the area is clean and organized, helping patients move within the treatment room, and completing administrative work, like answering the telephone and helping patients complete insurance forms.
As a member of a team that interacts with patients, many who are recovering from surgery or trauma, PT aides must have compassion and good interpersonal skills. PT aides must also like to be on their feet most of the day and move around — physical therapy treatment areas are large with multiple patients and providers working together at the same time. PT aides must be ready to gather and provide a resource to the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in an efficient manner.
Jenny Tsang-Quinn M.D. is the Executive Director for the New York Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (NYACH). At NYACH, Jenny is overseeing a project that engages healthcare employers in the analysis of current and future labor force needs and partners with workforce training organizations to meet those needs.
On the 2nd Friday of each month, Jenny will share advice and insight on jobs in the healthcare industry. If you have a question or comment for Jenny, drop her a note below. And, don’t forget to share this with your friends on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
were i can get information about to find job as pt aide. Thanks.
HELLO Jenny, I read the information about Physical Therapy Aid position and I am very intersting, so I will like to know more information like how can I apply or what can I do to get into this position.
Thanks You
Maria
Hi Jenny, I’m also interested in learning more about being a PT Aide. How can I apply or get more information regarding this position?
Hi Ana Elsa de la Cruz, Maria, and Velma, Thanks for your questions. Physical therapy (PT) aides work under the supervision of a physical therapist and are often found working in physical therapists’ offices, hospitals, or other healthcare settings that support physical therapy. So, one place to start is by looking in your local area for these employers and inquiring about job openings as a PT aide. Keep in mind that many employers will likely ask for work experience as a PT aide, so those new to the field may have to find opportunities to volunteer in order to learn about the work environment and routines, equipment used in physical therapy, and administrative responsibilities. You can also visit the Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center (http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/wf1/html/about/healthcare.shtml) for help with your job search.
Hello my name is catherine im interested in working as pt aide can u help me get stated how can I start finding job want should i do thank you for your time.
Hi Catherine, The Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center is probably the best place to start.
hi Jenny, My name is Ann and I’m interested in becoming an aide in Physicaln Therapy, how can I get help in this field through WorkForce 1, Training, Financing, etc… Thanks.
Hi Ann Simms, Check out the Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center for more help on getting a job in the healthcare field.
Hi, i came to know lot more about the Physical Therapy than before, and i really enjoyed.