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.

$60,050
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+16% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Physical therapist aides work directly with patients under the close supervision of licensed physical therapists or physical therapy assistants, helping create a smooth and efficient treatment environment. They prepare treatment areas by setting up equipment like exercise balls, resistance bands, weights, and therapy tables before patients arrive. During sessions, they assist patients with moving between different areas of the clinic, help them get positioned correctly for exercises or treatments, and observe to ensure safety. Much of their day involves routine but essential tasks like cleaning equipment after use, changing linens on treatment tables, and restocking supplies. They also handle administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and managing patient paperwork.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Ivy Tech Community College, IN
$33,802
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)New Community Career & Technical Institute, NJ
$27,718
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Cochise County Community College District, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Coconino Community College, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Carrington College-Mesa, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Carrington College-Phoenix North, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Eastern Arizona College, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Carrington College-Tucson, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Pima Community College, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Regional Center for Border Health, AZ
$26,105
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, AR
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Butler Community College, KS
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)California Nurses Educational Institute, CA
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Cloud County Community College, KS
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Arapahoe Community College, CO
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Allan Hancock College, CA
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Best Care College, NJ
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Central New Mexico Community College, NM
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)American River College, CA
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations, FL
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Central Technology Center, OK
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)City College of San Francisco, CA
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Academia Serrant Inc, PR
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Clovis Adult Education, CA
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Central Coast College, CA
$23,917

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