Hospital Physical Therapy Aide and Assistant Job Description |
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Job Duties
Physical therapy assistants and aides help physical therapists provide care to patients. Typical job duties of assistants include providing exercise instruction, assistance in therapeutic methods like applying hot or cold presses, ultrasound treatments, and massage therapy, and supervising patients while using equipment. Physical therapist aides handle more of the administrative and clerical end of the work by performing the tasks of keeping records, handling appointments, answering phones, and filling out paper work. Assistants may also be asked to perform a number of these clerical duties. This job is demanding at times and generally requires candidates to be on their feet for most of the day. Work as a physical therapy assistant might also require light lifting and direct contact with patients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 72% of all physical therapist assistants and aides work in hospitals. These people generally tended to work full-time, while the other 28% worked part-time and on the weekends to accommodate patient’s needs.
Job Qualifications and Compensation
Becoming a physical therapy assistant requires extensive training and certification. Employers generally require an associate’s degree before hiring. Employers also generally require hands-on-clinical training in addition to the degree. This can be attained through internships and workshops. Ideal candidates are in good health, possess moderate strength, have good organizational, listening, and clerical skills, including reading and writing, and have a passion for helping people through injuries and disabilities. Problem detection and critical thinking are two other qualities that employers generally tend to favor and look for in applicants. As an additional requirement, most employers need a background check and drug test.
Physical therapy assistant and aide positions are salaried. Candidates can look to make around $40,000 a year. Advancement as a physical therapy aide includes becoming an assistant or physical therapist. For assistants, advancement in this profession is generally limited to becoming a full-fledged physical therapist. This requires a master’s or doctorate degree and the passage of many rigorous examinations and requirements. Benefits of working as a physical therapist position, aside from helping those in need, may include bonus opportunities, expense compensation, healthcare coverage, and flexible scheduling.
Who’s Hiring?
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