Physical Therapy Aide Job Responsibilities:

• Supports physical therapy care delivery by preparing treatment area, patient, equipment, and materials, and performs procedures under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patient into physical therapy apparel or apertures.
• Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests and allaying fears.
• Helps treat patients by applying heat packs and paraffin dips, assisting patients into whirlpool, helping patients onto exercise equipment, monitoring motion, tracking walking time and distance, measuring mobility, and performing prescribed exercises and strengthening techniques.
• Educates patients by demonstrating proper use of equipment and exercise routines.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Provides equipment and supplies by sterilizing and delivering equipment and supplies to treatment area, positioning equipment for therapist access, and positioning patient on equipment.
• Ensures operation of physical therapy equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment, and calling for repairs.
• Maintains physical therapy supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing, and expediting orders for supplies, and verifying receipt of supplies.
• Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards.

Physical Therapy Aide Skills and Qualifications:

• Safety focus
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Empathy and compassion
• Patient focus
• Teamwork
• Multi-tasking
• Supply management
• Physical strength and stamina

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED