May also be called: Occupational Therapy Aides; Physical Therapy Aides; Rehab Therapy Aides; Rehabilitation Aides; and Rehabilitation Technicians
Ancient Greek and Roman cultures knew the healing value of heat and massage. However, the real worth of physical therapy was not recognized until World War II. At this time, medical teams in the military were able to restore seriously injured patients. Their success caused more people in the medical field to appreciate the good that physical therapy could do. Physical Therapist Aides work under the direct and immediate supervision of a physical therapist. The Aides provide help when a patient is receiving physical therapy. Aides help make therapy sessions productive. They prepare for each patient's therapy by getting the equipment ready for the session. Aides keep treatment supplies in order and sterilize equipment and instruments. In addition, they provide physical support to patients. These patients require assistance with changing positions or moving on and off therapy equipment. Aides also perform clerical duties such as ordering supplies, filing medical records, and delivering messages. Because they are not licensed, Aides do not perform the clinical tasks of a physical therapist assistant. Aides give water treatments, paraffin baths, and apply hot and cold packs. They transport patients to and from treatment centers, using proper techniques according to the patients' conditions. Tools and Technology Physical Therapist Aides may use scheduling and medical software to schedule and maintain patient records. Aides use blood pressure cuffs, hydraulic lifts, and hot or cold packs. They also work with orthotic devices, parallel bars, prosthetic devices, and walkers.
Each task below is matched to a sample skill required to carry out the task.
Physical Therapist Aides generally work in hospitals and clinics. Aides may also work in rehabilitation centers and private physical therapists' offices. Aides need to be physically able to assist patients with movement. Sometimes they may need to lift patients. In addition, they frequently have to kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods. Aides may work full- or part-time, depending upon their employer's needs. Many outpatient physical therapy offices are open long hours to coincide with patients' personal schedules. Aides at these locations may work evenings or weekends. Physical Therapist Aides are not typically represented by unions.
The job of Physical Therapist Aides may appeal to those who enjoy providing service to others and working in a team situation. Those who enjoy communicating with people and teaching others should also enjoy this type of work. It is helpful to be well-organized, detail-oriented, caring, and able to follow instructions. It is also beneficial to have strong verbal and writing skills.
The median wage in 2021 for Physical Therapist Aides in California was $31,729 annually, or $15.26 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.
Full-time Physical Therapist Aides generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include medical, dental, life, and vision insurance. Additional common benefits are paid time off and retirement plans. A few employers even offer tuition reimbursement. However, some employers offer only partial benefits. Some do not provide benefits to part-time Aides. Others will offer benefits to those who work a set minimum number of hours.
As insurance companies cover an increasing number of physical therapy services, more patients will have access to services. The increasing elderly population will also increase the number of people who need therapy. These individuals are more vulnerable to conditions that require therapeutic services. The technological developments in the medical field should increase the survival rate of trauma victims and newborns with birth defects. These patients will create an added demand for therapy and rehabilitative services. Physical therapists are expected to increase their use of assistants and Aides to reduce the cost of their services. Therefore, the desire to reduce costs and the increase in demand and for services should enhance the demand for Physical Therapist Aides. On the other hand, Aides may face intense competition from the large pool of qualified applicants.
In California, the number of Physical Therapist Aides is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Physical Therapist Aides are expected to increase by 26.4 percent, or 1,900 jobs between 2018 and 2028.
Most Physical Therapy Aides are trained on the job. However, employers prefer that Aides have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers require candidates pass a drug and background check, as well as a physical evaluation. In addition, some employers want applicants to have a valid California driver license and automobile insurance.
Some employers prefer candidates have at least one year of experience as an Aide or in some sort of health care position. Employers who combine the position of Aide with clerk may also require one year of clerical experience.
Courses helpful to Physical Therapist Aides include English, biology, computer, and algebra. Because a few employers advertise for bilingual Aides, a foreign language may be of benefit. Students could also benefit from exposure to the health care environment by working or volunteering in health care facilities. Some Regional Occupation Programs (ROP) offer an introductory course in therapeutic services. To find an ROP program near you, go to the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs Web site at www.carocp.org/carocps.html.
Some employers require applicants have current CPR certification. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site at www.acinet.org and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" at www.acinet.org/certifications_new/default.aspx and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.
There are two ways to search for training information at www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/resources/training-and-apprenticeships.html
Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.
The largest industries employing Physical Therapist Aides are as follows:
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Job openings can be located in newspaper classified ads. It can also be helpful for candidates to contact facilities providing physical therapy services. Even if no job announcement has been posted, many employers still accept applications. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).
You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Physical Therapist Aides.
To locate a list of employers in your area, use "Find Employers" on the LaborMarketInfo Web site at http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/aspdotnet/databrowsing/empMain.aspx?menuChoice=emp
Some Physical Therapist Aides become physical therapist assistants after completing an accredited education program and obtaining a license to practice. Aides could advance to physical therapists by completing a four-to-six-year college program and obtaining a license.
Below is a list of occupations related to Physical Therapist Aides.
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Printed on Saturday, May 21, 2022