Physical Therapist Aide
Physical Therapist Aide Training
A career as a physical therapist aide can involve a variety of learning techniques and hands on experience. Here we’ll discuss physical therapist aide schools, education programs, training as well as salary.
Similar to careers in the software engineer, medical records and health information technician, and medical assistant fields, physical therapy aide positions are expected to be on the rise. An aide assists physical therapy practitioners treat patients for mobility, pain, and physical disability ailments such as arthritis, fractures, heart disease, cerebral palsy, and head injuries. Aides perform tasks such as collecting and prepping therapy equipment, keeping the area for patients clean, and assisting patients to and from the treatment area.
Physical therapist aide education mostly comes from on-the-job experience by working in physical therapy offices, rehabilitation facilities and hospitals. First aid and CPR certifications can also be a part of the education process. To advance to a physical therapist assistant position some states require individuals to finish an accredited physical therapist assistant program and earn an associates degree.
Physical therapist aide schools such as private colleges and universities offer varied curriculum for students wanting a career as physical therapy aides. Most schools provide full time associate degree programs as well as evening courses for working students. Some schools require students applying for physical therapy aide programs to have at least 20 hours of work experience with a physical therapist. Students will take classes like anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and clinical rotations. Physical therapist aide schools are designed to expose students to a varying range of patients and facilities. Participants can go on to work for rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, clinics, and public schools.
Physical therapist aide programs help students by teaching them necessary skills like safely moving patients from wheelchairs to beds, assessing how ailments affect a patient’s daily life, how to use industry machines, the difference between cold and heat therapies, and much more. Programs usually offer courses designed to show students how to help with a variety of conditions, everything from sprains to car accident injuries, arthritis to surgery recovery.
Physical therapist aide training is usually acquired on-the-job. Many physical therapy practitioners would like their aides to have a high school diploma. While training on-the-job, beginners will shadow experienced aides and assistants for about three to twelve months.
A physical therapist aide salary can vary and range from about $15,850 – $32,600. Salaries can also depend on the specific industry or practice the aide works in. Physical therapy aides working in the nursing care facilities industry typically have higher salaries.
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