Physical Therapist Aides Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Medical software

Tasks
	Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
	Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
	Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
	Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
	Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
	Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
	Record treatment given and equipment used.
	Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
	Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
	Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

Skills
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $34,649.00 $16.66  $14.85  $15.07 - $17.81  Bridgeport/Stamford $34,659.00 $16.66  $15.60  $15.68 - $16.63  Hartford $35,464.00 $17.05  $14.75  $14.78 - $18.68  New Haven $35,558.00 $17.10  $14.84  $14.90 - $17.81  Waterbury $32,788.00 $15.76  $14.37  $14.46 - $16.35  Torrington $32,182.00 $15.47  $14.24  $14.64 - $15.47

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   51   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average, but the number of annual openings will offer somewhat limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.