Lawrence Said:

Physical Therapy Aide - What exactly does an aide help with!?!?

We Answered:

A physical therapy aide (not to be confused with a physical therapist assistant...which is a licensed professional) is usually an on-the-job training position. It may vary from clerical work to transportation of patients, to performing a modality on a patient under the direct supervision of a PT. In our clinic, aids have no direct contact with patients unless we need physical "help" during a treatment (such as helping a patient to stand). There is no minimum requirement, but there are community based courses that can prepare one for a job such as this.

Justin Said:

Is the penn foster career physical therapy aide worth it is it like going to regular school what about handson

We Answered:

While I commend physical therapy aides for trying to make the job more professional, the fact of the matter is that it is really a job which one can learn on the job. The function of aides in most states and settings is so restricted anyway, that often their jobs are primarily just to help the PTs and PTAs under direct instructions, and complete clerical tasks such as clean the gym, answer phones, file, etc. They rarely have any one to one contact with a patient; therefore, I feel that this is not a job that requires any formal training or certification.

I think schools are designing these programs are trying to lure students into thinking that it's an easy way to transition to a PTA or PT degree...when it really isn't. They also greatly inflate the expected income of an aide. Most students come out of the aide training program finding that there are very few aide jobs and that most pay about $9-10 and hour. I think these trade schools are out just to take your money.

We have a large facility with four different rehab departments (med/surg, IP rehab, OP rehab, and day rehab) and we only employ 1 full time and 2 part-time aides when the rest of our staff has reached over 100 in PTs, PTAs, OTs, OTAs, and SLPs. We have one aide who really makes somewhat of a livable salary, but he's been doing it for over 20 years...

The rest of our aides learned everything they need to know with on the job training.

I would just apply without any formal training...and only if you find they specifically are looking for it would I seek a formal educational program. ...or better yet, if I was going to invest the time to become an aide (6 months to a year), I would just stick it out another year for the PTA degree and nearly double your opportunity and salary.

Clifford Said:

Bringing Letter of Recommendation to job interview?

We Answered:

You'll need to provide your old employer as your prior employment, but there is no reason you need to use him as a REFERENCE. Usually (espeically for this type of position), they will just want to know where you were employed. They may call to see if you were, infact, employed there...but cannot comment further unless you state them as a reference. Do not offer whether they "should" or "shouldn't" contact them.

As far as references, simply put on your application/resume: references and letters of recommendation available upon request.

Don't mention your ex-boss or calling or not calling him. If your employer is interested in your working relationship with him, the interviewer will ask. Provide honest answers, but don't get overly involved in the question. If they ask, focus on the fact that you were employed, but were informed by the employer that they were going to restructure staffing and that your position was eliminated (if that's accurate).

Also, ALWAYS ask someone before putting them down as a reference.

Katie Said:

Physical Therapy aide?

We Answered:

There is no reason why you have to have a job as an aide to become a PTA. Many people in PTA school have other jobs as the complete their career change: teacher, mom, engineer. There is certainly not one aide job for every person in PTA school. You certainly will get some exposure to the clinic, but you will get the appropriate education in your PTA program. Most aides function like clerical staff...answering phones, filing, scheduling patients, cleaning/stocking...only occasionally will you help with patient care (although this also depends on your state and setting).

However, you may get more luck by visiting the HR department of your local hospital to see if a position is available. If you cannot get one...don't sweat it.