Ann Said:

What's the uniform for a physical therapy aide?

We Answered:

It will really depend on the setting. On our rehab and outpatient units, they wear "nice casual"...khaki's and collared shirt. Shoes are either clean gym shoes or comfortable nice casual dress shoes. On our medical surgical unit, they may wear scrubs with or without a lab coat.

Base pay for a PT tech/aide (not to be confused with an assistant) is usually a couple bucks above minimum wage. Very few do it full time. National average yearly pay is about $17,000. Duties will vary on setting and state practice laws. In can be anything from clerical duties, to patient transportation to a PT department, housekeeping tasks, maintenance of equipment to assisting a therapist is administering a treatment.

...and as far as education, you don't need any formal education to be a tech.

Josephine Said:

Does a career diploma help to become a physical therapy aide?

We Answered:

definitely not. save your money. A facility will do on the job training.
PT aides/techs can not by law have patient contact, you will be dong clerical and cleaning.

Max Said:

How do I begin looking or a job as a Physical Therapy Aide?

We Answered:

Yes, they pay at least minimum wage, but not much beyond that. However, you are right, it's a good experience for someone who is hoping to become a PT or PTA. Check with the HR department of your local hospitals, call private practices directly and simply inquire about openings. These are the type of jobs that aren't always readily advertised.

Clifford Said:

What are some common questions questions asked at an interview for a physical therapy aide posistion?

We Answered:

They will probably want to know if:
1. You've ever had a job where you worked with people
2. Are you familiar with being around those with disabilities
3. What are your aspirations?
4. What do you know about PT?

They are usually looking for people who are comfortable being around people, being in close contact, having good interpersonal skills such as answering phones, customer service, etc.

You should also be familiar with the practice guidelines for techs in your state. (If such guidelines exist in your state) You can see the link on the APTA website at: http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

Good luck

Martin Said:

What is the difference in the Physical therapy Aide and the Physical therapy assistant?

We Answered:

Physical therapist assistants and aides help physical therapists to provide treatment that improves patient mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients. Assistants help provide therapy under the supervision of the physical therapist and record their responses and such. Aides help by cleaning the treatment area, organizing equipment, and helping the patients move around. The aides sometimes perform clerical tasks like answering the phone, filing paperwork and ordering supplies. Aides are not licensed like the PTA so they cannot help with the therapy itself but with experience and more education they can get licensed as a PTA.

Salaries are also different, aides make around $21,230 to $24,170 and assistants make $39,290 to $46,390.

Ashley Said:

Is there a physical therapy aide job available?

We Answered:

Check your local clinic.
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