Therapy Aide

Position Overview

The Physical Therapist (PT) Technician, or aide, assists licensed Physical Therapists with patient care and clinic operations under direct supervision, performing tasks such as setting up treatment areas and equipment, guiding patients through prescribed exercises, maintaining patient records, performing administrative duties like scheduling, and ensuring cleanliness and organization within the facility. Their role is vital for the smooth functioning of a PT practice, enabling the therapist to focus on advanced treatment and patient assessment.

Essential Functions

• Assist therapists in implementing treatment plans by guiding patients through exercises, monitoring their progress, and helping them move safely around the clinic.
• Handle clerical duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, managing patient files, and assisting with patient intake and paperwork.
• Prepare treatment rooms by setting up necessary equipment, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and treatment areas after use, and ensuring linen supply is adequate.
• Monitor and help maintain physical therapy equipment and supplies, keeping them organized and ready for use.
• Provide basic patient education on how to use equipment correctly, as instructed by the physical therapist.
• Document patient information and treatment progress in patient files or electronic medical records.
• Responsible for timely start of therapy sessions and clinic flow to ensure all patients receive full treatment session.
• Perform scheduling of appointments, chart preparation and understanding of basic insurance requirements.
• Check patients in, help explain financial obligations to patients attending therapy, collect co-pays and balances due.
• Use Electronic Medical Records.
• Maintain patient safety, confidentiality and empathy to provide excellent customer service.
• Responsible for supply management, folding of linens, and performs cleaning and packaging of sterile instruments.
• Maintain compliance and safety to ensure a clean, safe work environment by adhering to all rules and regulations.
• Ability to take initiative, follow verbal instructions and problem solve in fast-paced environment.
• Administer modalities per therapist guidance and instructions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to assist patients with movement, which may include lifting and carrying.
• Basic understanding of physical therapy and its modalities, as well as familiarity with electronic health records.
• CPR Certification.

Working Conditions

• Typical business office environment.
• Constant viewing of computer monitor, mousing and typing.
• Frequent standing, walking and sitting.
• Frequent stooping, lifting, carrying and pushing/pulling 10 pounds or more.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Hours of business are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Four, ten-hour shifts with a consistent weekday off.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.