Physical therapy aides have the best of both worlds: they work in therapy departments both directly and indirectly with clients, yet most have no formal training or even a degree. Physical therapy aides have many job functions and duties within the rehabilitation world.
The Facts
Despite the fact that physical therapy aides do not possess advanced therapy degrees, or even associate degrees in therapy, they are a vital part of the rehab team. Physical therapy aides, also known as rehabilitation technicians, can be a physical therapist's right hand. Physical therapy aides assist both the physical therapist (PT) and the PT assistant with basic duties such as wiping down treatment areas, supervising patients during exercise programs and gathering necessary supplies for treatment preparation.
Misconceptions
Physical therapy aides are often mistaken for therapists or therapy assistants, since they generally wear similar uniforms and perform similar duties. While they are legally able to run basic exercise programs under a therapist's supervision, they are not allowed to make any alterations to the programs or to give advice to clients. Physical therapy clients often see aides as authority figures; however, insurance regulations forbid them from making recommendations other than what the PT has laid out.
Benefits
Ask physical therapists whether they prefer to work with a physical therapy aide or work alone, and most will choose the former. The aide performs functions that save therapists valuable, unproductive time. Many rehabilitation facilities and clinics require therapists to maintain high productivity levels for maximum efficiency. Changing linens, adjusting schedules and retrieving equipment pull PTs away from direct patient care. Having a physical therapy aide available to assist with these duties allows therapists to spend more quality time with clients.
Function
Not only does a physical therapy aide provide benefits to a rehabilitation facility, but being an aide has its own benefits. Working as a PT aide can actually function as on-the-job training for aspiring PTs. Physical therapy degree programs require a significant number of observation hours in the therapy field before they will even consider a potential student's application. Not only do physical therapy aides get to see firsthand what the job is all about, they also get to participate directly in client care. And, unlike observation volunteers, they get paid to do it.
Significance
A physical therapy aide can make or break a rehabilitation department. A great aide is able to anticipate the therapist's needs and help her through her treatment day with little to no hiccups, making the aide one of the most valuable members of the team. An aide helps physical therapists be more productive, and thus provide better client care. Even though they have little formal training, physical therapy aides are just as important as the therapists they serve.
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