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Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants

THE JOB

Treating health problems by applying heat and exercise had its beginnings in 
ancient times.  The healing value of hot baths, sunlight, and massage have 
been known for a long time.

Before World War I, not many people knew about physical therapy.  The 
American Physical Therapy Association was started in 1921, and the 
professional status of the field was established.  The real worth of 
physical therapy was not recognized until World War II when medical teams 
in the armed forces were able to rehabilitate seriously injured patients.  
Their success caused more people in the medical field to appreciate the good 
that physical therapy could do.

The two jobs described in this guide are very important to the physical 
therapy field.  The people in them work as key members of the medical team 
that provides complete physical therapy to patients.

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS are professional health care workers who provide 
various treatments under the direction of physical therapists.  Typical 
duties include giving heat, light and sound treatments and massages and 
exercises that help heal muscles, nerves, bones and joints.  They teach and 
motivate patients to learn or improve necessary activities such as walking, 
climbing and general mobility.  Patients are watched during treatment, and 
their reactions and progress are recorded and reported to therapists by the 
Assistants.  They fit patients for and teach them to use corrective 
equipment, which may be braces or artificial arms and legs or supportive 
devices such as wheelchairs.  They track the progress of treatments by 
taking scheduled measurements.  All of their duties are meant to help 
therapists restore physical ability in patients of all ages.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDES are skilled health care workers who help Physical 
Therapists or Physical Therapy Assistants when a patient is getting 
treatment.  They prepare patients by helping them dress and undress and by 
putting on and taking off supports and other helpful devices. They put them 
into therapy equipment and supports and turn and keep them stable during 
treatment.  Routine treatments are carried out by Aides.  They give water 
treatments and paraffen baths.  They apply hot and cold packs, keep track of 
patients' condition during treatment and report signs of tiredness, distress 
or other problems.   They take patients to and from treatment centers, using 
proper techniques according to the patients' condition.  These workers also 
change bed sheets and pillow cases, keep treatment supplies in order, clean 
treatment areas, and sterilize or disinfect equipment and instruments.  They 
also have clerical duties which include ordering supplies, filing medical 
records, and delivering messages.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants work on health teams with doctors, 
nurses, and occupational and physical therapists. They work in public and 
private hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, physical therapists' 
offices, and schools for the physically challenged.  The buildings are well 
lighted, air conditioned, and nice to work in.  Physical therapy work 
requires varying degrees of physical exertion, since it involves lifting and 
positioning patients.  Good health and endurance are needed, and eyesight 
must be sharp enough to watch what the patient does during physical therapy 
treatments.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market 
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates 
that the number of Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides in California will 
reach 15,600 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 7,260 over the number there 
was in 1993.

There will also be an estimated 3,780 job openings due to people retiring or 
leaving the occupation.  Added to the 7,260 new jobs expected, this makes 
for an estimated total of 11,040 job opportunities through 2005.

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides are in the Top Fifty Fastest Growth 
Occupations in California.

Most of the employers that were surveyed in 1993 reported a bigger demand 
for Physical Therapy Aides than for Assistants, but both these jobs are 
expected to grow twice as fast as all other jobs.  Those who are thinking of 
physical therapy as a career may want to start at the Aide level and get the 
practical experience and visibility necessary to promote to licensed 
Assistant jobs.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Physical Therapy Aides with no experience earn between minimum wage to 
$13.00 per hour.  Those with some experience can make from the minimum to 
$14.00 per hour.  Wages for Aides with three years or more with the same 
company range from $7.00 to $17.00 an hour. 

The wages for Physical Therapy Assistants are higher than Aides.  Wages for 
Assistants with no experience range between $6.00 to $20.00 per hour.  Those 
with some experience can earn $7.00 to $24.00 per hour.  Assistants with 
three years or more experience with the same company can make between $8.25 
to $27.00 per hour.

Almost all employers offer paid vacation, sick leave, medical and life 
insurance, retirement plans, and dental and vision insurance.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Physical Therapy Aides get on the job training from Physical Therapists.  
Employers hire applicants who have a high school diploma or who have a 
certificate of equivalency.  They require speaking and writing skills, 
readable handwriting, and the ability to read and follow instructions.  Some 
employers hire only applicants who have completed at least a short 
vocational training program in physical therapy offered at some community 
colleges.

Physical Therapy Assistants must be licensed by the California Physical 
Therapy Examining Board.  There are two ways to qualify for the license.  
Graduates with an associate degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from an 
accredited school can apply for the examination.  Physical Therapy Aides 
qualify if they have worked a minimum of three years as an Aide for a 
licensed physical therapist and have Board approved college coursework that 
relates to the occupation.  This is an Application by Equivalency process.

A list of accredited schools in California can be ordered from the 
California Physical Therapy Examining Board or from the California Chapter 
of the American Physical Therapy Association.


ADVANCEMENT

Promotional opportunity for Aides is fairly low.  They may promote to the 
level of licensed assistant through Application by Equivalency, as was 
stated before.  With experience, Assistants advance to staff training and 
development or to supervisory positions.  Some decide to earn a bachelor's 
degree in physical therapy and move up to be fully qualified therapists.  
Taking an active role in educational conventions and workshops given by 
physical therapy professional associations is an excellent method of career 
development and advancement.


FINDING THE JOB

Applying directly to hospital and clinic physical therapy departments and to 
private practice therapists is still the best way to find a job for both 
experienced and trainee Physical Therapy Aides.  Graduate placement programs 
of accredited Physical Therapy Assisting schools provide an important link 
between employers and students through the on campus recruitment program.  
Applying directly to hospital physical therapy departments and participating 
in professional associations often leads to employment.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-2782

California Chapter, American Physical Therapy Association
1107 9th Street, Suite 1050
Sacramento, CA 95814-3690
(916) 446-0069

California Physical Therapy Examining Board
1034 Howe Ave. Suite 3291
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 263-2550

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Physical Therapists                      No.  117

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Physical Therapist Assistant          076-224.010
Physical Therapy Aide                 355-354.010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Physical Therapist Assistants & Aides      660170


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.