DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
31-2022 Physical Therapist Aides
Occupational Description:
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 280 | 31 | $19.16/hr | $0.36/hr | $12.59/hr | $16.28/hr | $18.66/hr | $21.96/hr | $27.53/hr |
| U S | 49,270 | 1,133 | $14.28/hr | $0.10/hr | $9.93/hr | $11.41/hr | $13.21/hr | $15.81/hr | $19.45/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 12,970 | $17.60/hr | 2.9% |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 8,430 | $26.84/hr | 2.2% |
| Physical Therapists | 4,670 | $41.10/hr | 4.3% |
| Athletic Trainers | 720 | $51,387/yr | 4.8% |
| Recreational Therapists | 410 | $27.98/hr | 2.4% |
Tasks for Physical Therapist Aides
- Observes patientsduring treatment and compiles and evaluates data on patients'responses to treatments and progress, and reports to physical therapist.
- Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Administers traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
- Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities, such as perambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily-living activities.
- Safeguards, motivates, and assists patients practicing exercises and functional activities under direction of professional staff.
- Trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
- Adjusts fit of supportive devices for patients, as instructed.
- Provides routine treatments, such as hydrotherapy, hot and cold packs, and paraffin bath.
- Performs clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.
- Cleans work area and equipment after treatment.
- Transports patients to and from treatment area.
- Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
- Records treatment given and equipment used.
- Assists patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
- Measures patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
- Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
- Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment.
