A lot of individuals confuse therapist aide to therapist assistant. However, you should note that working in the physical therapy field entails a range of entry points. They all come with different requirements regarding education, experience, and certification. This means that people from different backgrounds and goals can get in physical therapy careers. You should, however, be in a position to distinguish between physical therapy assistants and aides and know what they have in common. This way, you do not make the mistake of choosing the wrong career choice. In this article, you will learn more about the physical therapist aide.
What is a physical therapist aide?
Do you wish to find a job and looking for a fun yet challenging career? You should try being a physical therapy aide. The best part about this course is that you get to do something friendly and helpful. A physical therapist aide is not afraid of doing the most. Aides are not scared of getting their hands dirty and will do anything to help. The job mainly involves cleaning and sanitizing treatment equipment and areas washing of clothes. The aides may also perform clerical duties.
Any patients with mobility issues are also under the care of therapists’ aide to help them move from one treatment area to the next.
Physical therapist aide qualifications
To become a physical therapist aide, there has to be skills and qualifications to ensure that the work is well done. Some of the essential abilities include; creation of a safe and effective working environment, excellent verbal communication skills, listening, supply management, great patients services, and support, coordination, and discipline. Also, self-development and teamwork are a vital requirement. What's more? The aides should have stamina as they are required to move equipment after cleaning and moving patients to treatment areas. Compassion is the other critical aspect since the aides will be dealing with critical patients who need constant care during recovery.
How much does a physical therapist aide earn?
Working as a therapist aide can be a great stepping stone to other jobs in the physical therapy field and health care industry in general. The salary is as follows;
- Median annual salary - $25,730
- Top 25% annual salary $22,130
- Top 75% - $31,030
Education requirement
The best part about this career is that it does not demand much. A high school diploma certificate is all you need. If not, you need a GED. You will have an advantage if you have already taken the Sochi PTA Program. It is not uncommon to see one work as a physical therapist aide while still studying to be physical therapist assistants or before getting certified in physical therapy. Also, you need to have competent computer skills to qualify as an aide.
Satisfaction
This has proven to be a great career. An average America can work well until the age of 60, and with this job, you will enjoy having an enjoyable and fulfilling career. It is a challenging job yet very satisfying after ending your day, knowing that you have helped lots of people. It entails an excellent work-life balance, and you do not have to spend all day working to feel good. The best part is that you could be promoted along the way to get your career job.