Physical therapy aides work directly under the supervision of a physical therapist and physical therapy assistant. Physical therapy assistants are not often involved in direct patient care. They are responsible for helping get the patient care area ready for the physical therapist and physical therapy assistants to help a patient who has had an injury or some other ailment where they need help getting their range of motion back. Physical therapy aides are responsible for the following according to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsĀ (BLS):
Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment Wash linens Keep equipment organized Help patients move to or from a therapy area Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones, filling out insurance forms and scheduling patients