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A physical therapy tech is an important member of a physical therapy team. They help patients with exercises and carry out treatments under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
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Introduction
A physical therapy technicians is responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. They may also be involved in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining records.
Some of the duties of a physical therapy technician include:
– Assisting patients with exercises and activities
– aiding in the development of treatment plans
– measuring and documenting patients’ progress
– educating patients and families about therapy and injury prevention
Duties of a Physical Therapy Tech
A physical therapy tech, also called a PT tech, helps patients with physical therapy exercises and activities. They might also help with things like electrotherapy and ultrasound. PT techs generally work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Let’s take a closer look at the duties of a PT tech.
Assisting patients with exercises
As a physical therapy tech, you will be responsible for assisting patients with exercises and stretches that are designed to improveRange of motion. You will also help patients with any therapeutic equipment they need to use, such as weights, parallel bars, or pulleys. You will be expected to monitor patients during their treatments and report any changes in their condition to the supervising physical therapist.
In addition to assisting patients with their treatments, you will also be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the therapy area and equipment. This includes disinfecting surfaces, laundry, and stocking supplies. You may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
Helping patients with rehabilitative activities
As a physical therapy tech, you will provide support to physical therapists as they treat patients with mobility issues. Your duties will include helping patients with rehabilitative activities, recording patients’ progress, and performing office and clerical tasks.
You will need to be physically fit and able to lift patients and equipment. You should also have good communication and interpersonal skills, as you will be working closely with patients. In some states, you may need to be certified or licensed as a physical therapy assistant.
Cleaning and maintaining equipment
As a physical therapy tech, you will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining all of the equipment used by the physical therapists. This includes sterilizing all of the equipment, as well as keeping it in good working order. You will also be responsible for setting up the equipment for each patient’s session.
Education and Training Requirements
The education and training requirements for physical therapy techs vary by state but most states require physical therapy techs to have at least an associate’s degree in physical therapy or a related field. Some states also require physical therapy techs to be licensed or registered.
Physical therapy tech programs
There are several ways to enter the field of physical therapy as a tech. Most people complete a formal education program, which can last anywhere from six months to two years. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some four-year colleges and universities. Some people may also enter the field through on-the-job training, which can last up to a year. However, most employers prefer to hire techs who have completed an accredited education program.
Certification
In order to work as a physical therapy tech, certification is required in most states. Certification can be obtained through an accredited program, which typically takes about six weeks to complete. Once certified, PT techs are required to renew their certification every two years.
Education and training requirements for physical therapy techs vary by state, but most states require PT techs to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states may require PT techs to complete an accredited PT technician program, while other states may require on-the-job training.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for physical therapy technicians is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will grow by 30 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for PT technicians will be driven by the aging baby boomer population, who will need PT services to recover from injuries, strokes, and other age-related health problems.
Salary
In order to become a physical therapy tech, one must complete an accredited physical therapy technician program and pass a state-approved examination. Upon completion of the program and passage of the state examination, the physical therapy tech will be able to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. The average salary for a physical therapy tech is $32,000 per year.
Conclusion
A career as a physical therapy tech may be the perfect choice for you if you are interested in helping others recover from injury or illness. As a PT tech, you will work closely with physical therapists to provide quality care to patients. If you are a people person who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, then a career as a PT tech may be the right fit for you.
