Occupation AtlasPhysical Therapist Aides
O*NET · 31-2022.00
Physical Therapist Aides
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.
Also called Aide · Outpatient Aide · Outpatient Therapy Aide · Physical Therapist Aide (PTA) · Physical Therapy Aide (PTA) · Physiotherapy Aide · PT Attendant · PT Attendant (Physical Therapy Attendant)
12 more
PT Tech · PT Tech (Physical Therapist Technician) · PT Tech (Physical Therapy Technician) · PTA · RA · Rehabilitation Aide · Rehabilitation Attendant · Rehabilitation Tech · Rehabilitation Technician (Rehabilitation Tech) · Rehabilitation Therapy Aide · Restorative Aide (RA) · Therapy Aide
Compare with another occupationCompare with Occupational Therapy Aides
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SRCSocial · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social5.95
- R Realistic4.74
- C Conventional3.92
- I Investigative2.58
- E Enterprising2.06
- A Artistic1.07
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (62%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (70%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- NegotiationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- SciencebasicImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.3Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.Importance 4.5
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.Importance 4.5
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.Importance 4.4
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.Importance 4.3
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.Importance 4.2
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.Importance 4.2
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.Importance 4.2
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.Importance 4.2
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.Importance 4.0
- Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.Importance 4.0
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.Importance 3.9
- Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.Importance 3.6
Show the other 7
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.Importance 3.6
- Record treatment given and equipment used.Importance 4.2
- Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.Importance 4.2
- Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.Importance 4.0
- Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.Importance 3.7
- Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.Importance 3.4
- Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.Importance 3.1
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- PsychologyImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- AdministrativeImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- MathematicsImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- BiologyImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- TransportationImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- PhysicsImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- MechanicalImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- ChemistryImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- DesignImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
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- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- StaminaImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Response OrientationImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Rate ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 5.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 2.8
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
9 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
- Medical procedure coding software
- Patient record maintenance software
- Scheduling software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Occupational Therapy Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.6, Repairing +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Skincare Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.8, Equipment Selection +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Security Guards
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design −0.8, Instructing −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.8, Speaking +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.0, Speaking +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Personal Care Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.8, Service Orientation +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Nursing Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −0.9, Service Orientation +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Childcare Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.8, Operation and Control −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.