How to Be Physical Therapist Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 4, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Physical therapist technicians are important members of physical therapy teams. Their work is to assist physical therapists in providing care to patients, ranging from helping with exercises to preparing treatment areas. As a result of their work, patients receive more complete and effective care, leading to improved health outcomes.

Physical therapist technicians have the ability to help a patient recover faster by providing hands-on care, such as helping them with exercises, applying therapeutic devices, and aiding with mobility. they can help reduce the amount of time physical therapists need to spend on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on the clinical aspects of treatment. By working together, physical therapists and physical therapist technicians can provide an optimal level of care for their patients, improving the quality of life for many individuals.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer to hire Physical Therapy Technician applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Consider pursuing a post-secondary education. Some employers may prefer applicants who have completed a post-secondary program, such as an associates or bachelors degree in physical therapy, health sciences, kinesiology, or a related field. Completing a program may also help you become eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Take the NPTE. The NPTE is a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of physical therapy. Those who pass the exam qualify for certification as a Physical Therapy Technician (PTT).
Obtain state licensure. Some states require Physical Therapy Technicians to be licensed in order to work in the field. Requirements vary by state, so its important to research your states laws and regulations before applying for a position.
Gain experience. Many employers prefer to hire Physical Therapy Technicians with at least one year of experience working in the field. Consider volunteering your time or working as an intern in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Earn continuing education credits. Continuing education credits are necessary to maintain your certification and licensure as a Physical Therapy Technician. Be sure to keep up with any required continuing education courses in order to remain eligible for employment.

As a physical therapist technician, it is important to stay ahead and competent in the field. One way to do this is to continuously educate oneself on the latest news and trends in the field. This can be done by attending seminars, workshops and conferences to stay up to date with the latest developments and technologies.

it is important to stay connected with other professionals in the field to keep up with the industry and gain insight into best practices. Furthermore, it is beneficial to join professional organizations that are related to the field to gain access to resources, further training opportunities, and networking contacts. Finally, it is important to take advantage of online resources such as online courses, webinars, and podcasts to stay ahead and competent in the field of physical therapy.

By following these steps, physical therapist technicians can be confident in their expertise and knowledge, ensuring that they can continue to provide quality care for their patients.

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Job Description

Assist physical therapists in providing treatments and procedures to patients.
Help patients with therapeutic exercises, stretching, and strength training.
Set up and adjust equipment for treatments and procedures.
Monitor patients' progress and provide feedback to physical therapists.
Document patient care information in medical records.
Clean and maintain physical therapy equipment and supplies.
Prepare patient treatment areas by sanitizing, stocking, and organizing equipment and supplies.
Educate patients and family members on therapeutic exercises and self-care techniques.
Assist with the development of patient treatment plans.
Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing paperwork, and answering phone calls.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
Knowledge of physical therapy principles and techniques.
Ability to effectively communicate with patients and other health professionals.
Ability to assist with patient positioning, transfers, and gait training.
Ability to set up and operate physical therapy equipment.
Ability to document patient progress and treatment plans.
Ability to observe patient behavior and report changes to the physical therapist.
Ability to follow safety and infection control protocols.
Knowledge of common medical terminology and abbreviations.
Ability to perform clerical tasks related to physical therapy.
Ability to perform physical therapy treatments, such as stretches and exercises, massage, heat/cold therapy, and electrotherapy.

Physical therapy technicians provide support to physical therapists, helping them to carry out their duties. They must possess a range of skills and attributes, but the most important one is the ability to communicate effectively with both patients and the physical therapist. Good communication skills are key to helping patients understand their treatment plan and progress, as well as allowing physical therapists to give clear instructions.

physical therapy technicians must be organized and detail-oriented in order to ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date. They must also have a good understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, so they can properly assist in the implementation of therapeutic exercises. Finally, they must have strong interpersonal skills to be able to work with a variety of patients and build rapport with them.

Physical therapy technicians play an important role in providing quality care to patients and helping physical therapists deliver this care efficiently.

Physical Therapy Clinic Manager, Physical Therapist, and Physical Scientist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Physical Therapist Technician?
How would you handle a situation where a patient is not responding positively to your treatment methods?
What are your thoughts on being part of an interdisciplinary team?
Describe a time when you had to work with limited resources to achieve a successful outcome.
What techniques do you use to keep patients motivated and engaged during physical therapy sessions?
How do you ensure that all safety protocols are followed when working with patients?
What strategies do you use to encourage and educate patients about their physical therapy program?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients or their families?
What do you consider the most important skills for a Physical Therapist Technician to have?
What do you find most rewarding about working as a Physical Therapist Technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Exercise Balls. Used to improve coordination, balance, and flexibility. (eg: Sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair can help strengthen core muscles)
Foam Rollers. Used to relax muscles and reduce pain and tension. (eg: Rolling a foam roller along the back can help ease tight muscles)
Thera-bands. Used to improve strength and range of motion. (eg: Performing arm exercises with Thera-bands can help increase arm strength and mobility)
Balance Boards. Used to improve coordination, balance, and stability. (eg: Standing on a balance board while performing exercises can help improve balance and stability)
Resistance Bands. Used to increase strength and range of motion. (eg: Pulling a resistance band apart can help increase strength in the arms and shoulders)
Stability Balls. Used to improve balance, coordination, and stability. (eg: Sitting on a stability ball can help improve core strength and balance)
Hot/Cold Packs. Used to reduce pain and swelling. (eg: Applying a hot/cold pack to an area of soreness can help reduce pain and inflammation)
Weights. Used to increase strength and endurance. (eg: Lifting weights can help build muscle strength and endurance)
Massage Tools. Used to reduce pain, tension, and muscle tightness. (eg: Using a massage tool on sore muscles can help reduce pain and tension)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR)
American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)
Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP)
International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM)

We also have Physical Therapist Aide, Physical Security System Technician, and Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Physical Therapist. A healthcare professional who evaluates and provides treatment to individuals with physical impairments or disabilities.
Rehabilitation. The process of restoring an individuals functional abilities following an injury or illness.
Exercise Therapy. A form of therapy that involves using exercise and other physical activities to help improve physical functioning.
Manual Therapy. A type of physical therapy that focuses on the hands-on manipulation of soft tissues in order to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Orthotics. Devices used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.
Prosthetics. Artificial limbs or other body parts used to replace a missing or defective limb or body part.
Ergonomics. The science of designing the workplace and equipment to fit the worker, in order to reduce the risk of injury and increase efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Physical Therapist Technician?

A Physical Therapist Technician is a healthcare professional who works under the direction of a physical therapist to provide patient care and treatments.

What qualifications are required to become a Physical Therapist Technician?

To become a Physical Therapist Technician, one must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and have successfully completed an accredited physical therapy technician program.

What duties do Physical Therapist Technicians typically perform?

Physical Therapist Technicians typically perform a variety of duties such as preparing treatment areas, helping patients with exercises and treatments, monitoring patient progress, and providing support to physical therapists.

How much do Physical Therapist Technicians earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Physical Therapist Technicians was $35,080 in 2019.

What is the job outlook for Physical Therapist Technicians?

The job outlook for Physical Therapist Technicians is projected to grow by 19% through 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

Physical Therapy Technician - Certificate - College of Health Care ... www.chcp.edu
Physical Therapy Technician Program Certificate - chcp.edu www.chcp.edu
Physical Therapy Technician Certification | Carrington College carrington.edu