Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Physical Therapist Aide
What physical therapist aides actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a physical therapist aide?
Set up the clinic. From there, the day usually includes set up equipment, clean treatment areas, and help patients move. Clinics often open early and stay open late.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a physical therapist aide working full time.
- Set up the clinic.
- Prepare hot packs.
- Help a patient onto a table.
- Clean equipment between patients.
- Guide a patient through exercises the PT assigned.
- Answer phones and schedule.
- Restock and do laundry.
Where physical therapist aides work
PT aides work in outpatient clinics, hospitals and sports medicine centers.
Hours and schedule
Clinics often open early and stay open late.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up equipment
- Clean treatment areas
- Help patients move
- Prepare hot and cold packs
- Assist with exercises under supervision
- Schedule appointments
- Stock supplies
Tools you’ll use every day
- Exercise equipment
- Treatment tables
- Hot and cold packs
- Cleaning supplies
- Scheduling software
- Laundry equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Quick entry
- Learn about therapy careers
- Active job
- Friendly clinics
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Limited patient care tasks
- Physical work
- Laundry and cleaning
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like fitness and health
- I want to explore PT
- I’m friendly
- I like being active
- I want to start quickly
- I might become a PT
Not sure? Take the free Physical Therapist Aide fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Check skin with hot and cold packs
- Use safe lifting
- Follow infection control
- Report concerns to the PT