If you’re passionate about helping others regain strength and mobility but aren’t looking to pursue an associate degree or higher, becoming a physical therapy technician could be the perfect path for you. This role offers a rewarding blend of hands-on patient support, professional growth, and work-life balance. But what exactly does a physical therapy technician do, and how can you start your journey in this field? Let’s explore the details.
What is a Physical Therapy Technician?
A physical therapy technician, also known as a physical therapy aide, plays a vital role in creating a smooth and supportive experience for patients and healthcare teams. While physical therapy assistants provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist, physical therapy technicians focus on the essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the clinic running efficiently.
Physical Therapy Technician Job Description & Overview
From preparing treatment areas and sanitizing equipment to assisting patients with exercises and offering encouragement, physical therapy technicians help ensure that every patient feels supported from their first visit to their final session. Their work is key to maintaining a well-organized, patient-focused environment where recovery can thrive.
Roles & Responsibilities
Some of the tasks physical therapy technicians perform daily can include:
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Answering phones, taking messages, and routing calls.
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Scheduling and reminding patients of upcoming appointments, as well as keeping the practice on schedule.
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Entering patient information into the electronic medical record.
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Printing patient treatment plans so the physical therapist or physical therapy assistants can review them with the patient.
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Setting up rooms with appropriate equipment prior to each appointment.
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Cleaning and disinfecting rooms after each patient leaves.
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Washing linens and performing general housekeeping tasks throughout the practice.
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Escorting patients to treatment areas so they're ready for the therapist at their appointment time.
The specific tasks a physical therapy technician can assist with depend on their level of training and certification. Some technicians enter the workforce without formal training or certification. Those technicians may be limited to more clerical and supportive work, while certified technicians with formal training can provide more direct patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist (depending on the state and practice). In a long-term care setting, physical therapy technicians may help residents complete their exercises.
Where Physical Therapy Technicians Work
Physical therapy technicians support patient care in physical therapy offices, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Most work full-time and follow steady daytime schedules with limited evening or weekend shifts. Unlike some healthcare careers, this role typically doesn’t require being on call, allowing for more consistency in your daily routine and time for personal and family commitments
Physical Therapy Technician Salary & Career Outlook
The demand for physical therapy technicians is on the rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting 19% job growth from 2023 to 2033—well above the national average. Many openings will come from the need to replace retiring workers or those transitioning to other careers, meaning there may be more job opportunities than professionals to fill them.
In Texas, the labor market continues to see record-setting growth across multiple industries. The state also boasts one of the highest healthcare support employment levels in the nation—around 570,140 employed as of May 2023.
Specializations and Growth
While physical therapy technicians don’t have formal specializations like physical therapists, gaining experience in a specific setting—such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities—can help you develop expertise in that environment. As you build your skills and confidence, you may find opportunities to take on more responsibilities, contribute new ideas, and become a valuable asset to your team.
For some, working as a physical therapy technician is a stepping stone to further career growth in healthcare. This experience can provide a strong foundation for roles such as physical therapist assistant, medical assistant, or other allied health professions. If you’re interested in advancing your career, continuing your education and gaining additional certifications can open doors for you to pursue new opportunities in the field.
Steps to Become a Physical Therapy Technician
Becoming a physical therapy technician may take less time than you think. With the right training and dedication, you could be on your way to pursuing your new career in as little as a year. Here are the key steps to help you get started:
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Earn your high school diploma or GED. In most cases, you'll need a high school diploma or GED to apply for and be accepted into a physical therapy technician program at a college or university. You can begin applying for physical therapy technician programs before you graduate from high school; this gives you time to plan your transition and take any additional steps needed before you start the program.
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Apply to physical therapy technician programs. Before submitting your application, review the eligibility criteria thoroughly to ensure you meet all prerequisites and remedy any areas in which additional qualifications are needed. Depending on the level of competitiveness, you may choose to apply to more than one program to keep your options open.
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Complete your physical therapy technician program and your 180-hour externship (typically included in your program).
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Begin applying for jobs as a physical therapy technician. The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners does not license physical therapy technicians, so there are no license or certification requirements aside from earning your certificate through an accredited program.
Choosing a school that provides career placement counseling could also help you find the right role more quickly after graduation.
Physical Therapy Technician Education Requirements
Physical therapy technicians can be trained on the job as no formal training is required by law. However, completing a certificate program can help demonstrate your commitment to the field. Formal training typically better prepares you for success in your role and may make your resume more competitive compared to applicants who lack experience or will require on-the-job training.
Physical Therapy Certifications
Physical therapy technicians are not certified by a national or state board. Rather, they can complete a post-secondary certificate program to earn a certificate of completion as a physical therapy technician. Those who work in long-term care or some other settings may also choose to maintain a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to ensure they're able to assist residents with transferring and mobility.
The Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program at The College of Health Care Professions takes approximately 36 weeks to complete, including a 180-hour externship that provides students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real-life setting. Some of the courses you can expect to take during your program include:
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Anatomy and Physiology for Physical Therapy Technicians
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Pharmacology
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Introduction to Physical Therapy Technology
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Therapeutic Standards
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Pathophysiology for Physical Therapy Technicians
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Sports Injury Management
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Customer Service/Professionalism and Career Preparation
Your Future in Healthcare Starts at CHCP
Becoming a physical therapy technician is a great way to make a difference in a healthcare setting without years and years of expensive post-secondary education. Because the program is relatively short, it often works well for various types of students, including those who go to school while working or caring for their families.
Ready to take the next step? Contact CHCP today to learn more about our Physical Therapy Technician Certificate Program, or apply now to get started.
