Physical Therapy Aide Programs in Michigan – MI

By K'Lee Banks, allied health world contributing writer
Published: March, 24 2010

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People who enjoy working with individuals to restore functionality in their lives may want to consider enrolling in physical therapy aide programs in Michigan. Fortunately, a physical therapy aide can usually receive his or her clinical training with the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant who plans to hire the aide. A physical therapy aide typically does not require an official degree or certificate.

A physical therapy aide fills a supportive role for the physical therapist or assistant, allowing him or her to provide more frequent direct patient care. This is a winning situation for all concerned, if the PTA does not desire to pursue a degree, yet wants to be involved in a caring profession such as physical therapy.

Brief Overview of PTA On-the-Job Training

As a physical therapy assistant completes his or her on-the-job training, he or she learns how to simplify the physical therapist’s or assistant’s job, helping the team to be more productive. While a PTA’s tasks may vary dependent on any particular job setting, the following are typical:

Assist patients who must prepare for treatment and help them move from one treatment area to another, if they have limited mobility.
Keep treatment areas cleaned and prepped.
Stock therapy supplies and reorder as needed.
Fulfill other clerical tasks, including answering the phone, filling out insurance forms, and maintaining patient records.

Since a physical therapy aide does not have a professional degree or certification, he or she is not authorized to execute clinical treatments or related tasks.