• Rehabilitation Aide/Sports Medicine

     

    pt  pt2 pt5

     
     

     

    CIP Code 51.2604

    Pathway:  Health and Science

    Instructor:  Brian Friedrich

    Certifications:  OSHA for Healthcare, Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens, CPR/First Aid/AED

    Introduction

    Rehabilitation aides, working under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or assistant, assist in the productive operation of a physical therapy or other rehab based practice. Aides often maintain the treatment area and prep therapy sessions, aiding in the transport of immobile patients. Rehab aides clean equipment and treatment rooms before and after sessions as well as maintain inventory and supplies. 

    Aides are often required to perform clerical tasks, such as completing necessary paperwork and dealing with clients over the phone. They may also assist the practice in a variety of technical, non-clinical capacities, including treatment setups and routine patient care tasks, such as applying heat packs.

    Aides may assist the therapist in the movement and transfer of patients with mobility impairments and must be trained in proper methods of body mechanics for patient assistance. This may include transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs and shuttling them to areas in the hospital or clinical practice. Aides may also maintain and clean medical equipment, interact with staff and patients, and occasionally cover the reception desk.

    Unlike physical therapy assistants who need to complete at least an associate degree program, aides are typically required by employers to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Aides are trained by employers on the job and do not require licensure, unlike assistants or clinical therapists. Rehabilitation aides should be extremely organized, preferably with clerical or clinical experience. They must be strong communicators and team-oriented. A degree of physical strength is necessary, as the job requires the lifting and moving of immobile patients.

    CIP Code: 51.2604 Rehabilitation Aide

    A program that prepares individuals to assist in rehabilitation services under the supervision of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other therapeutic professionals, and to perform routine functions in support of rehabilitation. Includes instruction in roles and responsibilities of rehabilitation providers, basic function of the human body, disabling conditions, therapeutic skills, client management, and communication skills.