Description
Under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, a PT Tech supports patient care by preparing patients and treatment areas, assisting with delegated therapeutic activities, cleaning and maintaining equipment, transporting patients, and performing basic documentation and clerical tasks.
- • Clean and organize treatment areas; disinfect equipment after use.
- • Prepare patients and spaces for therapy sessions.
- • Transport or escort patients to and from therapy using wheelchairs or standby support.
- • Set up therapy equipment and safely secure patients on or into equipment as directed.
- • Assist, safeguard, and motivate patients performing exercises or functional activities under PT/PTA supervision.
- • Observe patient responses during treatment and promptly report changes to the clinician.
- • Document delegated care, patient responses, and equipment used per department policy.
- • Answer phones, take messages, complete forms, and support front-desk tasks.
- • Take inventory, restock, and order supplies as authorized.
- • Assemble, maintain, and perform basic troubleshooting on therapy equipment and accessories.
- • Change linens and keep treatment supplies orderly.
- • Assist patients to dress or undress and don or doff braces, splints, slings, or other supportive devices as instructed.
- • Train patients in safe use of mobility aids or supportive devices per clinician direction.
- • Measure and record basic vital signs and assist with range-of-motion measurements as directed.
- • Prepare and set up modalities for clinician application; apply hot or cold packs when permitted.
- • Confer with PT/PTA and care team to coordinate, plan, or modify treatment activities within scope.
- • Schedule patient appointments and help coordinate therapists’ calendars.
- • Set up traction equipment per PT direction and monitor patient comfort and safety during use.
- • Follow infection control and safety procedures; report hazards or equipment issues.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
