How to Get a Job as PT Tech or PT Aide

In my last post I mentioned trying to get as many physical therapy observation hours as possible. A great way to do this is to get a job as a PT aide or tech — two synonymous terms that are used for people who support physical therapists. These paid positions do not typically require any special training or certifications, and involve tasks such as greeting and scheduling patients, cleaning the clinic, and answering the phones. As opposed to shadowing, observing, or volunteering, you will get paid for these hours and you will most likely get more hours this way. And with COVID restrictions still in place, some clinics don’t allow extra people such as shadows inside, so this may be one of the only ways to get hours.

I worked part time as an aide during the year I applied to PT school and was taking pre-requisites full time, and the experience was invaluable. I got over 1,000 hours, got a great letter of recommendation, found a mentor and got a really great understanding of outpatient orthopedics, the setting I knew I wanted to work in one day.

So, what’s the best way to become an aide?

1. Check out job listings. Traditional job search websites such as Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, and Craigslist are all great ways to see who is hiring nearby. Take a look at your local newspaper too – both online and in print. These listings should  give you a sense of what the job requires and what they are looking for in applicants.
2. Contact local clinics. Not all clinics post jobs online, and others might keep your resume on file for when a spot opens up. Email, call, or visit in person. I’ve worked at clinics where no one checked their email or receptionists didn’t always take down good messages, so if one of these methods doesn’t work, try another. Be sure to include your resume if you’re emailing or stopping by.
3. Get your foot in the door. If a clinic has no openings, see if you can volunteer or shadow. That way, you’ll get to know the company and the therapists and they’ll be likely to think of you when a job does open up.
4. Network.  If you know any physical therapists in your area, reach out to see if they know of any opportunities. You can also reach out to therapists or clinics on social media. If you have any professors who might know local PTs, reach out to them as well. Physical therapy is a very interconnected world, so you may know someone who knows someone who can help you get started.
5. Keep trying. Start looking for these positions early, and check in every few months. A clinic that may not have had an opening when you first applied, may have one now, so it never hurts to ask again. Being persistent may help you find a position.

Interested in purchasing my PTCAS-compliant observation hour log? Email me and submit payment to buy yours today for just $5!

To purchase, simply submit payment via  Venmo (@jasmine-marcus), Cash App (@jmarcusdpt), PayPal (jmarcusdpt@gmail), Apple Pay or Zelle (email me for username). I will then email you the PDF ASAP.

Good luck with your search!