Therapy Aide | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

As a Therapy Aide, you are the backbone of our rehabilitation department, a crucial team member dedicated to supporting our licensed Physical and Occupational Therapists. You will be directly involved in the patient's journey to recovery by preparing treatment areas, assisting with therapeutic exercises, and ensuring a safe, clean, and motivating environment. This role is perfect for a compassionate individual with a strong desire to work in a hands-on healthcare setting, providing vital support that allows our therapists to deliver the highest quality of care. You are the engine that keeps the clinic running smoothly, directly impacting patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate with an interest in healthcare
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) or Home Health Aide (HHA)

Advancement To:

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Lead Therapy Aide or Rehabilitation Technician
Patient Care Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Medical Assistant
Patient Care Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist physical and occupational therapists with implementing patient treatment plans, guiding patients through prescribed exercises and functional activities with clear instructions.
Prepare treatment areas for patient sessions, ensuring all necessary equipment, supplies, and modalities are readily available, sanitized, and in proper working order.
Safely transport patients to and from the therapy department, utilizing proper body mechanics, gait belts, and patient handling techniques for transfers involving wheelchairs, walkers, and beds.
Meticulously clean and sanitize therapy equipment, treatment tables, and hydrotherapy areas according to strict infection control protocols to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all patients.
Monitor patient responses during and after treatment, immediately reporting any signs of fatigue, pain, adverse reactions, or changes in condition to the supervising therapist.
Provide observational, tactile, and verbal cueing to patients to encourage proper form, posture, and technique during exercises as instructed by the supervising therapist.
Apply therapeutic modalities such as hot packs, cold packs, paraffin, and electrical stimulation units under the direct supervision and guidance of a licensed therapist, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
Engage with patients and their families in a compassionate and professional manner, building rapport and providing encouragement to foster a positive and motivating therapeutic experience.
Maintain the flow of the therapy clinic by managing patient schedules, directing patients to appropriate areas, and ensuring a smooth transition between activities to minimize wait times.
Document patient activities, exercise repetitions, and other relevant data accurately and in a timely manner within the electronic medical record (EMR) system as directed by the therapist.
Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) as part of their therapy program, providing hands-on support for tasks like dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene practice.
Assemble and disassemble complex therapy equipment, such as traction devices or specialized exercise machines, ensuring it is set up correctly and safely for each patient's use.
Collaborate closely with the entire rehabilitation team, including therapists, assistants, and administrative staff, to ensure coordinated, efficient, and patient-centered care.
Manage the inventory of therapy supplies and linens, conducting regular stock checks, anticipating needs, and placing or reporting orders to prevent shortages.
Uphold all facility policies and procedures, including strict adherence to HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Provide standby assistance to patients during challenging exercises or ambulation to ensure their safety and prevent falls.

Secondary Functions

Support therapists by retrieving and organizing patient data from EMR systems to prepare for daily schedules and team meetings.
Contribute to departmental efficiency by tracking and reporting on equipment maintenance needs and supply inventory levels.
Collaborate with front desk and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient scheduling, check-in, and flow of information.
Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives, safety audits, and in-service training sessions to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Patient Transfer Techniques: Proficiency in using gait belts, slide boards, and proper body mechanics to safely move patients.
Therapeutic Modalities: Knowledge of applying hot packs, cold packs, and basic electrical stimulation units under supervision.
-CPR and First Aid Certification: Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is required.
Medical Terminology: Basic understanding of common anatomical and medical terms related to rehabilitation.
EMR/EHR Software: Experience or ability to quickly learn to navigate and document in electronic health record systems.
Infection Control Procedures: Knowledge of cleaning, sanitizing, and sterilization protocols within a healthcare setting.
Equipment Management: Ability to set up, adjust, and perform minor maintenance on therapeutic equipment.

Soft Skills

Empathy and Compassion: A genuine desire to help people, demonstrating patience and understanding for patients who may be in pain or frustrated.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with patients, families, and the entire healthcare team, including active listening.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, willing to assist others and contribute to a positive work environment.
Time Management and Organization: Excellent ability to multitask, prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, and keep the therapy department organized.
Physical Stamina and Strength: Ability to be on your feet for extended periods, and to lift, move, and position patients and heavy equipment.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in following therapist instructions, monitoring patients, and maintaining cleanliness.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adjust to changing patient needs, schedules, and clinical priorities with a positive attitude.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's degree in a related field.
Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), or similar patient care program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology or Exercise Science
Health Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years

Preferred:

At least 6 months of experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or skilled nursing facility is highly desirable.
Previous experience as a Therapy Aide, Rehab Tech, CNA, or in a role with direct patient contact is strongly preferred.