Physical Therapy Aide InternAt — Core Performance Physical Therapy

A Physical Therapy Aide Intern supports licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants by preparing treatment areas, maintaining equipment, and assisting with non-clinical patient care activities. This role includes transporting patients, setting up therapy equipment, observing patients during exercises as directed, and ensuring a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment. The aide also performs administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing supplies, and documenting basic information, all while adhering to confidentiality, safety standards, and organizational policies to support efficient and effective patient care.

Tasks:

Prepare and maintain treatment areas by cleaning, organizing, and setting up therapeutic equipment according to safety and infection control standards.

Assist physical therapists and physical therapist assistants with non-clinical aspects of patient care, including patient transport (meaning helping client from seated position to standing position), positioning, and monitoring during exercises as directed.

Observe therapy sessions to understand treatment plans, therapeutic exercises, and patient progression while adhering to confidentiality requirements.

Communicate professionally with patients and healthcare staff to support a positive clinical experience and efficient workflow.

Manage and restock clinical supplies, inspect equipment for safety, and report maintenance needs.

Support administrative and operational tasks such as scheduling appointments, documenting basic non-clinical information, and maintaining organized records.

Participate in orientation, training activities, and regular supervisory feedback sessions to reinforce clinical knowledge, workplace professionalism, and ethical standards.

Training:

Students will receive a comprehensive onboarding experience that begins with a mandatory general orientation covering clinic policies, safety procedures, infection control, and patient confidentiality (HIPAA). Training will include job shadowing licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to observe clinical workflows, patient interactions, and therapeutic techniques. Students will receive hands-on instruction for equipment setup, treatment area preparation, and non-clinical patient support tasks, along with clear contextual explanations of assigned responsibilities. Ongoing learning will be supported through regular check-ins with a designated supervisor or mentor, review of training materials and clinic protocols, and continuous feedback to reinforce skill development and professional growth throughout the placement.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to:

Assist physical therapists with the preparation and maintenance of treatment areas and therapeutic equipment in a professional clinical setting.

Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with patients, therapists, and other healthcare staff.

Apply safety, infection control, and confidentiality standards while supporting patient care activities.

Perform administrative and organizational tasks, such as scheduling and supply management, to support efficient clinic operations.

Observe and describe basic therapeutic exercises and patient progress under the supervision of licensed physical therapy staff.