The PT and OT Aide assists Physical and Occupational Therapists by preparing the environment and the patient for routine care, and supporting the patient with daily living activities as outlined in the treatment plan. This role involves hands-on assistance with transfers, grooming, feeding, and maintaining therapy equipment under direct supervision.
Requirements summary
A High School Diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement, with no minimum certification needed, though previous therapy aide or clinical/healthcare experience is preferred. Candidates must possess basic computer skills, the ability to interact positively with patients, and the capacity to learn and operate therapy equipment.
high schoolCommunicationAdaptabilityProblem SolvingPatient CareComputer SkillsCritical ThinkingClerical DutiesRehabilitationActivities of Daily LivingPatient InteractionSafety TechniquesEquipment AssemblyPatient TransfersAssisting TherapistsGroup Therapy Assistance
Job description
About Shepherd Center With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.
An elite center ranked by U.S.
News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems.
Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner.
Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.
Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work.
You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.
Positions will be available in June, 2026.
The PT and OT Aide assist the Physical and Occupational Therapists to prepare the environment and the patient for routine care and assists the patient with routine activities of daily living as determined in treatment plan.
All activities are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed OTR, PT, COTA, or PTA.
This hands-on role contributes to the improvement of patient experience through rehabilitation services.
This collaborative role addresses and resolves issues in order to facilitate patient recovery.
Job Responsibilities: The PT and OT Aide assists in creating a welcoming environment for patient care.
Transports patients throughout the center.
Assembles equipment and adjusting it to patient needs.
Assists patients with transfers on the nursing units, in preparation for a PT session, or as directed.
Assists patient with weight shifts and other daily activities (grooming, feeding, dressing, toileting, bathing etc.) or assigned OT therapy activities.
Conducts assigned OT groups or assisting PTs or PTAs in a group setting.
Maintains the therapy and nursing equipment and environment.
Cleans and returns wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, and other equipment as assigned.
Completes assigned clerical duties.
Instructs new employees and volunteers in departmental maintenance tasks.
Attends and actively contributes to department meetings.
Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures.
Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
Required Minimum Education High School Diploma or equivalent Required Minimum Certification No minimum certification Required Minimum Experience Previous therapy aide or clinical/healthcare experience preferred.
Required Minimum Skills Basic computer skills.
This is a support role that requires an individual to be able to interact directly with patients in a positive and supportive manner.
Ability to learn and operate therapy equipment.
Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric.
Ability to follow instructions and problem solve.
Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health science, biology or related field of study preferred. Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury Stroke, Concussion and Vestibular Disorders. Physical Demands Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize. Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs. Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements. Working Conditions Normal patient care environment. Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids. Some potential exposure to infectious viruses. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again. Don't see a specific job that interest you? Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. We’re often recognized among the best employers and as a best place to work. Many of our staff have been here for decades. We have a culture of hope, humor, and hard work that helps patients achieve their highest levels of independence with dignity.
