Rehabilitation Assistant (Physical Therapy)
りはびりじょしゅ（りがくりょうほう）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Healthcare Assistants
- Minor : Other Healthcare Assistants
Summary
A medical support role that assists with rehabilitation tasks for patients under the direction of a physical therapist.
Description
The Rehabilitation Assistant (Physical Therapy) performs support tasks to aid in patients' recovery of physical functions under the guidance and supervision of a physical therapist. Specifically, this includes gait training and exercise assistance, preparation and cleanup of physical therapy (such as heat and electrical treatments), measurement of vital signs, equipment management, record creation and reporting, etc. As a member of the medical team, they support safe and effective rehabilitation while interacting with patients, and workplaces include hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient rehabilitation centers, and more.
Future Outlook
With the progress of an aging society, rehabilitation demand is increasing. Amid a shortage of physical therapists, demand for rehabilitation assistants handling support tasks is stable, and further expansion is expected with the promotion of community-based integrated care and prevention of nursing care.
Personality Traits
Attentive / Compassionate / Patient / Strong Sense of Responsibility / Team-Oriented
Work Style
Day Shifts / Hospital Work / Outpatient Rehabilitation / Shift Work / Welfare Facility Work
Career Path
Junior Rehabilitation Assistant → Senior Rehabilitation Assistant → Leader/Coordinator → Rehabilitation Department Manager → Physical Therapist Qualification
Required Skills
Exercise Equipment Management / Gait Assistance / Physical Therapy Preparation / Record Keeping and Reporting / Vital Signs Measurement
Recommended Skills
Communication Skills / First Aid / Patient Psychology Understanding / Safety Management Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because small mistakes can directly affect patient safety. |
| Communication Skills | Because smooth communication with patients and the team is necessary. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because it involves long hours of standing work and physical assistance. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because tasks are performed in cooperation as a medical team. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because the main tasks are support work based on manuals, and creative thinking is not particularly required. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because accurate measurement and recording are the main tasks rather than numerical analysis. |
Aliases
- PT Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Rehab Assistant
Related Jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant