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a physical therapy patient who is walking to a treatment area on crutches, or set up occu- pational therapy toys for a child with weak fine motor skills. As an aide, you set up patient appointments, file insurance claims, and order supplies. In addition to performing clerical duties, your supportive, upbeat attitude can help patient morale. If a patient is frustrated because his or her broken leg is taking a long time to heal or because he or she is having trouble grasping a toothbrush, you can often help that patient feel better simply by lending an understanding ear. Is This Job Right for You? To find out if being an occupational physical therapist aide or a physical therapist aide is for you, read each of the following questions and answer “Yes” or “No.” Yes No 1. Do you like working with people from many different backgrounds? Yes No 2. Are you physically fit? Yes No 3. Do you like helping people who can’t always help themselves? Yes No 4. Are you empathetic with people who are in need? Yes No 5. Are you organized? Yes No 6. Can you handle tasks such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments, and ordering supplies? Yes No 7. Are you discreet? Do you understand the importance of honoring a patient’s confidentiality? Yes No 8. Do you have a positive attitude and can you provide encouragement to others? Yes No 9. Do you follow directions well? Yes No 10. Are you dependable? If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a career as an occu- pational therapist aide or physical therapist aide. To find out more about these jobs, read on. What’s the Work Like? Your main role as an occupational therapist aide or a physical therapist aide is to help occu- pational therapists and physical therapists do their jobs. In that role, you gather and prepare the materials and equipment needed for each patient’s therapy session. If you work for an occupational therapist, the patient will receive therapy to help him or her master essential life

• Health Care & Science

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