Apr 1, 20202 min read

Rehabilitation Therapy Technician and Restorative Aide Programs | Healthcare Careers | ACTS

Updated: Apr 14, 2020

Americation Career and Training School (ACTS)

What are Rehabilitation Technicians and Restorative Aides?

Rehabilitation Therapy Technician and Restorative Aide are positions within healthcare for those that have a passion to make changes in peoples lives. Both of these positions go beyond the initial care of taking vitals. These positions are geared towards long term patient care and rehabilitation. For example, Rehabilitation Therapy Technicians and Restorative Aides help physical therapists deliver life-changing treatment to patients. This treatment can be along the lines of the range of motion and strength-building exercises.

What will your responsibilities be?

Rehabilitation technicians and Restorative Aides work either directly with the patients or assist the physical therapist with procedures performed on the patient. Some of the skills these positions require are the ability to perform Range of Motion exercises and assist in strength-building exercises. The purpose of the Range of Motion exercises is to prevent immobility and increase the independence of patients. A patient with a low range of motion can have limited mobility. This can be as a result of injury or medical condition. The range of motion exercise is a therapeutic rehabilitation exercise meant to restore a patient range of motion which will in turn increase mobility and increase independence. Range of motion exercises can be used in conjunction with strength building. Rehabilitation Technicians and Restorative Aides can also be responsible for office paperwork, cleaning equipment, and preparing rooms for examination.

Salary and Career Advancement Opportunities

Rehabilitation Technicians and Restorative Aides earn about the same annually. The national average for these positions as of May 2018 ranged from about $24,000 - $32,000. The range of salaries can be attributed to the facility of employment. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Rehabilitation Technicians and Restorative Aides working for the government and nursing care facilities earn above $30,000 a year. While those working for Hospitals or in physical therapy offices earn anywhere from $25,000 to $28,000 a year. Rehabilitation Technicians and Restorative Aides have the opportunity to advance their career to a Patient Care Technician or a Medical Assistant by adding on the skills of Phlebotomy and EKG.