Physical Therapist Aides

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (11%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (11%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (79%)

• Record treatment given and equipment used.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about physical therapist aides and AI