PAID INTERN-FAll 2026-Orthopedic Physical Therapy Aide

PAID INTERN-Level 1 Orthopedic Physical Therapy Aide 

Provides direct clinical support only, assisting therapists with treatment preparation, patient setup, clinic flow, cleaning, and equipment readiness. This role does not include front‑desk or administrative duties. Level 1 aides uphold The Davis Way in every interaction, bringing integrity, patient partnership, and ownership to the floor.

Legal Scope & Boundaries (NJ)

Level 1 aides are unlicensed support personnel who perform non‑clinical/routine support tasks under direct PT supervision.

Permitted (examples): transport within clinic, position patients, prepare/clean areas/equipment, laundry/restocking.

Prohibited: teaching or instructing new exercises, correcting form, administering modalities without PT check, tests/measurements/evaluations, documenting clinical progress, or making treatment decisions. (You may show previously performed exercises and prepare modalities for PT to check.)

Core Responsibilities

Clinical Support (delegated by PT)

Set up equipment and start patients only after a PT check‑in; report symptoms/concerns immediately.

Prepare hot/cold packs and recovery areas; PT must verify any modality setup before use.

Assist with safe transfers/ambulation and keep patients moving according to the plan already established by the PT.

The Intangibles (Non‑negotiables)

PT Check‑In before initiating activity (“Is John staying on the same program today or progressing anything?”).

Plan Communication (know start → PT touchpoint → where patient goes next).

Aide‑to‑Aide Handoffs (name, what was done, what’s next, symptoms, next zone).

Own Your Zone (know who’s in it, what they’re doing, where they go next; anticipate; prevent bottlenecks). 

Zones & Chart Workflow

Work within the three‑zone model (Zone 1—Cardio; Zone 2—Turf; Zone 3—Tables) and the equipment/responsibilities of each.

Charts follow the patient through zones; do not alter the plan of care; use the designated chart locations and quick marks to signal completion.

Environment & Readiness

Clean/reset stations immediately after use; keep pathways clear; complete laundry/restocking without sacrificing active patient needs.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid (or within 60 days).

Strong communication, situational awareness, and reliability (the aide “intangibles”).

Physical Requirements

Stand/walk for extended periods; assist with safe patient transfers and equipment movement.

Onboarding & Competency

Complete the structured Zone‑based onboarding (Days 1–9 progression), skills demos, and sign‑offs for all assigned equipment/tasks before independent performance.

Shared Performance Standards (All Levels)

Communication & Flow

Demonstrate consistent PT check‑ins, clear plan communication, complete handoffs, and zone ownership—measured via observation and skills testing.

Zone Execution

Maintain equipment readiness, safe pathways, proper use of tech (Alter G, Proteus, Quickboard, BlazePods, timers), and timely resets.

Chart Protocols

Follow chart locations by zone; ensure charts travel with patients; never change POC; use quick marks for completed items as taught.

Scope Compliance

Zero tolerance for practicing beyond NJ aide scope (no instruction of new exercises, no form correction, no independent modalities/tests).

Patient Experience

Greet respectfully, communicate clearly, and ensure patients know where to go next; model professional posture and tone at all times.