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Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapy Assistant I

Pavilion, NY ยท On-site

$24.50 - $33/hr

Certifications & Licensures Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) license in applicable state, Basic Life Support (BLS), Driver's license if assigned to Home Health Working Conditions A. Lifting ...

Physical Therapy Assistant I

Pavilion, NY ยท On-site

$26.50 - $35/hr

Ensures delivery of therapy services to help patients regain movement, improve mobility, and manage pain. Assists with departmental tasks such as chart audits, general cleaning, and program ...

Physical Therapy Aide

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$41K - $54K/yr

The work is performed under the instruction and supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist and/or a Physical Therapy Assistant. Employees of this class receive on-the-job training in routine ...

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Therapy Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapy assistant in Rochester, NY is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges therapy assistants face when supporting multiple therapists or clients throughout the day?

Therapy Assistants often work with several therapists and a diverse group of clients, which can make scheduling and prioritizing tasks a challenge. Balancing different therapy plans, adjusting to varied communication styles, and managing documentation for multiple sessions requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, adapting to each client's unique needs while maintaining consistent quality of care can be demanding, but it also provides valuable experience for professional development. Open communication with therapists and proactive time management are key to overcoming these challenges.

What does a therapy assistant do?

A Therapy Assistant supports licensed therapists, such as physical, occupational, or speech therapists, in providing care to patients. They help implement treatment plans, assist patients with exercises and activities, document progress, and ensure a safe and supportive environment. Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of therapists and play a key role in helping patients recover, improve mobility, and regain independence. Their duties may vary depending on the type of therapy and the needs of the patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a therapy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Therapy Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of therapeutic techniques, human anatomy, and a relevant qualification such as a certificate or associate degree in occupational or physical therapy assisting. Familiarity with rehabilitation equipment, patient management software, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively with patients are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure that Therapy Assistants can support therapists, help patients achieve their goals, and maintain accurate records for effective treatment outcomes.

What is a therapy assistant?

A therapy assistant is an aide for a physical therapist. You assist the therapist as they help patients with physical injuries or illnesses recover through treatment and occupational therapy. You work under the supervision of physical therapists in an office or hospital setting. Your job duties include setting up equipment, collecting patient data, observing exercises and care plans, and using massage or stretching techniques to treat patients. Interpersonal skills are vital in this career, as are first-aid and CPR experience. Aides must be compassionate, detail oriented, and able to stand on their feet for long periods of time.

Do you need a degree to be a therapy assistant?

A therapy assistant typically does not need a college degree but must complete specific training or certification programs depending on the state or employer. Many roles require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or certification in areas like CPR or basic healthcare skills. Certification requirements vary by location and specialization, but formal higher education is generally not mandatory for entry-level positions.

What is the difference between Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

AspectTherapy AssistantPhysical Therapist Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate's degree in physical therapy assisting; licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient facilitiesRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various therapy disciplines including physical, occupational, and speech therapySpecifically in physical therapy settings assisting licensed physical therapists

While both roles support therapy services, a Therapy Assistant generally has a broader scope across multiple therapy types, whereas a Physical Therapist Assistant specializes in physical therapy, requiring specific training and licensure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Therapy jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Therapy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Therapy Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Therapy Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Therapy Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,395 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Physical Therapist Assistant - Per Diem

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$30/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Mission:

We provide high quality services from skilled nursing and restorative care to housing, assisted living and community-based wellness programs. We are committed to meeting each individual's needs, in a culturally competent manner, supporting family and loved ones through transitions, and fulfilling our pledge... Life. Inspired Every Day.


Per Diemย 

Pay Rate - $30.00/hourย 


Under the direction of the Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works to assist in the overall assessment and treatment of residents and carries out the treatment plan as set forth by the physical therapist and approved by the physician.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Assists supervising physical therapist in overall assessment of residents.
  • Carries out physical therapy care programs as planned and directed by physical therapist.
  • Recommends changes to policies and procedures for the department.
  • Assists in communicating policies and procedures for the department to other staff.
  • Carries out exercise program and trains resident in exercise, ambulation and activities of daily living.
  • Observes, reports and charts resident responses to the physical therapist.
  • Follows established procedures and observes safety precautions in the use of heat, cold, light, water, sound and massage.
  • In the absence of the physical therapist, performs maintenance physical therapy only.
  • Carries out responsibilities appropriate to the physical therapy services i.e. clerical, maintenance of supplies and equipment and maintenance of a safe, orderly environment.
  • Reports any problems with resident treatments or equipment to the physical therapist.
  • Participates in orienting, teaching and guiding the rehabilitation assistant.
  • Participates in monitoring and evaluating the performance of the rehabilitation assistant.
  • Instructs residents, families and nursing staff regarding resident participation in the physical therapy program.
  • Involves the resident and family in treatment and discharge planning.
  • Participates in staff education programs and provides training as requested by nursing administration.
  • Maintains minimum daily productivity of 80% patient treatment, of available time in facility.
  • Updates skills and knowledge of physical therapy assistant issues/techniques related to geriatric population.
  • Complies with all required facility in-services.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:ย 

  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with all disciplines and consultants.ย 
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards and practices.ย 
  • Good supervisory skills.ย 
  • Must demonstrate ability to interact courteously and tactfully with staff, residents, family members, visitors, vendors and the general public.ย 
  • This position may/will be required to provide direct care or have access to resident property or belongings.ย 
  • Basic computer skills are required including but not limited to the ability to create, open, edit, print and save electronic documents, records and emails.ย 
  • Experience working within a Windows OS environment required.

EDUCATION:ย 

  • Graduation from an accredited program of PTA education with a passing grade on the written exam and unexpired/unencumbered New York State Physical Therapy Assistant licensure required.

EXPERIENCE:ย 

  • Minimum of 1 year clinical licensed PTA level experience required; gerontology experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Performing duties of this job requires occasional sitting, walking and standing. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance and the ability to sit, talk, and hear is required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.