PTT EXTERNSHIP GUIDE
Physical Therapy Technician Externship in Indiana
Your complete guide to gaining hands-on clinical experience in Indiana. Work alongside licensed Physical Therapists at top rehabilitation facilities. Indiana has 1650+ job openings with $31K average salary.
40-80
Hours Recommended
165+
PT Facilities
1650+
IN Job Openings
$31K
Avg IN Salary
$0
Externship Cost
Why Get a PTT Externship?
A Physical Therapy Technician externship gives you real-world clinical experience that employers value. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist aides earn a median salary of $35,330 nationally, with Indiana paying 12% below average at $31,240. Hands-on experience sets you apart from other candidates.
An externship helps you:
- ✓ Practice patient transfers, therapeutic exercises, and equipment operation in a real clinical environment
- ✓ Build professional references from licensed Physical Therapists and PTAs
- ✓ Discover which PT setting fits you best (inpatient rehab, outpatient clinic, sports medicine, SNF)
- ✓ Convert your externship into a job offer — many facilities hire their externs
- ✓ Gain confidence working with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and neurological conditions
New to physical therapy? EHired offers free training to prepare you for AMCA certification. An externship is optional but highly recommended for building clinical skills and professional connections.
⚠️ Important: EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. You contact rehabilitation facilities and PT clinics directly to arrange your own placement. This self-managed approach gives you flexibility to choose sites near your home and build direct relationships with potential employers.
How to Find a PTT Externship in Indiana
Follow this step-by-step process to secure a clinical externship at a Indiana rehabilitation facility.
Identify Potential Sites
Look for facilities with PT departments:
- ✓ Outpatient PT clinics — Rehab Hospital of Indiana, ATI, Athletico
- ✓ Rehabilitation hospitals — IU Health
- ✓ Hospital PT departments — Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network
- ✓ Sports medicine centers — Athletic training facilities, team clinics
- ✓ Skilled nursing facilities — Genesis, ManorCare, local SNFs
- ✓ Home health agencies — Bayada, Amedisys, LHC Group
Prepare Your Approach
Get ready before contacting sites:
- ✓ Update your resume — Include EHired training, any fitness/healthcare experience
- ✓ Prepare a pitch — "I'm completing PTT training and seeking hands-on clinical experience"
- ✓ Highlight relevant skills — Physical fitness, patient interaction, attention to detail
- ✓ Be flexible — Offer to work their schedule, early mornings or evenings
- ✓ Dress professionally — Scrubs or business casual for in-person visits
Make Contact
Reach out to PT facilities directly:
- ✓ Call first — Ask for the clinic manager or rehab director
- ✓ Visit in person — Drop off resume during non-peak hours (early AM or 2-4 PM)
- ✓ Email if provided — Brief, professional, attach resume
- ✓ Explain the arrangement — Unpaid, flexible hours, eager to learn PT skills
- ✓ Follow up — If no response in 1 week, call again politely
Complete Your Externship
Make the most of your experience:
- ✓ Arrive early — Show reliability and eagerness to learn
- ✓ Ask questions — PTs appreciate engaged learners
- ✓ Take initiative — Help with equipment setup, cleaning, patient prep
- ✓ Document your hours — Keep a log for your records
- ✓ Request feedback — Ask for a reference letter before you leave
PTT Externship Sites in Indiana
These healthcare systems and facilities have PT departments that may accept extern volunteers. Contact them directly to inquire about externship opportunities.
IU Health
Top Employer📍 Indianapolis
📞 317-962-5900
State's largest health system
View Opportunities →Ascension St. Vincent
Major System📍 Indianapolis
📞 317-338-2345
Major Catholic system
View Opportunities →Community Health Network
Regional Leader📍 Indianapolis
📞 317-355-1411
Central Indiana leader
View Opportunities →Parkview Health
Growing📍 Fort Wayne
📞 260-266-1000
Northeast Indiana's largest
View Opportunities →Rehab Hospital of Indiana
Tuition Aid📍 Indianapolis
📞 317-329-2000
Top-ranked inpatient rehab
View Opportunities →ATI Physical Therapy
National Chain📍 Multiple locations
📞 Contact local clinic
National outpatient PT network with locations across the state
View Opportunities →🏃 Sports Medicine & Orthopedic
- • ATI Physical Therapy — National chain with local presence
- • Athletico Physical Therapy — Sports rehab focus
- • CORA Physical Therapy — Growing regional network
- • Pivot Physical Therapy — Orthopedic specialization
- • Local university athletics — College sports medicine
🏠 SNF & Home Health
- • Genesis Healthcare — Skilled nursing facilities statewide
- • Kindred Healthcare — Post-acute care and rehab
- • ManorCare/ProMedica — Rehabilitation and skilled nursing
- • Bayada Home Health — Home health PT services
- • Amedisys — Home health and hospice
Skills You'll Learn During Your PTT Externship
A clinical externship provides hands-on experience with core PT Tech competencies that classroom training alone cannot replicate.
Patient Mobility
Safe patient transfers, gait training assistance, wheelchair mobility, and use of assistive devices (walkers, canes, crutches).
Therapeutic Exercise
Setting up exercise equipment, assisting with stretching protocols, monitoring exercise form, and tracking repetitions.
Modality Application
Hot/cold pack application, ultrasound preparation, electrical stimulation setup, and paraffin bath treatments.
Equipment Management
Treatment table preparation, equipment maintenance, supply inventory, and ensuring clean treatment areas.
Documentation Support
Recording patient attendance, tracking exercise completion, scheduling follow-up appointments, and basic EHR navigation.
Patient Communication
Professional interaction with patients, explaining exercises, providing encouragement, and reporting concerns to supervising PT.
Indiana PT Tech Market
Indiana offers unique advantages for PT Technicians:
The Crossroads of America's Healthcare
Indianapolis sits at the intersection of four major interstates, making it a regional healthcare hub serving Indiana and surrounding states. IU Health, the state's academic medical center, anchors a cluster of specialty facilities including the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (ranked top 50 nationally). PT Techs in Indianapolis gain exposure to complex cases drawn from a multi-state region.
Sports Medicine Capital
Indianapolis' identity as a sports capital—hosting the Colts, Pacers, Indianapolis 500, and NCAA headquarters—drives substantial sports medicine demand. Methodist Sports Medicine, St. Vincent Sports Performance, and OrthoIndy serve professional athletes and the state's large recreational sports population. PT Techs develop orthopedic skills at rates exceeding typical Midwest markets.
| Region | Salary Range | Externship Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Metro | $32K-$41K | Most jobs, IU Health hub |
| Fort Wayne | $29K-$38K | Parkview Health dominant |
| South Bend/Michiana | $28K-$37K | Notre Dame influence |
| Evansville | $27K-$36K | Tri-state region |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PTT externships in Indiana
How does Indianapolis being a major sports city affect PT careers?
What makes IU Health dominant in Indiana's PT market?
Is there opportunity outside Indianapolis?
How affordable is Indiana for PT Techs?
What PTA programs are in Indiana?
How many hours should a PTT externship be in Indiana?
Ready to Start Your PTT Career in Indiana?
Complete your free training with EHired, then secure an externship at one of Indiana's top rehabilitation facilities. Many externs convert their experience into full-time positions.