Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island PT Tech Job Market

Rhode Island offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries +0% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

280+ PT Tech positions open annually across Rhode Island. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$35,480 average salary, +0% vs national vs national. Metro Rhode Island pays even higher—up to $46,100 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to Lifespan Health System and other leading healthcare facilities across Rhode Island.

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Career Growth

Major employers offer tuition reimbursement for PT Techs pursuing PTA degrees. Clear advancement pathways available.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, providing essential support for patient care and clinic operations.

✓ Daily PT Tech Responsibilities

● Patient Exercise Assistance: Guide patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by the PT, ensuring proper form and safety
● Treatment Preparation: Set up treatment areas, prepare equipment, apply hot/cold packs, and ready modalities like ultrasound
● Patient Transfers: Assist patients with mobility, transfers between surfaces, and safe ambulation with devices
● Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and maintain therapy equipment; report any malfunctions
● Documentation Support: Record patient attendance, exercise completion, and observations for PT review
● Patient Transport: Escort patients to and from treatment areas; assist with wheelchairs and walkers

🏥 Work Settings in Rhode Island

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—South County Health alone has 100+ RI locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Lifespan Health System and hospital rehab units. Complex cases including stroke, TBI, spinal cord injuries.
● Hospital PT Departments: Acute care settings at major systems like Hackensack Meridian and CharterCARE Health Partners.
● Skilled Nursing Facilities: Post-acute rehabilitation for elderly patients. Consistent schedules, growing demand.
● Sports Medicine: Athletic training facilities, sports PT clinics. Work with athletes at all levels.
● Home Health: Travel to patient homes. Higher pay, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling.

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PT Tech vs. Other Healthcare Roles

Physical Therapy Technicians focus specifically on PT support tasks. PT Techs do not perform clinical tasks like blood draws, EKGs, medication administration, or wound care—those are performed by nurses, PCTs, or medical assistants. PT Techs work exclusively within the physical therapy department under PT supervision.

Top PT Tech Employers in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's largest health systems and rehabilitation facilities are actively hiring PT Techs. These employers offer competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Lifespan Health System

Rhode Island's Largest

Providence

State's largest, Brown affiliated

401-444-4000 View Jobs →

Care New England

Regional System

Providence

Major regional system

401-453-7900 View Jobs →

CharterCARE Health Partners

Regional Provider

Providence

Community hospitals

401-456-2000 View Jobs →

South County Health

Growing Network

South Kingstown

Coastal region

401-782-8000 View Jobs →

Landmark Medical Center

Established Provider

Woonsocket

Northern RI

401-769-4100 View Jobs →

Care New England

Rural Rhode Island

Rural areas

Rhode Island health system

401-453-7900 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Rhode Island

Salaries vary across Rhode Island regions. Metro Rhode Island typically pays highest, while Rural Rhode Island offers different cost-of-living dynamics.

Metro Rhode Island

Major metro areas

$40K-$44K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Rhode Island

Suburban counties

$35K-$40K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Rhode Island

Central regions

$31K-$37K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Rhode Island

Rural areas

$30K-$33K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Rhode Island pays highest, Rural Rhode Island's lower housing costs often result in similar take-home purchasing power. Consider total compensation including benefits, commute time, and quality of life.

How to Land a PT Tech Job in Rhode Island

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Rhode Island's competitive PT Tech job market.

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1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like Lifespan Health System.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Lifespan Health System, Care New England, and CharterCARE Health Partners have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend RI Physical Therapy Association events. Connect with PTs during your externship. Many PT Tech positions are filled through referrals before being posted publicly.

Ready to Start Your PT Tech Career?

Complete EHired's free PT Tech training program and gain the skills Rhode Island employers are looking for.

Start Free Training Today

Make a one-time payment when you're ready to challenge for certification and start working

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do on the job in Rhode Island?

PT Techs in Rhode Island prepare treatment areas and equipment, assist patients with therapeutic exercises under PT supervision, help with patient transfers and mobility, apply hot/cold packs, set up treatment modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, transport patients, maintain equipment, and document patient progress. They work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Which employers hire the most PT Techs in Rhode Island?

Major PT Tech employers in Rhode Island include Lifespan Health System (#4 ranked nationally), Care New England (RI's largest system), CharterCARE Health Partners, South County Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Landmark Medical Center, and Care New England. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Rhode Island?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Rhode Island earn an average of $35,480 per year (+0% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $25,200, experienced PT Techs earn $41,200+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $46,100+. Metro Rhode Island generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Rhode Island PT Techs work in outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home health agencies, and specialty practices like pediatric or neurological PT. Outpatient clinics are the most common setting, followed by hospital-based positions.

Do I need certification to get a PT Tech job in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island does not require state licensure for PT Techs—you work under PT supervision. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with formal training and CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification demonstrates competency and significantly improves job prospects, especially at competitive employers like Lifespan Health System and major health systems.