Therapy Aide Onboarding Checklist

Therapy Aide Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Therapy Aide starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Healthcare onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Therapy Aide, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Therapy Aide onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Therapy Aide Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The therapy aide attends a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Team: The therapy aide is introduced to their immediate team members, including therapists, nurses, and other support staff. This allows them to establish relationships, understand team dynamics, and learn about their roles and responsibilities. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Facility Tour: The therapy aide is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including therapy rooms, equipment areas, and other relevant departments. This helps them familiarize themselves with the layout, understand safety protocols, and locate essential resources. A designated staff member, such as a facility manager or supervisor, typically conducts the tour.

4. Training on Equipment and Tools: The therapy aide receives training on the proper use and maintenance of therapy equipment, tools, and software systems. This ensures they can effectively assist therapists during treatment sessions and document patient progress. Trainers or experienced therapy aides often provide this training.

5. Understanding Policies and Procedures: The therapy aide is provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to patient confidentiality, infection control, safety protocols, and documentation requirements. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated compliance officer.

6. HIPAA Training: The therapy aide undergoes training on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations to ensure they understand the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality. This training is usually conducted by the compliance officer or a designated HIPAA trainer.

7. Introduction to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System: The therapy aide is trained on how to navigate and utilize the company’s electronic medical records system. This includes learning how to input patient information, document treatment sessions, and access relevant patient data. Trainers or experienced therapy aides often provide this training.

8. Shadowing Experienced Therapy Aides: The therapy aide shadows experienced therapy aides to observe and learn best practices in assisting therapists during treatment sessions, interacting with patients, and maintaining a safe and clean therapy environment. This task is typically coordinated by the team leader or supervisor.

9. CPR and First Aid Certification: The therapy aide undergoes training and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid to ensure they can respond effectively in emergency situations. This training is usually conducted by certified trainers or external organizations.

10. Reviewing Patient Care Plans: The therapy aide reviews patient care plans to understand the specific goals, treatment techniques, and interventions prescribed by therapists. This helps them provide appropriate support and assistance during therapy sessions. The therapy aide may review care plans independently or with the guidance of therapists or supervisors.

11. Infection Control Training: The therapy aide receives training on infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and proper disposal of contaminated materials. This training is typically conducted by the infection control nurse or a designated trainer.

12. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Training: The therapy aide undergoes training to enhance their communication and interpersonal skills, enabling them to effectively interact with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. This training may be conducted by the human resources department, therapists, or external trainers.

13. Understanding Emergency Procedures: The therapy aide is trained on emergency procedures, such as fire evacuation, code blue response, and disaster management. This ensures they can respond appropriately and assist in maintaining a safe environment during emergencies. The training is typically conducted by the facility’s safety officer or designated trainers.

14. Documentation and Reporting: The therapy aide receives training on proper documentation and reporting procedures, including accurately recording patient information, progress notes, and incident reports. This task is usually performed by therapists, supervisors, or designated trainers.

15. Continuing Education Opportunities: The therapy aide is informed about the company’s continuing education programs, workshops, and conferences that can enhance their professional development and knowledge in the field of therapy. This information is typically provided by the human resources department or the therapy department’s education coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Therapy Aide checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Therapy Aide up to speed and working well in your Healthcare team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.