SOC 31-2022.00: Physical Therapist Aides — Occupation Classification & Job Zone

Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

Job Zone 2: Some preparation

Occupations in this zone usually require a high school diploma and some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Employees may need a few months to one year of on-the-job training or informal training with experienced workers.

Related industries and commodity codes

Occupations are not industries, but these classifications often appear in the same hiring, procurement, or market research workflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 31-2022.00?

NAICS 31-2022.00 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Physical Therapist Aides. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.

What licenses and permits does a Physical Therapist Aides need?

A Physical Therapist Aides typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.

How do I register a Physical Therapist Aides business in the United States?

To register a Physical Therapist Aides business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.

What tax forms does a Physical Therapist Aides file with the IRS?

Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.

Is Physical Therapist Aides the right NAICS code for my business?

Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Physical Therapist Aides describes your main line of business, NAICS 31-2022.00 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 31-2022.00 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.

Does a Physical Therapist Aides need a DEA registration to prescribe medications?

Yes. Any healthcare provider who prescribes, administers, or dispenses controlled substances (Schedules II-V) must register with the DEA. Registration is by state and by business address. The application fee is $888 (3-year cycle). You need a valid state medical license first. DEA registration is location-specific — if you practice at multiple locations, you may need separate registrations. Starting 2023, new DEA registrants must complete 8 hours of opioid/substance use disorder training.

What telehealth rules apply to a Physical Therapist Aides?

Federal: Ryan Haight Act requires at least one in-person evaluation before prescribing controlled substances via telemedicine (with a COVID-era temporary waiver that has been partially extended). Medicare reimburses telehealth under specific conditions including geographic and originating site restrictions (some waived through 2024). State level: you must be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Most states now have telemedicine practice standards and require informed consent. Prescribing via telemedicine based solely on an online questionnaire is prohibited in most states.

How does a Physical Therapist Aides comply with OSHA bloodborne pathogens and workplace safety?

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires healthcare employers to implement an Exposure Control Plan, provide hepatitis B vaccination to at-risk employees at no cost, use Universal Precautions, provide PPE, ensure proper sharps disposal, and offer post-exposure evaluation. Annual training is required. Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act mandates use of safety-engineered sharps devices and a sharps injury log. Joint Commission accreditation requires similar safety protocols.

What HIPAA requirements apply to a Physical Therapist Aides?

HIPAA applies if you are a covered entity (healthcare provider who transmits health information electronically) or a business associate. Requirements include: HIPAA Privacy Rule (patient rights, PHI use/disclosure limits), HIPAA Security Rule (administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for ePHI), and HIPAA Breach Notification Rule (notify patients and HHS within 60 days). Annual risk analysis is mandatory. HIPAA violations carry fines from $100 to $50,000+ per violation, up to $1.5M annually per provision.