CELL THERAPY TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

The Cell Therapy Technician is the clinical support layer that keeps a physical therapy department running - preparing patients, maintaining equipment, and executing modality setups so licensed therapists can focus on assessment and intervention. This role sits within the direct-care team of outpatient or acute-care PT departments, operating under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist. American Physical Therapy Association standards and state practice act requirements frame every duty.

As the Cell Therapy Technician, you deliver hands-on patient preparation, modality assistance, and facility upkeep that sustain daily throughput in a physical therapy clinic. You work under the direct supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant, supporting both clinical and administrative functions across outpatient and acute-care settings.

Career Impact: Hands-on exposure to therapeutic modalities, S-O-A-P documentation, and direct patient interaction builds a verifiable clinical foundation valued in physical therapy assistant and occupational therapy programs.

Business Impact: Consistent modality setup, patient flow management, and equipment readiness directly determine how many patients a clinic treats each day and whether licensed therapists can operate at full capacity.

Growth Opportunity: Time in this role, combined with enrollment in a pre-professional healthcare program, positions candidates to advance toward licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy Assistant.

• Prepare patients for physical therapy treatments to support a safe and efficient visit flow within the department.
• Assist physical therapists and physical therapy assistants with modality setups including hot and cold packs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
• Safeguard and motivate patients during clinician-prescribed exercises and functional activities under direct supervision.
• Instruct patients in the use of ambulation aids, transfer techniques, and supportive devices as delegated by the supervising therapist.
• Document treatment delivery per S-O-A-P method in outpatient charts, with co-signature by a licensed therapist, and record schedule changes in medical records.
• Clean and maintain treatment areas, tables, and equipment after each patient session to meet infection control standards.
• Inventory, requisition, and restock supplies, linens, and durable medical equipment to ensure treatment room readiness.
• Support front office operations including patient scheduling, phone communications, and chart filing as directed.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• CPR or BLS certification, maintained current throughout employment.
• One or more years of patient care experience, with preference for physical therapy acute-care or outpatient settings.
• Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and the therapeutic effects of physical therapy agents on body function.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology sufficient for chart documentation and patient and staff communication.
• Ability to apply Universal Precautions, sterile techniques, and Hazardous Material Protocol in a clinical environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to explain treatment sensations and precautions clearly to patients.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions, departmental SOPs, and infection control policies accurately.

• Graduation from a certified Physical Therapy Technician program or equivalent vocational training in a healthcare setting.
• Current enrollment in a pre-professional or professional physical therapy, occupational therapy, or related health science program.
• Previous experience as a rehabilitation aide or physical therapy aide in an outpatient or hospital setting.
• Familiarity with clinical scheduling workflows and basic administrative support in a medical office environment.

• Patient visit throughput per shift, reflecting modality setup speed and room turnover efficiency.
• Documentation accuracy rate on S-O-A-P entries, measured by co-signature approval rate from supervising therapists.
• Equipment and supply readiness score, tracked via department inventory logs and restocking cycle adherence.
• Infection control compliance rate, based on department audit results for room cleaning and Universal Precautions adherence.
• Patient feedback score on technician interactions, captured through clinic satisfaction surveys.
• Typical tools: Clinical documentation systems (commonly paper charts or EMR); scheduling platforms (commonly practice management software)

• Base Salary Range: $32,000 to $42,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
• Bonus: Modest merit-based bonus available at some employers, typically up to 3 to 5 percent.
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard at most hospital and clinic employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year, plus standard paid holidays.
• Common Perks: Tuition assistance or reimbursement for pre-professional healthcare programs, CEU support, and scheduling flexibility for students.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or onboarding process are encouraged to request one. All offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a drug screening consistent with healthcare facility requirements. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Cell Therapy Technician administers physical therapy agents, supports therapeutic exercise programs, and ensures safe, compliant patient care within an acute hospital Physical Therapy Department. Working under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant, this technician upholds American Physical Therapy Association standards and enables consistent, high-quality patient outcomes across inpatient and outpatient settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer physical therapy agents and assist with therapeutic exercise programs and ambulatory procedures as indicated.
• Explain treatment sensations and precautions to patients clearly and accurately.
• Check on patients frequently during treatment to satisfy their needs.
• Return equipment and supplies to proper storage and prepare treatment tables for the next patient.
• Discuss patient condition and treatment course with a Registered Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Document treatment per S-O-A-P method in Out-Patient Charts, co-signed by a licensed therapist.
• Ensure compliance with department operations, hospital, fire, safety, and infection control policies.
• Maintain standards set by the American Physical Therapy Association for treatment procedures and professional ethics.
• Review and practice Universal Precautions and Hazardous Material Protocol consistently.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CPR certification required.
• One year of experience in an acute hospital Physical Therapy Department preferred.
• Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and the effects of physical therapy treatment on body function and structure.
• Knowledge of disease processes, causative factors, and the therapeutic value of physical therapy agents.
• Knowledge of physical therapy equipment operation, maintenance, and modality application.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and their modification in physical therapy per the Infection Control Manual.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including medical terminology, for patient and staff interactions.

Embedded within an outpatient physical therapy clinic, the Cell Therapy Technician assists front office coordinators, physical therapists, and occupational therapists by performing administrative and clinical duties in compliance with state practice act requirements. Working closely with therapy staff and patients, this technician facilitates efficient patient visit flow and supports a compassionate, well-organized care environment.

Core Functions

• Prepare patients for physical therapy treatments and facilitate a safe and efficient flow of patient visits.
• Safeguard, motivate, and assist patients during clinician-prescribed exercises and functional activities under direct supervision.
• Assist with preparing hot and cold packs and other modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
• Clean work areas, tables, and equipment after each treatment session.
• Inventory and requisition supplies and equipment as requested.
• Wash, fold, and maintain linens and linen cabinets, and restock restroom supplies as needed.
• Assist the office coordinator with answering phones, scheduling appointments, and tracking medical and non-medical supplies.
• File and scan paperwork including charts as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma required.
• Current enrollment in a pre-professional or professional healthcare program preferred.
• Previous rehabilitation aide or physical therapy aide experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy modalities and equipment preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to understand patient expectations and adapt accordingly.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and develop work plans to complete projects.
• Compassionate, energetic, and collaborative team player with the ability to mentor and motivate others.

Reporting to the production team leadership, the Cell Therapy Technician executes cell processing and expansion tasks within a cGMP manufacturing facility, following batch records and SOPs to manufacture blood-derived components in a cleanroom environment. Partnering with Material Management, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control, this technician ensures consistent process execution that directly supports the delivery of innovative T cell therapies for cancer treatment.

Primary Duties

• Perform all tasks associated with manufacturing clinical and commercial products in cleanrooms following batch records and SOPs.
• Work as part of a committed team to execute production under strict GMP guidelines in collaboration with Material Management, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control.
• Implement and support process improvements while maintaining GMP compliance.
• Comply strictly with SOPs and cGMP regulations and accurately complete all associated documentation.
• Ensure consistent process execution to guarantee high-quality output.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Cell Manufacturing, or a related field required.
• VAPRO A and B or LITOP A and B certification considered a plus.
• cGMP experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar manufacturing environment preferred.
• Aseptic processing and cell culture processing experience preferred.
• Proactive with strong teamwork abilities and comfort in a fast-paced production environment.
• Good verbal and written English communication skills required for an international work environment.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical support and patient care, the Cell Therapy Technician applies therapeutic modalities, assists physical therapists, and maintains treatment areas within a physical therapy department. Operating across both documentation and hands-on duties, this technician enables smooth, compliant patient care delivery aligned with department policies and procedures.

Duties

• Assist patients in preparation for treatment and apply therapeutic modalities per department policies and procedures.
• Instruct patients in the use of ambulation aids, transfer techniques, and supportive devices as delegated by the therapist.
• Assist physical therapists and physical therapy assistants with procedures and treatments as requested.
• Document treatment provided to patients and record cancellations or changes in physical therapy schedules in medical records.
• Clean and maintain treatment areas and equipment, and transport supplies for treatments and class presentations.
• Maintain adequate supplies of linen and necessary materials in treatment rooms and order materials as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• BLS certification required.
• Minimum one year of patient care experience, preferably in a physical therapy acute care and outpatient setting.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and anatomy.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and write correspondence and instructions clearly.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients and staff.

A key member of the physical therapy clinic team, the Cell Therapy Technician supports back office procedures, front desk operations, and facility maintenance to ensure a well-functioning patient care environment. Collaborating across clinical and administrative functions, this technician enables therapists to deliver consistent, high-quality treatment by managing equipment, scheduling, and department logs.

Functions

• Assist physical therapists with back office procedures by setting up and cleaning rooms and equipment for ultrasound, E-Stim, thermal agent, and other activities.
• Perform front desk operations including greeting patients, clinical scheduling, and telephone communications.
• Provide clinical and exercise instructions and motivational support to patients based on individual therapy needs and therapist prescriptions.
• Complete routine department maintenance by documenting and updating inventories and dispensing simple durable medical equipment.
• Perform general care of gym areas, exercise machines, and equipment by cleaning and restocking items.
• Update and manage department function logs on equipment maintenance and monthly statistics of referrals and patient responses.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from a certified Physical Therapy Technician program.
• One year of experience in a physical therapy, fitness, or medical back office setting preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications such as MS Word and Excel.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

Safe and accurate radiation treatment delivery depends on the Cell Therapy Technician, who works under the direction of the Radiation Therapy Supervisor alongside clinical physicists, dosimetrists, and therapists to execute daily treatments across multiple treatment units. Based within Penn Medicine, this technician supports the health system by maintaining proficiency across treatment machines and CT simulation in accordance with entity values and procedures.

Accountabilities

• Work under the direction of the Radiation Therapy Supervisor alongside clinical physicists, dosimetrists.
• Accurately and safely deliver daily radiation treatments across various departmental rotations on all treatment units.
• Achieve proficiency through rotations on treatment units and adequate exposure to CT simulation.
• Perform duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures.
• Support the unit, department, entity, and health system organization as needed.

Background and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certificate of Completion from an approved Radiation Therapy Technology Program required.
• One to three years of radiation therapist experience preferred.
• Knowledge of CT simulation processes and proficiency in operating treatment machines and simulators for safe and accurate treatment delivery.
• Experience operating a Siemens CT/SIM and a Halcyon treatment machine preferred.
• Working knowledge of EPIC, Outlook, and Aria systems preferred.