National

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Sample of reported job titles: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), Physical Therapy Technican, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA), Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA), Physical Therapy Technician

Tasks

• Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities.
• Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress, and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
• Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
• Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, and heat, light, sound, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
• Communicate with or instruct caregivers and family members on patient therapeutic activities and treatment plans.
• Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
• Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.

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Tools & Technology

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