Physical Therapist Assistants

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.

Job Task

• Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.
• Perform postural drainage, percussions and vibrations, and teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
• Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
• Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
• Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
• Assist patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
• Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities.
• 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.
• Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and report to physical therapist.
• Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices.
• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

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