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Career Details : Physical Therapist Assistants

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Description

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.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
  • Performs clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.
  • Cleans work area and equipment after treatment.
  • Transports patients to and from treatment area.
  • Records treatment given and equipment used.
  • Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
  • Administers traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
  • Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities, such as perambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily-living activities.
  • Safeguards, motivates, and assists patients practicing exercises and functional activities under direction of professional staff.
  • Trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
  • Adjusts fit of supportive devices for patients, as instructed.
  • Provides routine treatments, such as hydrotherapy, hot and cold packs, and paraffin bath.
  • Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
  • Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment.
  • Observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients' responses to treatments and progress, and reports to physical therapist.
  • Measures patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
  • Assists patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Indoors
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Provide a Service to Others

    Related Majors

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    Physical Therapy Assistantadd Physical Therapy Assistant to MyFSA
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