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Career Details : Physical Therapist Aides

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Description

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.

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

  • Observes patients during treatment and compiles and evaluates data on patients' responses to treatments and progress, and reports to physical therapist.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
  • Records treatment given and equipment used.
  • Assists patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
  • Measures patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
  • 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.

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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

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