Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. 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. Carries out the treatment plan as instructed by the physical therapist using a variety of modalities including those associated with electrotherapy, heat, cold, hydrotherapy and exercise. Maintains documentation including patient progress notes and worklists. Prepares necessary patient records and statistics, appropriate patient information for weekend staff and when planning to be absent. Provides information and instruction to patients, families, caregivers and other health practitioners. Makes recommendations regarding appropriate assistive devices. Communicates recommendations regarding orthotic and prosthetic devices to the physical therapist. Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities. Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and report to physical therapist. Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations. Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment. Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches. Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices. Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements. Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment. Supervise, train and assess therapy assistant students during onsite clinical affiliations.