Physical Therapy Assistant

PTA Duties

Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions.

Under the direction of the PT, plans, coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy for wounded, ill and injured patients, as well as other beneficiaries, with a wide range of physical and behavioral health diagnoses and disabilities.

Provides updated status in patient progress reports, as well as other administrative reports.

Initiates, implements, plans, and recommends progressive treatment plan with consideration of patient's neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, cardiac status, gait ability, posture, age and general health, under the supervision of the PT.

Provides instruction to patients, family members and/or other health workers to perform selected treatment procedures and functional training activities.

Tracks procedure's effects on patients, long-and short-term effects of different types of therapy, and appropriateness of a specific therapy, noting overall trends in efficacy, reporting problems to supervisor.

Participates in instructional programs, as directed by the PT, to include teaching other personnel in sound, proper methods of physical therapy treatment.

Assists in planning and coordinating in-service training for professional and non-professional personnel.

Completes administrative duties as required, including but not limited to checking in patients, scheduling, and template management.

Masters new techniques and modality proficiency by studying current literature and conducting required research. Researches new therapy equipment and makes recommendations for purchase.