Physical Therapist Assistant School

Physical Therapy Assistant

Under the direct supervision of the physical therapist, readies the patients for treatments, obtains supplies and materials, and assists in the maintenance of the department. Carries out other basic department functions that do not require the experience of a qualified therapist.

Minimum Education Required

High School plus specialized training (6 mons-2 yrs)

Minimum Experience Required

1 to 3 years

Licenses / Certifications Required

Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Level 1: Previous hospital, clinical or nursing home experience is preferred. One (1) to three (3) months of on-the-job training. Must complete forty (40) hours of Student Physical Therapist Intern Level I duties and all Level I orientation and competencies.

Level 2: Must be enrolled in a college or university setting or pursuing credits for application to an APTA accredited physical therapy program.

Level 3: Must be enrolled in an APTA accredited physical therapy program. Must have completed first clinical experience (0-4 weeks), but not yet completed a 6-10 week clinical rotation.

Level 4: Must be enrolled in an APTA accredited physical therapy program. Must have completed at least one clinical rotation over four weeks. Student physical therapy student in their second to last or last clinical rotation.

Principal Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Prepares the patient and equipment for treatments.

Assists the physical therapist in patient treatments including therapeutic exercise and modalities following completion of all competencies.

Assists the physical therapist in patient treatments using the appropriate safety measures including transferring patients to and from the mats, tables and exercise equipment

Assists the physical therapist in Rehabilitation Programs including patient orientation to exercise equipment in the Lifestyle and Fitness Center in the Cancer Exercise Program.

Communicates appropriately with staff members.