Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant Duties

Serves as Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) for a designated work area within the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) and associated branch clinics – inpatient and outpatient environments.

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

Ensure treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing and load tolerance while ultimately improving the patient's functional independence.

Provides instruction to patients, family members and/or other health workers to perform selected treatment procedures and functional training activities. In the clinic environment, is responsible for the safety and well-being of patients.

Shares technical expertise with other therapy assistants, physical therapy students and other interdisciplinary team members.

Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient's rehabilitation and reintegration needs.

Masters' new techniques and modality proficiency by studying current literature and conducting required research as required.

Research new therapy equipment and make recommendations for purchase.

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.