"Physical Therapist Assistant" - Part 1
Job Description, Duties and Jobs

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Duties / Tasks	Activities	Skills	Abilities	Knowledge

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Basic Job Description:

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, 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. Generally requires formal training.

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Job Duties and Tasks for: "Physical Therapist Assistant"

Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.

Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.

Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.

Perform postural drainage, percussions and vibrations, and teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.

Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities.

Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.

Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

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, and 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.

Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.

Assist patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.