Physical Therapist Assistants

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
2. 02Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
3. 03Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
4. 04Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
5. 05Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
6. 06Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
7. 07Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
8. 08Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
9. 09Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
10. 10Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
11. 11Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
12. 12Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading