Job Summary:

Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) perform components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks selected by a supervising physical therapist. These workers assist physical therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.

• Active and passive manual therapeutic exercises
• Therapeutic massage
• Ultrasound, Ionto, electrical stimulation, ultraviolet and infrared, hot and cold packs
• Traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment
• Instructs, motivates and assists patients to learn and improve functional activity, such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily-living activities
• Observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients’ responses to treatments and progress and reports verbally or in writing to the physical therapist
• Fits patients for, adjusts, and trains patients in the use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting
• Marginal Responsibilities Performs clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephones, and filling out forms

Responsibilities:

Evening and weekend work may be required in order to fit patient schedules. The job is physically demanding. Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) are required to stand for long periods of time. They spend considerable time stooping, kneeling and crouching. PTA move heavy equipment. They assist with patient transfers and lifts or help them turn, stand or walk. So, to guard against back injury, they must follow proper body mechanics and procedures for lifting/moving patients. Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) that work in sub-acute or long-term care settings, have patients that need more assistance, therefore the job is more physically demanding, compared to PTA that work in out-patient settings.

Education Requirements

• Current PTA license, in good standing with the State licensing board
• Cognitive skills as related to the position