Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
Median Annual Wage: $24,650
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (42%); Associate's degree (22%); Some college, no degree (15%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
Record treatment given and equipment used.
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.