Career Details :: Physical Therapist Aides
Description
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.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Observes patients during treatment and compiles and evaluates data on patients' responses to treatments and progress, and reports to physical therapist.
- Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Administers traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
- Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities, such as perambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily-living activities.
- Safeguards, motivates, and assists patients practicing exercises and functional activities under direction of professional staff.
- Trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
- Adjusts fit of supportive devices for patients, as instructed.
- Provides routine treatments, such as hydrotherapy, hot and cold packs, and paraffin bath.
- Performs clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.
- Cleans work area and equipment after treatment.
- Transports patients to and from treatment area.
- Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
- Records treatment given and equipment used.
- Assists patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
- Measures patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
- Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
- Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Related Careers
- Athletic Trainers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Physical Therapists
- Recreational Therapists
- Social and Human Service Assistants
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Establishing & Maintaining Relationships
- Communicating With Other Workers
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Indoors
- Consequence of Error
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Provide a Service to Others
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Auto Service Technology Studies |  [ add ] |
| Home Health Advance Practice | [ add ] |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | [ add ] |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.