Description
Provide direct patient care under the direction of a physical therapist, implementing treatment plans, instructing patients in exercises and functional activities, monitoring and documenting progress, and adjusting interventions within the PT’s plan of care and state practice acts. Requires accredited PTA education and state licensure.
- • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients during exercises and functional activities.
- • Collaborate with the PT and care team to review evaluations and plan or modify treatment.
- • Measure range of motion, strength, girth, or vital signs to assess treatment response.
- • Position and secure patients on therapy equipment per safety guidelines.
- • Fit and adjust braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches, per PT plan.
- • Train patients in the safe use and care of braces, prostheses, or assistive devices.
- • Transfer and transport patients to and from treatment areas using proper body mechanics.
- • Set up, operate, and monitor therapy equipment; record dosage and treatment parameters.
- • Clean, disinfect, and store equipment; maintain a safe, organized treatment area.
- • Assist patients with dressing, undressing, and donning or doffing supportive devices.
- • Administer cervical or lumbar traction as directed by the PT.
- • Perform administrative tasks, including scheduling, inventory, ordering supplies, and documentation.
- • Prepare treatment areas and modalities, including electrotherapy and hydrotherapy equipment.
- • Provide airway clearance techniques and teach deep-breathing or coughing exercises as directed.
- • Observe and record patient responses and progress; report findings to the PT.
- • Deliver therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, aquatic therapy, and modalities (e.g., heat, cold, ultrasound, e-stim) within scope.
- • Educate patients, caregivers, or family on home programs, body mechanics, and safety.
- • Participate in in-service training and continuing education to maintain competencies.
- • Document treatments, patient education, and progress notes accurately and timely.
- • Instruct patients in ergonomics and functional mobility, including aquatic exercise when appropriate.
- • Provide basic wound care interventions within PTA scope and facility policy.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
