Description
Evaluate, plan, and provide evidence-based rehabilitation to improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and prevent or correct disability from injury, surgery, or disease, practicing as a licensed Registered Physical Therapist (RPT).
- • Perform and document initial and re-evaluations to establish a physical therapy diagnosis and plan of care.
- • Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment programs to restore function and prevent dysfunction.
- • Monitor outcomes and adjust interventions to maximize benefit and safety.
- • Provide manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, gait and balance training, and functional activities.
- • Administer physical agents and modalities (heat/cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, light therapy) per safety guidelines.
- • Test and measure strength, range of motion, motor control, sensation, balance, gait, and cardiopulmonary status; record data.
- • Educate patients and caregivers on condition, self-management strategies, and home exercise programs.
- • Obtain informed consent and explain risks, benefits, and alternatives of proposed interventions.
- • Review referrals and medical records to inform examination and treatment planning.
- • Collaborate with physicians and the interdisciplinary team to coordinate and optimize care.
- • Identify measurable goals, anticipated progress, and timelines; schedule and perform reassessments.
- • Document prognosis, interventions, response, and progress in the medical record to regulatory and payer standards.
- • Discharge patients when goals are met or progress plateaus; arrange follow-up, referrals, and transition plans.
- • Supervise and delegate to physical therapist assistants and support staff in accordance with state practice acts.
- • Evaluate, fit, and train patients in the use of assistive, orthotic, and prosthetic devices; coordinate modifications with specialists.
- • Lead individual and group rehabilitation sessions safely and effectively.
- • Provide education on injury prevention, ergonomics, and health promotion to patients and community groups.
- • Refer patients to appropriate practitioners when findings are outside physical therapy scope of practice.
- • Connect patients with community resources, equipment vendors, or support services as needed.
- • Conduct or support clinical research and integrate evidence and guidelines into practice.
- • Teach, mentor, and assess physical therapy students and other learners during clinical experiences.
- • Construct, adjust, or maintain simple supportive or adaptive devices when appropriate.
- • Maintain professional licensure and continuing competence; adhere to ethical and legal standards.
- • Participate in community outreach and advocacy to advance public health and access to rehabilitation.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
