Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.

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Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.

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Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.

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Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.

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Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

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Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.

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Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

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Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.

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Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.

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Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.

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Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.

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Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.

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Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.

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Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.