Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Responsibilities

• Helping with exercises and treatments for patients, as instructed by the physical therapist. Under supervision, you will assist with exercises, walking training, massages, and using machines like whirlpools, hot packs, and ultrasound. You will also show patients how to use wheelchairs, crutches, braces, and other support devices properly.
• Giving treatment to help with neck and back pain using special equipment. You will encourage and help patients learn and do daily activities better.
• Watching patients during their treatments and keeping track of how they respond and improve. You will report this information to the physical therapist, either by speaking or writing it down.
• Fitting patients with orthopedic braces and other support devices, adjusting them, and teaching patients how to use and take care of these tools, such as crutches and wheelchairs.
• Working with the physical therapy team and other healthcare staff to share patient information, plan, and adjust treatment programs, ensuring all departments work together for the best patient care.

• Degree:
  You need an Associate's degree.
• Education:
  
  You must graduate from a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Experience:
  
  You should have at least 2 years of experience working as a physical therapist assistant in the last 5 years.
• Licensure:
  You must have a current and valid license to work as a physical therapy assistant or have a current certification from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
• Security:
  You will need to pass a government background check.
• Life Support Certification:
  You should have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC).