The Physical Therapist Assistant will help Physical Therapists provide physical therapy treatments and procedures in school. The Physical Therapist Assistant may, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of individual plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of services and modify specific treatments in accordance with student status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Instructs, motivates, safeguards, and assists students as they practice exercises or functional activities. Observes students during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provides results to the physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
• Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate student information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Communicates with and instructs caregivers and family members on student therapeutic activities and treatment plans.
• Transports students to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements. Secures students into or onto therapy equipment.
• Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises.
• Measures students range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for student evaluations.
• Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent customer service and student care skills.
• Basic understanding of physical therapy and medical terminology.

Education and Experience

Associates degree or certification from a physical therapy program that included course study in anatomy and physiology, and clinical experience.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of standing and walking.

Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring students.

Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.

Compensation: Salary is dependent on experience

Work Year: 182 days