Working As a Physical Therapy Assistant: Job Description

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) functions below an accredited Physical Therapist, and assists in the day to day physical therapy procedures performed by them. The PTA additionally perform an essential part in within patient treatment and care. They can be responsible for operating a number of physical therapy tasks and modalities including giving ultrasound treatment, rendering massage to affected patients, using hot and also cold compresses on affected patients, as well as teaching patients rehabilitation exercise routines. Their duties can include supervision of the physical therapy facility floor, ensuring patients are following the directions effectively, and making necessary corrections. Physical Therapist assistants can also in certain workplace settings be responsible for teaching patients how to walk with assisted devices, as well as working with individuals recovering from surgery and serious accidents. Physical Therapy Assistants will also have to be accountable and document and record patient information in a responsible and accurate format.

The duties can change from workplace to workplace for a physical therapist assistant. Some other basic duties and traits that fit the job description are:

The rest of the certified nursing assistant's duties fall into the category of "assistance." These may include the following:

*Helping patients with ambulation (walking, moving out of their wheelchairs, etc.)
*Use of mechanical devices that pertain to physical therapy treatment.
*Offering support, direction and encouragement during physical rehabilitation routines
*Providing support and documentation to the licensed physical therapist
*Assisting patients to treatment areas and commencing treatment under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist assistant.
*Depending on the work place setting, there could be many other assisted based job duties
First Aid & CPR Certification - As a physical therapy assistant, it will be necessary to be training and skilled in basic emergency procedures. Due to the work environment and the patients that are worked with this is a requirement for ever PTA
*Documentation and Awareness of Patient Needs - A physical therapy assistant is more than just an assistant who does what is asked by the supervising physical therapist.
*They are responsible for documenting patient charts with full medical terminology, while respecting and working around the patients specific needs or situation.
*Respect Patient Rights - A physical therapy assistant has a responsibility to uphold all that surrounds a patient's rights. These rights may include, but are certainly not limited to privacy, confidentiality, being aware of treatments they are receiving, as well as a right to accept or refuse that treatment. The rehabilitation process can take its toll on the sometimes frustrated patients, remember to always give them their dignity and respect.

As you can see there can be quite a diverse and long list of duties and responsibilities for a physical therapist assistant. A physical therapist assistant should and many do take much pride in their career, their education that they have received to work in such a field, and the wages they earn operating in this professional career.