Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist. PTA's implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the Physical Therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Satisfactory verbal, reading and writing skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English.
2. Sufficient eyesight to read paper or computer-generated medical records; read instrument panels; apply therapeutic modalities such as ice, heat and electrical stimulation; monitor patients for adverse reactions to treatment; adjust assistive devices and make visual observations regarding posture and functional abilities such as bed mobility transfers and ambulation.
3. Sufficient hearing to communicate with patients and other members of the health care team, monitor patients by hearing instrument signals and alarms.
4. Sufficient smell to assess patient status and maintain a safe practice environment.
5. Sufficient fine touch discrimination to palpate pathologic changes in soft tissue.
6. Sufficient fine and gross motor coordination to manipulate/operate equipment controls and to perform manual treatment/assessment techniques including, but not limited to, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching, neuromuscular re-education, goniometry and manual muscle testing.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associates Degree by an CAPTE-accredited program.
2. State license or certification to practice and any additional requirements by the state.