This occupation is part of the Healthcare Support cluster
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About the Job
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
It is also Called
- Clinical Rehabilitation Aide
- Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Physical Therapist Aide (PTA)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Physical Therapist Technician
- Physical Therapy Aide (PT Aide)
- Physical Therapy Aide (PTA)
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
- Physical Therapy Attendant
What They Do
- Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- Record treatment given and equipment used.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
- Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: SR.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Social interests, but also prefer Realistic environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Achievement and Support in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Education Required
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in Washington was $26,990.00 with most people making between $20,460.00 and $35,370.00
Outlook
During 2008, this occupation employed approximately 1,110 people in Washington. It is projected that there will be 1,530 employed in 2018.
This occupation will have about 42 openings due to growth and about 18 replacement openings for approximately 60 total annual openings.
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