Will “Physical Therapy Aide (PTA)” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.

• Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.

• Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.

• Record treatment given and equipment used.

• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.

• Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.

• Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.

• Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.

• Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.

• Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.

• Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.

• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.

• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

• Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.

• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.

• Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

• Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.

• Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.

• Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.