SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general and specific direction of a licensed physical therapist or medical staff; assists registered physical therapists in individual case treatment; reports patient status to supervisory staff; work is reviewed through periodic reports and conferences with supervisors.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May directly supervise patients or clients in therapeutic exercise or other physical therapy modalities.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To apply routine physical therapy procedures and modalities to patients/clients under the direction of legally qualified physical therapists or medical staff.

• To assist patients/clients to achieve functional goals through application of physical therapy modalities as directed by a legally qualified physical therapist or medical staff.

• To follow established procedures pertaining to maintenance, adjustment, assembly, and disassembly of physical therapy equipment.

• To perform predetermined clerical procedures related to patient treatment and medical record status notes.

• To observe precautions related to therapeutic exercise and physical therapy procedures.

• To assist with transfers of patients to and from treatment areas.

• To be responsible for safety and care of patients assigned by a physical therapist or medical staff.

• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A familiarity with physical therapy treatments, equipment, accessories, modalities and precautions as applied to patients/clients; the ability to gain cooperation and confidence of patients/clients; the ability to accept and follow specific oral and written directions from legally qualified physical therapists and/or medical staff; ability to learn and perform specific tasks related to adjustment of equipment in physical therapy; the ability to assist the physical therapist in achieving therapeutic patient goals; basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and disability; ability to orally report at team conferences; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Graduation from a program of instruction approved by the American Physical Therapy Association for Physical Therapy Assistants; or its equivalent; and

Experience: One (1) year of employment in a physical therapy program in a public or private hospital, rehabilitation center or other institution.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Must meet the established requirements for the licensing of physical therapy assistants administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health and must maintain such licensure as a condition of employment. At the time of appointment, must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.