The Physical Therapist assesses the need for, develops, and delivers physical therapy programs to facilitate rehabilitation. S/he identifies the need for and makes referral(s) to other disciplines to address the comprehensive needs of patients. S/he implements individualized therapy programs designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance. The Physical Therapist also instructs, educates, and trains patients and caregivers in those skills and functions essential for promoting independence and productivity.
Responsibilities
- Screens, examines and evaluates patients, including history, systems review, and application of appropriate tests and measures, synthesizes information and interprets examination findings in order to establish a diagnosis, identify impairments, determine the predicted level of improvement and the time required to achieve it, identify precautions/contraindications and design and plan of care. Develops appropriate treatment goals and methods in collaboration with the patient and caregivers, implements the physical therapy treatment plan, and completes all related documentation and record keeping regarding these services. Services such as therapeutic exercise including aerobic capacity conditioning, balance coordination, agility training, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility exercises, gait and locomotion training, neuromotor development training, relaxation, strength, power, and endurance training; functional training; manual therapy; airway clearance techniques; integumentary repair and protection; use of electrotherapeutic, physical agent and mechanical modalities.
- Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants, temporary licensees, students and support personnel in accordance with state licensure requirements and professional standards.
- Designs, fits and/or applies adaptive devices, and trains patients in the use of adaptive devices including orthotics and prosthetics.
- Attends and contributes to patient care, staffing conferences and other related meetings.
- Puts Patient Service first: ensures that patients and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights.
- Instructs patient in the skills and techniques required for participation in mobility activities, and evaluates patient progress, attitudes and behavior as related to rehabilitative potential.
Qualifications
1. Hold a valid Physical Therapy license in the state(s) of practice, or proof of license eligibility.
2. A Master's degree in Physical Therapy or a related field.
a. For individuals who completed appropriate Physical Therapy education prior to January 1, 2002, with a valid Physical Therapy license in the state(s) of practice or proof of license eligibility, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy (or related field), plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Physical Therapy will be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree.
b. A foreign-degree equivalent to the first professional degree, consistent with state licensing rules, will be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.
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