Physical Therapist (PT)

Physical Therapist Duties:

• Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health.
• Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.

As clinicians, physical therapists engage in an examination process that includes:

• taking the patient/client history,
• conducting a systems review, and
• performing tests and measures to identify potential and existing problems.

To establish diagnoses, prognoses, and plans of care, physical therapists perform evaluations, synthesizing the examination data and determining whether the problems to be addressed are within the scope of physical therapist practice. Based on their judgments about diagnoses and prognoses and based on patient/client goals, physical therapists:

• provide interventions (the interactions and procedures used in managing and instructing patients/clients),
• conduct reexaminations,
• modify interventions as necessary to achieve anticipated goals and expected outcomes, and
• develop and implement discharge plans.

Regular duties of a physical therapist include:

• Consulting patients to learn about their physical condition and symptoms
• Developing a treatment plan
• Teaching patients how to properly use exercise techniques
• Providing stimulation or massage
• Use equipment and devices to assist patients
• Maintain patients records, keeping track of goals and progress
• Advise patient and family about in-home treatment options and exercises
• Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants and Co-sign their notes.
• Physical therapists treat patients by teaching them different exercises intended to strengthen or stretch muscles as well as alleviate pain. Prior to this, you'll consult with the patient on their symptoms and develop a rehabilitation plan. Throughout the process, a large part of your job will include being supportive and understanding. Providing encouraging words is just as important as the physical aspect of the job.

Education:

• Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from an accredited program. Must possess a current state licensure or license eligible.
• Continuing Education Units - Bi-yearly

Specific Requirements:

• Must be able to work independently.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, coordinating, and organizational skills. Must be able to manage multiple tasks at one time.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide training appropriate to the needs of
• the patients served.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.