Role Overview:
The Physical Therapist provides medically prescribed therapy to alleviate pain, restore function, evaluate, and prevent disabilities resulting from disease, injury, or loss of a body part.
They develop individualized treatment plans using techniques such as exercise, massage, manual therapy, heat, water, light, and electrical modalities, based on physician prescriptions.
Key duties include conducting diagnostic and functional tests, guiding patients through active and passive exercises, muscle reeducation, gait, and functional training with equipment like ultrasound and diathermy machines.
They instruct on the use of mobility aids, perform patient evaluations, monitor progress, and document outcomes for team review.
Supervising assistants, aides, and volunteers, as well as training medical and nursing students in therapy techniques, may also be part of the responsibilities.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education: Must have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) after 2015.
Experience: Varies; specific years and experience types required or preferred.
Licensure & Certification: Licensed Physical Therapist, Basic Life Support (BLS), and other certifications such as pelvic health (preferred).
*Note: The DPT credential is mandatory for roles after 2015; other certifications must be obtained within 90 days if not already held.