31-2022.00Apprenticeship

Physical Therapist Aides

Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

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Key Tasks

  • Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
  • Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
  • Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
  • Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
  • Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
  • Record treatment given and equipment used.
  • Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
  • Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
  • Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
  • Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
  • Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
  • Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
  • Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
  • Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
  • Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
  • Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.
  • Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.

Skills

Active Listening
66%
Service Orientation
56%
Monitoring
56%
Coordination
53%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Time Management
50%
Speaking
50%
Active Learning
50%
Writing
50%
Instructing
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Persuasion
47%
Complex Problem Solving
47%
Judgment and Decision Making
44%
Learning Strategies
41%
Negotiation
31%
Systems Analysis
31%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Operations Monitoring
28%
Mathematics
25%
Troubleshooting
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Quality Control Analysis
25%
Science
22%
Technology Design
22%
Operation and Control
16%
Operations Analysis
16%
Management of Material Resources
13%
Equipment Maintenance
13%
Management of Financial Resources
10%
Equipment Selection
6%
Programming
6%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
87%
English Language
76%
Computers and Electronics
62%
Therapy and Counseling
58%
Psychology
50%
Public Safety and Security
47%
Administrative
46%
Education and Training
41%
Administration and Management
36%
Telecommunications
36%
Sociology and Anthropology
35%
Medicine and Dentistry
35%
Personnel and Human Resources
35%
Communications and Media
34%
Mathematics
32%
Biology
30%
Transportation
30%
Foreign Language
28%
Sales and Marketing
27%
Physics
25%
Mechanical
23%
Law and Government
19%
Production and Processing
19%
Chemistry
18%
Philosophy and Theology
13%
Geography
11%
Design
7%
Engineering and Technology
7%
Economics and Accounting
5%
History and Archeology
2%
Fine Arts
1%
Food Production
1%
Building and Construction
1%

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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
60%
Speech Recognition
56%
Problem Sensitivity
56%
Near Vision
53%
Oral Expression
53%
Selective Attention
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Information Ordering
50%
Written Expression
50%
Deductive Reasoning
47%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
47%
Category Flexibility
47%
Static Strength
47%
Finger Dexterity
47%
Multilimb Coordination
47%
Far Vision
44%
Extent Flexibility
44%
Flexibility of Closure
44%
Perceptual Speed
44%
Stamina
41%
Manual Dexterity
41%
Gross Body Coordination
41%
Time Sharing
35%
Dynamic Strength
31%
Gross Body Equilibrium
31%
Memorization
31%
Originality
31%
Control Precision
28%
Visualization
28%
Auditory Attention
28%
Fluency of Ideas
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Number Facility
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Response Orientation
16%
Reaction Time
13%
Rate Control
13%
Explosive Strength
10%
Dynamic Flexibility
10%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%

Work Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others
100%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
88%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
86%
Getting Information
82%
Handling and Moving Objects
77%
Documenting/Recording Information
75%
Working with Computers
75%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
75%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
72%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
72%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
69%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
67%
Performing General Physical Activities
66%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
64%
Developing and Building Teams
64%
Thinking Creatively
63%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
62%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
61%
Processing Information
60%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
60%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
59%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
57%
Training and Teaching Others
55%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
53%
Scheduling Work and Activities
52%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
48%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
46%
Analyzing Data or Information
46%
Coaching and Developing Others
45%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
40%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
40%
Controlling Machines and Processes
36%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
33%
Selling or Influencing Others
24%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
23%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
23%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
18%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
15%
Staffing Organizational Units
7%

Work Context

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

95%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

92%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

89%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

87%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

78%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

78%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

77%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

77%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

72%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

71%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

71%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

70%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

67%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

66%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

64%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

62%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

60%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

60%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

59%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

58%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

56%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

55%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

52%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

52%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

51%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

50%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

49%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

46%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

39%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

38%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

34%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

33%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

32%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

25%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

24%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

19%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

19%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

18%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

16%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

15%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

15%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

13%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

12%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

11%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

10%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

10%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

5%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

4%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

2%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

34%

Associate's degree

25%

Less than high school diploma

10%

Interests

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

81

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

65

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

48

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

26

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

17

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

2

Work Styles

Cooperation
82%
Dependability
82%
Empathy
74%
Attention to Detail
67%
Optimism
65%
Social Orientation
60%
Integrity
57%
Sincerity
57%
Cautiousness
50%
Self-Control
49%
Humility
43%
Stress Tolerance
40%
Perseverance
36%
Adaptability
31%
Achievement Orientation
23%
Self-Confidence
17%
Initiative
14%
Intellectual Curiosity
4%

Work Values

Relationships
95%
Achievement
61%
Support
61%
Independence
45%
Working Conditions
42%
Recognition
33%

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