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Physical Therapists - 29-1123.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Staff Physical Therapist
  • Home Care Physical Therapist
  • Outpatient Physical Therapist
  • Pediatric Physical Therapist
  • Registered Physical Therapist (RPT)
  • Rehabilitation Services Director

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.
  • Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet or infrared lamps, or ultrasound machines.
  • Conduct or support research and apply research findings to practice.
  • Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.
  • Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices.
  • Direct group rehabilitation activities.
  • Direct, supervise, assess, and communicate with supportive personnel.
  • Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
  • Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
  • Evaluate, fit, or adjust prosthetic or orthotic devices or recommend modification to orthotist.
  • Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
  • Inform patients when diagnosis reveals findings outside physical therapy and refer to appropriate practitioners.
  • Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
  • Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
  • Participate in community or community agency activities or help to formulate public policy.
  • Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
  • Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
  • Provide educational information about physical therapy or physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics, or ways to promote health.
  • Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits, and any reasonable alternatives.
  • Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
  • Refer clients to community resources or services.
  • Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
  • Teach physical therapy students or those in other health professions.
  • Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer medications or treatments
  • analyze medical data
  • analyze patient activity
  • apply traction
  • assess therapy needs of patients
  • assist patient to improve or develop work skills
  • communicate technical information
  • construct medical supportive devices
  • coordinate patient activities with rehabilitation team
  • direct and coordinate treatment program activities
  • document medical prognosis
  • encourage patients to participate in activities
  • evaluate patient response to therapy
  • fit medical supportive devices
  • follow dental or medical office procedures
  • identify body response variations
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • maintain therapy equipment
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
  • perform safety inspections in health care setting
  • plan therapy treatment program
  • position patient for therapy
  • practice preventive procedures in medical therapy setting
  • take vital signs
  • teach medical self care
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use clinical problem solving techniques
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use massage therapy procedures
  • use medical equipment in direct patient care
  • use physical therapy equipment or materials
  • use physical therapy techniques
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings
  • work with persons with mental disabilities or illnesses

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Physical Therapist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physical Therapist (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Physical Therapy (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Therapy (Coast Guard - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Physical Therapist