Physical Therapist

076.121-014   PHYSICAL THERAPIST
GOE Interest Areas		10.02.02 Therapy & Rehabilitation

Alternate Titles: PHYSIOTHERAPIST. Plans and administers medically 
prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, 
or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, 
and prevent disability: Reviews physician's referral (prescription)
and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment 
required. Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory 
perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, 
and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs. Plans and 
prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data. 
Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function. Instructs, 
motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as
nonmanual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living 
activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, 
canes, and prostheses. Administers treatments involving application of 
physical agents, using equipment, such as hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool 
baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines. 
Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to 
achieve maximum benefit. Administers massage, applying knowledge of massage techniques
and body physiology. Administers traction to relieve pain, using traction equipment. Records
treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into computer. Instructs
patient and family in 
treatment procedures to be continued at home. Evaluates, fits, and adjusts 
prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to ORTHOTIST 
(medical ser.) 078.261-018. Confers with physician and other practitioners to 
obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program,
and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's 
health care. Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, 
aides, and students. May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on 
physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community
groups. May plan and develop physical therapy research programs and 
participate in conducting research. May write technical articles and reports 
for publications. May teach physical therapy techniques and procedures in 
educational institutions. May limit treatment to specific patient group or 
disability or specialize in conducting physical therapy research. In 
facilities where assistants are also employed, may primarily administer 
complex treatment, such as certain types of manual exercises and functional 
training, and monitor administration of other treatments. May plan, direct, 
and coordinate physical therapy program and be designated Director, Physical 
Therapy (medical ser.). Must comply with state requirement for licensure.

I.   Data, People, Things
     Data:                                         	1 = Coordinating
     People:                                       	2 = Instructing
     Things:                                       	1 = Precision Working

II.  Academic and Vocational Skills
     Reasoning Development:             	Level  5   
     Mathematical Development:          	Level  4   
     Language Development:              `	Level  5   

III. Aptitudes
Top Third
     General Learning Ability (G)
     Verbal Ability (V)
     Spatial Ability (S)
     Form Perception (P)
     Motor Coordination (K)
     Finger Dexterity (F)
     Manual Dexterity (M)

Middle Third
     Numerical Ability (N)
     Clerical Perception (Q)

IV.  Temperaments 
     Directing or supervising others 
     Influencing or persuading others 
     Making judgements and decisions 
     Working with people