NATURE OF WORK:
The physical therapist develops, implements and coordinates a physical therapy program. They provide screening, evaluation and intervention services. Skilled provision of physical therapy prevents injury (acute or chronic).
Working with patients with disabilities and serious health impairments, the physical therapist is expected to analyze risk, problem solve effectively and demonstrate a high level of professional judgment when recommending and providing services, making environmental modifications and training patients to manage their physical needs.
Direct supervision may be exercised over support personnel and must be provided to physical therapy assistants. Consultation with patients, families, physicians and clients is also an essential component of the physical therapist’s roles/responsibilities.
The physical therapist, though working as a team member serving patients, is autonomous in applying principles of physical therapy and responsible for working within the state Physical Therapy Practice Act and other legal mandates