This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is specialized paraprofessional work in assisting a professional physical therapist in the delivery of a variety of physical therapy treatments.
An employee in this class assists a professional physical therapist in planning and implementing physical therapy treatment activities for persons with physical or mental illness or developmental disabilities. Work includes the application of physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist and reporting patient progress and tolerance of treatment. Work may also involve supervision of aides and direct-care staff involved in physical therapy activities. Supervision is received from a physical therapist or other designee who reviews the work for quality and achievement of program objectives; however, the employee is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the performance of assigned duties within the established policies and procedures of the facility and normal scope of practice.
Reviews and discusses patient treatment plans with professional physical therapists; assists a professional physical therapist with the development of program goals, therapy techniques and modalities to develop, improve and/or restore the performance of necessary functions, compensate for dysfunction and/or minimize debilitation in the areas of independent daily living skills and performance.
Performs physical therapy procedures as outlined in the treatment plan and assigned by a professional physical therapist, such as: gait training, active and passive therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, heat and cold modalities, etc.
Observes patient tolerance of treatment procedures and makes adjustments within specified goals and boundaries, and records patient progress towards treatment goals.
Confers with other therapy staff, interdisciplinary treatment team members, patients, and significant others to explain treatment procedures and to discuss patient progress towards treatment goals.
Directs the work of aides in routine activities related to the support of the physical therapy department, such as maintaining equipment and treatment rooms in a clean and hygienic state.
Assists the physical therapist and other professional staff in training direct-care staff in restorative exercises, lifting, moving and transferring patients and in other activities related to physical therapy.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Graduation from a physical therapist assistant associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
(Possession of a current Missouri license as a Physical Therapist Assistant will substitute for the stated education qualification.)
Possession of a current license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Missouri at the time of appointment. (A current temporary license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Missouri is acceptable in meeting this requirement at the time of appointment.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Considerable knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Considerable knowledge of current physical therapy modalities and treatment techniques.
Considerable knowledge of the purposes and organization of a physical therapy department.
Some knowledge of supervisory techniques and practices.
Ability to implement physical therapy treatments within the scope of practice.
Ability to observe and record patients' progress towards treatment goals and tolerance of treatment activities.
Ability to assign, direct and evaluate the work of physical therapy aides.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, treatment team members and other physical therapy staff.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
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