4/1/77 C

Administers physical therapy treatments, using heat, light, massage, or mechanical devices, to clinic or bed patients in a State institution.

Treatment is prescribed by physicians and is performed in accordance with techniques approved by the American Medical Association. The duties entail the interpretation of prescriptions based upon principles and knowledge of basic medical subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, general medical and surgical conditions and psychiatry.

(Physical Therapy Aides and student interns are instructed and supervised in carrying out portions of the treatment program.)

Supervision is received from the Physical Therapy Supervisor or physicians through progress reports, conferences, and inspection of treatments

Examples of duties characteristic of positions in this class:

1. Studies case history in order to become familiar with patient’s

condition, administers prescribed physical therapy treatment,

observes patient’s reaction, noting any deviation from normal

and calls supervisor or physician in case of question. May

give any or all of the following treatments: infrared heat, dry

and moist heat, paraffin baths, muscle training, diathermy,

underwater exercise, bandaging, microthermy, and related

therapies.

2. Checks equipment for defects, reports shortages or needed repairs;

adjusts appliances, such as crutches and braces; may design

equipment as needed for individual patients.

Supervises and instructs physical therapy students, student

nurses, and medical students by demonstrating prescribed

techniques, observing and commenting on performance of technical

tasks, and through lectures.

Graduation from an approved school of physical therapy and eligibility for licensure to practice physical therapy in Virginia.

Considerable knowledge of skeletal and neuro-anatomy. Considerable knowledge of fundamental theories of physical therapy techniques and of their proper application, including electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and actinotherapy. Considerable knowledge of the effects of exercise, massage, heat, and bath treatments; ability to administer the accepted physical therapy treatments; ability to keep records and make reports; ability to gain cooperation of patients, parents, and clinic staff members and inspire their confidence; ability to supervise and teach.