Administers skilled physical therapy treatments including physical modalities, exercises, and therapeutic devices under the general supervision of a licensed physical therapist in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia; observes, records and reports the patient’s condition, reactions, and responses to treatment; and recommends to the physical therapist modifications of current treatment.

Incumbents may supervise the work of physical therapist aides. Supervision is received in the form of general instructions from a physical therapist who provides periodic on-site supervision after providing patient evaluations and treatment plans.

Administers physical therapy treatments and programs that are established by a physical therapist including: physical modalities such as electrotherapy, microwave and short-wave diathermy, ultraviolet light, infrared lamp, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, paraffin bath and hot and cold packs; exercises such as stretching, strengthening, endurance, mat activities, range of motion, ambulating, gait training, postural drainage, positioning, massage and activities of daily living; and use of therapeutic equipment such as orthotic devices, prosthetic devices, pulleys, barbells, weights and adaptive wheelchairs. Observes the patient's condition, reactions, and responses to treatment and enters it in the patient's record. Reports patient progress to the physical therapist noting any apparent problems with the treatment program and recommending modifications. May supervise physical therapist aides. May assist in training physical therapist aides. May assist the physical therapist in the performance of tests, evaluations, and complex treatment procedures.

May participate as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team to discuss patient progress.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of physical therapy; knowledge of anatomy and physiology; knowledge of the appliances, materials and equipment used in physical therapy; manual dexterity; skill in the administration of physical therapy treatments; ability to report patient progress through oral and written communication; ability to work effectively with patients of various ages, mental competence and physical disabilities; ability to supervise the work of subordinate employees; ability to instruct aides in physical therapy treatments.

Licensed by the State Board of Medicine to practice as a physical therapist assistant in the State of Virginia.