1. Implements the care plan developed by the supervising physical therapist (according to the physical therapist's evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis)
2. Determines if there is a need to confer with the supervising physical therapist regarding changes in the patient's condition or in recognition of the patient's developmental, psychosocial, cultural, or economic factors
3. Follows instructions from the supervising physical therapist for treatments to be performed only by the supervising physical therapist
4. Complies with the supervising physical therapist's guidance on the conclusion of an episode of care

1. Conducts electrical stimulation therapy and uses electrotherapeutic modalities
2. Administers continuous and pulsed ultrasound
3. Conducts thermal therapy
4. Administers diathermy treatment
5. Applies one or more cryotherapy treatments
6. Provides hydrotherapy
7. Administers mechanical traction
8. Administers pneumatic compression pumping
9. Applies iontophoresis
10. Applies phonophoresis
11. Conducts light therapy, including low-level laser and infrared

1. Provides draping to maximize dignity and minimize exposure when applying physical therapy procedures
2. Provides therapeutic wound and burn care
3. Conducts passive and active joint mobility
4. Provides active, active-assisted, and passive range-of- motion therapies
5. Treats pulmonary conditions using postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations
6. Applies and adjusts orthotic and prosthetic devices
7. Fits patients for assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, canes, and wheelchairs
8. Applies taping procedures and techniques
9. Assists patients in putting on, adjusting and removing assistive devices such as braces, splints, or slings
10. Assists the supervising physical therapist with specialized physical therapy treatments, such as for cardiac, obstetric, pediatric, or burn patients
11. Provides neuromuscular rehabilitation
12. Provides allowed treatments for balance and vestibular disorders
13. Applies integumentary repair and protection techniques
14. Employs soft tissue mobilization techniques
15. Administers therapeutic massages
16. Employs surface electromyogram biofeedback
17. Appropriately moves and repositions patients using lift-assist and transfer-assist devices

1. Implements isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic exercise regimens in a treatment program for selected musculoskeletal disorders
2. Guides patients through open- and closed-chain kinetic exercises
3. Directs patients through balance and stabilization exercises
4. Guides patients through exercises to enhance flexibility and muscle performance
5. Provides pre-gait, transfer, and gait training
6. Delivers training in use of prosthetics
7. Provides therapeutic exercise for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
8. Guides patients through aquatic therapy, including aquatic exercise programs
9. Facilitates neurodevelopmental training for patients with neurological deficits
10. Provides positioning and therapeutic exercises for patients with amputations
11. Delivers activity-tolerance training for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders

1. Teaches home exercise programs emphasizing body mechanic training, postural awareness, and joint protection
2. Trains patients in the use of home exercise and gym equipment
3. Teaches breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions
4. Provides instruction to patients with special needs (including cardiopulmonary patients, obstetric patients, patients with neurological dysfunction, and patients with amputations)
5. Trains patients in the use and care of orthoses, prostheses, and assistive devices
6. Teaches patients to use assistive devices such as walkers. crutches, and wheelchairs
7. Teaches patients to use appropriate medical equipment
8. Teaches modified activities of daily living as needed
9. Educates patients and caregivers in safe posture and body mechanics
10. Teaches nonpharmacological pain management
11. Teaches techniques and aids for stress management

1. Assesses patient pain status through nonverbal cues and patient-directed questions
2. Assesses the patient’s level of sensation
3. Measures respiratory indicators, including breathing patterns at rest or in activity, chest wall expansion and excursion, oxygen saturation, and cough and sputum characteristics
4. Measures vital signs and cardiac response to activity
5. Measures edema in extremities
6. Assesses skin condition, changes, and integrity
7. Measures status and progression of patient locomotion, gait, and balance
8. Measures functional range of motion
9. Measures muscle performance, tone, contractility, mass, and flexibility
10. Monitors posture and alignment of trunk and extremities
11. Measures skin, muscle, and sensation responses to electrotherapeutic modalities
12. Watches for and recognizes signs of abuse

1. Exercises cultural sensitivity and humility in verbal and nonverbal communication
2. Communicates the care plan to the patient in a way that maximizes patient engagement with treatment
3. Clearly communicates the description and purpose of each modality, treatment, and exercise to the patient
4. Interviews patients, clients, caregivers, and family to learn prior and current functional levels and their response to treatment
5. Applies understanding of cultural, gender, aging, and family dynamics to discussions with patients and their families
6. Participates in planning sessions with the supervising physical therapist
7. Compiles and communicates the patient's effective data for review (by the supervising physical therapist) to determine changes in treatment plans and discharge planning
8. Coordinates treatment schedules with other health care providers
9. Communicates professionally and clearly with support staff
10. Adheres to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) standards for patient privacy

1. Documents services rendered to each patient or client clearly, accurately, and in adherence to standards of state practice acts, the practice setting, and other regulatory agencies
2. Records patient status, patient progress, and patient response to intervention
3. Documents patient and caregiver teaching activities
4. Logs equipment use, needs, and concerns
5. Participates in the documentation of discharge planning as directed by the supervising physical therapist
6. Uses the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health to appropriately describe a patient's impairments, activity, and participation limits
7. Records billing information
8. Documents and reports signs and symptoms of abuse

1. Prepares instruments and physical therapy equipment for use
2. Monitors physical therapy equipment to ensure proper functioning
3. Participates in data collection for quality assurance
4. Supports the training and clinical education of aides and physical therapy students
5. Maintains inventories of equipment and supplies
6. Monitors cleanness of treatment areas
7. Prepares patient treatment areas for use
8. Cleans work area and checks and stores equipment after treatment
9. Supports clinic billing and administrative functions as allowed by law and insurance regulations

1. Maintains training in emergency techniques such as airway clearance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and use of automated external defibrillators
2. Practices infection control using handwashing and other transmission-based precautions, isolation techniques, and disinfecting agents
3. Employs universal precautions through appropriate use of masks, bonnets, gowns, gloves, and goggles
4. Appropriately handles needles and sharps
5. Practices safe posture and body mechanics in any patient

1. Maintains licensure and safety certifications
2. Participates in continuing education, staff development, and lifelong learning opportunities
3. Participates in professional organizations
4. Volunteers or supports community education or other activities benefiting the public
5. Demonstrates caregiver self-care, reducing vulnerability to clinical burnout
6. Applies knowledge of state and federal laws, professional values, standards of practice, and standards of ethical conduct to experiences in the clinical setting

Sample learning objectives Explain the importance of maintaining homeostasis in the body and describe the various mechanisms used by the body’s systems to do so. Name, identify, and describe the function of the components of the body’s systems (integumentary, cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, lymphatic, urinary, reproductive, circulatory, and pulmonary). Explain the chemistry of living systems, including the structure of atoms and molecules; the importance of maintaining the appropriate pH or acid-base balance; the structure and function of cells; intercellular and intracellular movement, including by osmosis and diffusion; the chemistry of water, carbon, and oxygen; the structure and function of deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid and the processes of transcription and translation; and cellular systems for the production and consumption of energy. Identify the key components of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Explain the components and processes involved in cellular metabolism. Describe the most common sources of anatomical or physiological pathology and the impact of pathology on each of the body’s systems. Demonstrate the use of basic laboratory equipment, including microscopes, dissection tools, spirometers, sphygmomanometers, hydrometers, blood typing and analysis, and centrifuges.

Sample learning objectives Explain the principles of human movement and how the body maintains proper posture, movement, and mobility. Discuss ways to improve or optimize human lung capacity, muscle function, endurance, flexibility, and mobility. Define neuroplasticity and provide examples of adaptive and maladaptive plasticity that may affect a person’s ability to sit, stand, or move. Explain the importance of motor control and motor learning and identify the main types of pathophysiology that interfere with motor control and movement. Define the role of biomechanics in maintaining the body’s integrity, structure, and mobility. Identify neuropsychological structures, processes, functions, and pathology that enable or interfere with the body’s structure and mobility. Describe the types of cognitive and psychological disorders that can interfere with an individual’s strength, posture, flexibility, motor control, and movement. Explain the principles of exercise physiology and the importance of exercise and conditioning in maintaining physical, psychological, and cardiovascular health. Demonstrate the ability to use tools and instruments to measure proper body position, lung capacity and function, heart rate, gait, etc.

Sample learning objectives Explain the principles that govern human behavior and differentiate between individual personality differences and abnormal psychology. Explain the psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors that influence mental processes and behavior. Explain how human experiences can influence or affect the way individuals see themselves, others, and the world around them. Differentiate between evidence-based and non-evidence-based psychology theories and give examples of each. Explain the stages of normal human psychological development. List the major sources of psychological disorder, including genetic causes, accidents, injuries, experiences, or brain pathology.

Sample learning objectives Describe the main types of interventions or therapies used by physical therapists and PTAs to support a patient care plan. Discuss the methods and contraindications for using biophysical agents to restore or optimize function, based on a patient’s care plan. These methods may include the use of electrotherapeutic agents, compression therapies, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, thermal agents, traction, and light therapies. Demonstrate the techniques used to improve airway clearance and to mobilize secretions. Describe the various assistive or adaptive devices used in physical therapy practice, prosthetics, and orthotics. Explain and demonstrate the ability to use manual therapy techniques. Explain the role of muscles in normal and abnormal biomechanics and identify the muscles involved in performing various movements or actions. Explain the role of the nervous system, neural plasticity, psychology, and cognitive function in biomechanics and movement and demonstrate effective techniques for training or retraining the body to perform certain movements or actions. Explain the role of professional ethics in physical therapy practice and provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors on the part of clinicians. Discuss the importance of patient education and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing to patients based on their age, cognitive abilities, and understanding of their body’s systems.

Sample learning objectives Obtain certification in CPR, first aid, and the use of automated external defibrillators. Demonstrate the ability to understand and explain a patient’s care plan and list the short- and long-term goals of various care plans. Demonstrate the ability to perform a complete patient assessment, including the review of health records, before initiating a care plan and throughout treatment. Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and follow instructions. Identify signs of patient stress, pain, fatigue, exhaustion, or medical conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, convulsions, and syncope (including vasovagal syncope) and describe the appropriate course of action one should take in each case. Describe the use of mechanical therapy such as exercise machines, electrostimulation, computer-assisted devices, and ultrasound to promote or improve movement. Explain and demonstrate the proper use of common physical therapy tools, such as exercise balls, resistance bands, hand weights, rubber balls, foam rollers, stretching straps, total resistance exercise systems, grip trainers, weighted medicine balls, and therapy putty. Demonstrate the ability to properly handle, position, lift, and move patients. Demonstrate the ability to explain to patients the goals of rehabilitative therapy, the treatments that will be applied in the clinical setting, and the exercises patients should engage in independently to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitative or movement therapy. Demonstrate the ability to instruct patients in the proper use of crutches, canes, wheelchairs, wheelie braces, bandages, prosthetics, braces, slings, and other protective, rehabilitative, or restorative devices. Demonstrate the ability to properly use assistive devices found in clinics, outpatient facilities, and inpatient hospitals or rehabilitation centers, such as parallel bars, harnesses, lifting frames, and trapeze bars, to assist patients in sitting, standing, or walking. Demonstrate the ability to apply specialized PTA techniques and services for infants, children, the elderly, the infirmed, and individuals with developmental disorders. Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, prioritize, and multitask in the clinical setting. Explain the scope-of-practice rules that determine the limitations and requirements of care provided by physical therapists and PTAs. Demonstrate the ability to interact with and clearly communicate to patients, exhibiting active listening skills and empathy. Demonstrate the ability to accurately record key elements of patient interviews and properly “chart” or record the physical therapy treatments performed in the clinical setting. Demonstrate the ability to identify and select the appropriate billing codes for various physical therapy treatments and devices provided to patients by inpatient and outpatient clinics. Explain the rules for payment or reimbursement for physical therapy services and demonstrate the ability to provide accurate information for the purposes of billing and third-party payment (private medical insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, etc.). Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in the clinical setting by arriving on time, dressing appropriately, following instructions and chain-of-command procedures, interacting properly and honestly with others, and following professional ethics.