A Physical Therapist Assistant has an estimated job related physical demands rating of Medium Work to Heavy Work. This implies frequent lifting between 11# - 50# and occasional between 26# - 100#. Typical physical job demands include: lifting/carrying, prolonged walking, prolonged sitting, climbing ramps/stairs, pushing/pulling (wheelchairs and equipment), crouching, bending and squatting, kneeling, gross manipulation, fine manipulation, assistance with patient exercises and activities, and transferring of patients in excess of 100#.

Student experiences also include close physical contact and touch with other students, faculty, patients, and persons with various levels of medical conditions and impairments. This will occur under the supervision of faculty to promote learning of physical therapy skills.

As part of the PTA curriculum students are asked to perform various physical activities including, but not limited to; transferring patients, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling heavy objects, prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, walking, squatting, reaching, handling, manipulating small objects, cardiovascular workouts on therapeutic equipment, isotonic, isokinetic, and isometric exercise programs. Student experiences also include exposure to various forms of mechanical, radiant, thermal, acoustic and/or electrical energy, and potential exposure to chemicals used the preservation of biological tissues and for cleaning purposes. Likewise, students may be exposed to bloodborne pathogen, and/or infectious agents.

Other critical requirements of the program include but are not limited to:

Skills of Observation – Accurate visual, auditory, and tactile observation of:

Communication – Appropriate and effective:

Personal Management – To allow dedication to full-time or part-time academic course load, and a full patient caseload in Clinical experience, effective management is required of:

Professionalism, Ethics, and Conduct – Personal conduct that reflects high standards of: