Technical Standards

The physical therapist assistant works in a hands‐on situation under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist by providing patient services for the prevention and alleviation of physical impairment and the restoration of function. Therefore, in order to work successfully with patients, all applicants should possess: 

• Sufficient visual acuity, such as observation, necessary for administering patient care and reading equipment gauges and settings used in treatments. 
• Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication and to execute patient care through the use of monitoring devices. 
• Sufficient strength and gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement patient care skills, such as the manipulation of equipment, and positioning and lifting patients. 
• Sufficient communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient’s interest. 
• Sufficient intellectual and emotional functions to implement the plan of care.