Tentative Classification Standards issued by the Division of Classification & Compensation are shared with the operating agencies of State government for their consideration and comment. Accordingly, this document that you are viewing is subject to change and will be issued in final form at the completion of the review period.

TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 5702301

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 1, GRADE 11

5702301

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 2, GRADE 14

5702302

PHYSICAL THERAPIST, GRADE 16

5700200

SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST, GRADE 18

5700300

HEAD PHYSICAL THERAPIST, GRADE 20

5700600

CHIEF PHYSICAL THERAPIST, GRADE 23

5700800

 

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this class are licensed healthcare practitioners who assist in, provide, and/or supervise the delivery of physical therapy treatment programs and services to individuals* in accordance with Article 136 of the Education Law to assist them in restoring, maintaining, and improving physical movement and function, and limit disabilities resulting from disease or injury. 

          Positions are classified at various State agencies. 

*Individual refers to a person who is being treated or cared for, and is used in place of patient, client, or other nomenclature specific to an agency. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

          PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 1: entry level; under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, provides a variety of physical therapy support and treatment services to assigned individuals.

          PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 2: full performance level; under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, independently provides a variety of physical therapy support and treatment services to assigned individuals; and may supervise and train Physical Therapy Assistants 1.

          PHYSICAL THERAPIST: entry level; under the supervision of a higher-level physical therapist or clinician, provides a variety of physical therapy treatment services to assigned individuals.

          SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST: full performance level, under the general direction of a higher-level physical therapist or clinician, independently provides a variety of physical therapy treatment services to individuals with more severe or acute physical disabilities; and may provide clinical supervision and training to Physical Therapists and/or Physical Therapy Assistants.

          HEAD PHYSICAL THERAPIST: supervisory level; oversees and supervises a physical therapy program or department with ten or fewer physical therapy staff; plans, develops, implements, and evaluates physical therapy programs and services; and may function as the assistant to a Chief Physical Therapist.

          CHIEF PHYSICAL THERAPIST: supervisory level; oversees and supervises a physical therapy program or department with more than ten physical therapy staff; and plans, develops, implements, and evaluates physical therapy programs and services. 

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 1

Under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, assists in the delivery of physical therapy treatment programs and services to individuals.

·       Administers a variety of selected physical therapies, such as ultraviolet or infrared rays, massage, hydrotherapy, and muscle exercises. 

·       Instructs individuals and groups on simple physical therapies and the use of assistive devices, which may include exercise and other therapeutic activities directed at restoring specific body functions.  

·       Observes and reports individuals’ progress, response, and behavior; and may recommend modifications to treatment plans based on observations.

·       Maintains individual records and documentation in accordance with program standards and requirements.

·       Assists in the development and implementation of physical therapy treatment plans, including goals and outcomes.

·       Assembles, cleans, and maintains physical therapy equipment for individual use.

May coordinate physical therapy activities with other healthcare providers as necessary; monitor supply inventories; and schedule individual appointments and procedures.

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 2

Independently performs any of the duties of a Physical Therapy Assistant 1 above; and administers the full range of physical therapy treatment services to individuals as delegated by a licensed physical therapist. 

May supervise and train Physical Therapy Assistants 1 and direct care staff.  

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Provides a variety of physical therapy treatment programs services to assigned individuals.

·       Obtains and reviews individuals’ information, including health histories. 

·       Examines and evaluates individuals’ condition, including physical and neurological status; and performs and interprets selected tests and measurements to assess individuals’ potential and existing movement-related disorders.

·       Develops and implements individual physical therapy treatment plans, including treatment goals and anticipated outcomes.

·       Selects, administers, and monitors therapeutic treatment modalities, which may include heat, cold, light, air, water, sound, electricity, massage, mobilization, and therapeutic exercise with or without assistive devices.

·       Conducts and supervises individual and group physical therapy activities and programs to assist individuals in attaining therapeutic goals; and provides instruction and training to individuals in activities of daily living.

·       Observes and records individuals’ progress, response, and behavior in accordance with program standards; and modifies treatment plans, interventions, and goals as needed.

Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team; attends individual case reviews and team meetings as the physical therapy representative; and coordinates physical therapy activities with those of other disciplines or therapy programs.

Participates in the development and implementation of physical therapy policies and procedures.

SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST

In addition to the performing any of the duties of a Physical Therapist above, independently administers physical therapy treatment programs and services to individuals with more severe or acute physical disabilities, such as fractures, amputations, hemiplegia, peripheral nerve injuries, or other forms of paralysis. 

May supervise and train Physical Therapists and/or Physical Therapy Assistants.

HEAD AND CHIEF PHYSICAL THERAPIST

In addition to performing any of the above duties, Head and Chief Physical Therapists perform the full range of supervisory duties for subordinate physical therapy staff; and plan, develop, implement, and evaluate physical therapy treatment programs and services. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 1

Open Competitive: possession of or eligibility for certification and registration as a Physical Therapy Assistant in New York State.

          PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT 2

Promotion: two years of service as a Physical Therapy Assistant 1, and certification and current registration as a Physical Therapy Assistant in New York State.

Open Competitive: certification and current registration as a Physical Therapy Assistant in New York State and two years of post-licensure experience.

          PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Open Competitive: possession of or eligibility for license and registration to practice physical therapy in New York State.

          SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Promotion: one year of service as a Physical Therapist, and possession of a license and current registration to practice physical therapy in New York State.

Open Competitive: possession of a license and current registration to practice physical therapy in New York State and one year of post-licensure experience.

          HEAD PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Promotion: one year of service as a Senior Physical Therapist, and possession of a license and current registration to practice physical therapy in New York State.

          CHIEF PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Promotion: one year of service as a Head Physical Therapist, and possession of a license and current registration to practice physical therapy in New York State.

Revised:  3/19

 

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.