Specialty Summary. Plans, develops, and manages physical therapy programs
and activities. Implements research activities. Provides and conducts
training in physical therapy. Evaluates patients and treats disabilities
requiring physical therapy. Related DoD Occupational Group: 6H.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Plans, coordinates, controls, directs, and
evaluates physical therapy activities. Determines and implements policies
and procedures pertaining to physical therapy program and activities.
Determines requirements for physical therapy services including personnel,
equipment, supplies, and continuing education. Establishes professional
care standards and establishes and appraises performance levels of subordinates.
Coordinates the physical therapy program within the medical facility.
Establishes and maintains liaison with civilian and governmental agencies
regarding physical therapy. Develops and implements teaching programs
and research activities related to physical therapy.
Plans and develops
physical therapy treatments, procedures, and programs. Reviews clinical
records and case histories. Interprets requests for physical therapy services.
Evaluates patients and determines the type and frequency of physical therapy
treatment necessary to assist in the habitation or rehabilitation of patients.
Confers with referring medical officer. Makes recommendations regarding
the use or adjustment of braces, prostheses, and other related appliances
used to support and assist the mobility of the patient.
Administers
physical therapy treatment programs. Supervises the professional phases
of physical therapy. Administers physical therapy diagnostic tests and
treatment programs. Observes patient’s response to treatment and modifies
the program to accelerate recovery. Records all pertinent data in the
patient’s medical records. Participates in quality assessment program.
Serves in an advisory and teaching capacity. Acts as a consultant
to the medical staff on physical therapy matters. Makes recommendations
on staffing, physical plant design, and distribution of physical therapy
equipment. Establishes requirements and coordinates and conducts educational
programs to meet department and facility needs. Evaluates effectiveness
and efficiency of physical therapy programs and continuing educational
activities.
Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge. Knowledge is
mandatory of physical therapy programs and activities, and physical therapy
treatments and diagnostic tests.
Education. For entry into this specialty,
completion of a course in physical therapy acceptable to the Surgeon General,
HQ USAF, is mandatory.
Training. None.
Experience. For award
of AFSC 42B3, a minimum of 24 months of experience is mandatory in physical
therapy assignments, including planning, managing, and administering physical
therapy treatments and activities.
Other. For award and retention
of AFSC 42B3, a state license or registration to practice physical therapy
is mandatory.
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