SPEC:  PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT APPLICANT
                             CALIFORNIA STATE PERSONNEL BOARD

                                                 SPECIFICATION


                                                       Schematic Code:  TP58
                                                       Class Code:      8293
                                                       Established:     7/11/84
                                                       Revised:         --
                                                       Title Changed:   --


                           PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT APPLICANT


                                        DEFINITION

           Under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist, to
           assist in administering physical therapy treatments in a State
           hospital; and to do other related work.


           DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
           This is the entry level into the Physical Therapist Series.  This
           class is designed to enable physical therapy assistant graduates, not
           yet certified by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance,
           to gain practical experience in providing physical therapy services
           to hospital clients in State service.  It also enables the State
           hospitals to utilize the services of physical therapy assistant
           graduates who are awaiting the opportunity to be examined or who are
           awaiting the results of the State Board examination.  Incumbents
           appointed to this class must have an approved application on file
           with the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance to take the
           State examination for certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
           In order to continue their employment in the class, incumbents must
           demonstrate acceptable progress toward the next higher level class in
           the physical therapy series.  All positions in this class are
           established for a period not to exceed nine months and all
           appointments are made on a temporary basis.  During this nine-month
           period, incumbents are required to pass the State Board examination
           for certification the first time it is taken.  Incumbents who are
           unsuccessful in the examination are immediately terminated from
           employment in this class.


           TYPICAL TASKS
           Carries out individual client care programs or portions thereof as
           planned by a supervising licensed physical therapist; trains clients
           in exercises, ambulation, and activities of daily living; applies
           heat and cold, ultrasound and massage, light, in water and
           therapeutic pool; assists clients in positioning and exercising;
           observes and reports client's physical condition and response to
           treatment; assists licensed physical therapist in performing tests,
           evaluations, and complex treatment procedures; maintains safe
           environment for clients; maintains treatment areas and equipment in
           sanitary and satisfactory operating condition; maintains adequate
           supplies; attends clinics; may post client and treatment data in
           records; may prepare reports; may participate in clerical and
           reception activities of the physical therapy services.


           MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
           Equivalent to graduation from a school for Physical Therapist
           Assistants accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association;
           and notification of an approved application on file to take the State
           examination for Physical Therapy Assistant administered by the
           Physical Therapy Examining Committee, Board of Medical Quality
           Assurance, Department of Consumer Affairs.


           KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES
           Knowledge of:  Human anatomy and physiology; pathophysiological
           conditions resulting from injury and disease; concepts and scope of
           physical therapy and its relationships to other health care
           professions; professional ethics and conduct.

           Ability to:  Establish effective therapeutic relationships with
           mentally and developmentally disabled persons; utilize recognized
           methods in applying physical therapy modalities and techniques;
           follow directions and work under close supervision; observe and
           record response to treatment; and keep accurate records.