# Tasks & work activities — chiropractic assistant

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 31-2021.00 (Physical Therapist Assistants) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3259; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
- **[Core]** Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
- **[Core]** Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
- **[Core]** Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
- **[Core]** Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- **[Core]** Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- **[Core]** Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
- **[Core]** Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- **[Core]** Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
- **[Core]** Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
- **[Core]** Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- **[Core]** Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
- **[Core]** Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
- **[Core]** Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
- **[Supplemental]** Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
- **[Core]** Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
- **[Core]** Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
- **[Core]** Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- **[Core]** Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform therapeutic wound care.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.
- Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
- Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
- Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
- Assist patients with daily activities.
- Attend educational events to update medical knowledge.
- Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
- Communicate patient status to other health practitioners.
- Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
- Document client health or progress.
- Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
- Engage patients in exercises or activities.
- Fit patients for assistive devices.
- Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
- Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
- Monitor medical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
- Move patients to or from treatment areas.
- Perform clerical work in medical settings.
- Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
- Prepare medical reports or documents.
- Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
- Record patient medical histories.
- Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
- Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
- Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.