Physical therapist

TN Visa

(604) 495-6392

As one of the professions set forth by NAFTA, physical therapists who are citizens of Mexico or Canada may be eligible for TN status. Below are several sources that clarify the responsiblities of a physical therapist. TN status is not necessarily granted to a physical therapist as minimum educational requirements may apply. List of TN Professions and Minimum education requirements.

U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network

Plan, prepare and carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
Administer manual exercises, massage or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.
Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Confer with the patient, medical practitioners and appropriate others to plan, implement and assess the intervention program.
Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.

Dictionary of Occupational Titles

CODE: 076.121-014

TITLE(s): PHYSICAL THERAPIST (education; medical ser.) alternate titles: physiotherapist

Plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability: Reviews physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required. Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs. Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data. Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function. Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as nonmanual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses. Administers treatments involving application of physical agents, using equipment, such as hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines. Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit. Administers massage, applying knowledge of massage techniques and body physiology. Administers traction to relieve pain, using traction equipment. Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into computer. Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home. Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to ORTHOTIST (medical ser.) 078.261-018. Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care. Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students. May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups. May plan and develop physical therapy research programs and participate in conducting research. May write technical articles and reports for publications. May teach physical therapy techniques and procedures in educational institutions. May limit treatment to specific patient group or disability or specialize in conducting physical therapy research. In facilities where assistants are also employed, may primarily administer complex treatment, such as certain types of manual exercises and functional training, and monitor administration of other treatments. May plan, direct, and coordinate physical therapy program and be designated Director, Physical Therapy (medical ser.). Must comply with state requirement for licensure.
GOE: 10.02.02 STRENGTH: M GED: R5 M4 L5 SVP: 7 DLU: 89