Navy NEC · Medical
L20A Physical Therapy Technician
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
A Physical Therapy Technician assists physical therapists and medical officers with administering physical therapy. They help develop, teach, progress, and supervise exercise and daily living programs, instruct patients in using ambulation aids, and apply physical modalities as trained.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- therapeutic exercise support
- patient mobility training
- ambulation aid instruction
- activities of daily living training
- physical modality application
- patient transfer assistance
- exercise program supervision
- range of motion support
- patient safety
- therapy documentation
Civilian Software & Tools
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Rehabilitation
- Clinical Technician
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Certified Personal Trainer (ACE-CPT)
- AMCA Physical Therapy Technician/Aide Certification (PTTC)
Career Growth
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Also Common
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
What the Work Involves
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- 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.
- Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Related Occupations
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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