Robert Ahlgren
Wood Dale,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented Physical Therapy Assistant with extensive experience in patient rehabilitation and collaborative care. Recognized for proactive problem-solving and commitment to safety and quality, driving significant improvements in patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.
Compassionate Physical Therapy Assistant with a proven track record in patient care, therapeutic exercises, and effective communication. Dedicated to enhancing patient recovery and fostering a supportive environment.
Experienced Clinical Instructor skilled in mentoring students and enhancing their clinical competencies. Known for fostering teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail, contributing to improved patient care and student confidence in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Healthcare professional with commitment to delivering high-quality patient care in physical therapy settings. Extensive hands-on experience in supporting patient rehabilitation and enhancing mobility. Valued for strong team collaboration and adaptability, with focus on effective therapeutic interventions and patient rapport.
Physical therapy professional with strong background in patient care and rehabilitation. Skilled in therapeutic techniques, exercise programs, and patient education. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Known for reliability, adaptability, and effective communication in dynamic healthcare environments.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Therapy Assistant- Clinical Instructor
West Suburban Medical Center
Oak Park, IL
09.2022 - 03.2026
- Mentored students in clinical skills, fostering professional growth and competency.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, ensuring adherence to educational standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to enhance practical training experiences.
- Conducted workshops on advanced clinical techniques and evidence-based practices.
- Fostered a culture of safety within the learning environment by emphasizing proper use of equipment, infection control measures, and patient privacy guidelines.
- Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
- Supervised students during clinical rotations, providing immediate feedback on their performance and suggesting areas for improvement when necessary.
- Evaluated student progress through written exams, skill demonstrations, and clinical rotations, ensuring they met program requirements.
- Increased student confidence by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions for those struggling with specific concepts or skills.
- Participated in faculty meetings, committees, and continuing education events to stay current on nursing education trends and best practices.
- Assigned students to patients based on students' learning objectives and patient needs.
- Maintained a supportive learning environment, addressing individual student needs and concerns throughout the course.
Physical Therapy Assistant
West Suburban Medical Center
Oak Park, IL
01.2009 - 03.2026
- Assisted in implementing individualized treatment plans under supervision of licensed physical therapists.
- Monitored patient progress and reported changes to therapy team for optimal care adjustments.
- Educated patients on exercises and techniques to enhance recovery and improve mobility.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care across disciplines.
- Maintained equipment and therapy areas to adhere to safety and hygiene standards consistently.
- Trained new staff on protocols, enhancing team efficiency and service delivery quality.
- Developed supportive relationships with patients, fostering a positive environment for rehabilitation.
- Contributed to increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and clear communication throughout the rehabilitation process.
- Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
- Assisted in reducing patient pain levels through targeted massage, stretching, and electrotherapy treatments.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Brenneman Physical Therapy Services LTD
Buffalo Grove, IL
07.2006 - 12.2008
- Evaluated patient feedback to identify areas for improvement in therapy services offered.
- Improved patient mobility by implementing individualized therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques.
- Supported a positive clinic environment by proactively addressing any issues or concerns raised by patients or colleagues.
- Communicated with physicians to provide updates on patient care.
- Promoted patient safety during sessions through vigilant supervision and adherence to established protocols.
- Encouraged optimal function in geriatric patients through targeted balance training, strength development exercises, and gait retraining strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of physical therapy assistance.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient treatments, progress, and responses to therapies for accurate record-keeping and improved continuity of care.
- Improved overall clinic performance by assisting with staff training initiatives, sharing knowledge of evidence-based practice approaches with fellow team members.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Brenneman Physical Therapy Services LTD
Glenview, IL
06.1999 - 07.2006
- Facilitated faster recovery times for post-surgical patients by initiating early mobilization techniques and progressive exercise programs.
- Contributed to increased patient adherence to home exercise programs by providing clear instructions, support materials, and regular followup.
- Reduced risk of injury recurrence in athletes through sport-specific rehabilitative interventions designed to target areas of weakness or instability.
- Collaborated with physical therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with varying needs and diagnoses.
- Increased clinic efficiency by managing treatment schedules, equipment setup, and inventory management tasks.
- Enhanced overall quality of care within the clinic by actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives, including regular review meetings and process evaluations.
- Enabled patients suffering from chronic pain conditions to better manage their symptoms with a combination of pain-relieving modalities and self-care education.
- Selected modalities tailored to patient needs such as hot and cold packs, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
- Implemented patient safety protocols and infection control practices for hygienic, compliant care.
- Adapted exercises to suit varied ages and abilities for personalized patient care.
- Maintained care continuity through multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration.
- Improved patient mobility using passive and active therapeutic exercises.
- Performed therapeutic massage, hot-cold packs placement, or electrical stimulation under direction of physical therapist.
- Collaborated with physical therapist in creating patient treatment plans and specific home exercise programs.
- Assisted physical therapists with patient examinations using manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise instruction.
- Documented each patient case with updates in computer system.
- Facilitated patient and family education and training on assistive device and adaptive equipment uses.
- Utilized gait belts, lifts, or slings to safely move and transfer patients.
- Demonstrated proper body mechanics and patient handling techniques for patient transfers and positioning.
- Monitored patient progress and reported changes to physical therapist.
- Developed and facilitated patient specific stretching and strengthening programs.
- Educated patients and families on exercises and proper body mechanics.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of clinic or treatment environment.
- Assisted in implementing individualized treatment plans under supervision of licensed physical therapists.
- Monitored patient progress and reported changes to therapy team for optimal care adjustments.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated patient care across disciplines.
- Maintained equipment and therapy areas to adhere to safety and hygiene standards consistently.
- Educated patients on exercises and techniques to enhance recovery and improve mobility.
Education
No Degree - CPR Certified
West Suburban Medical Center
Oak Park, IL02-2026
Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapy Assistant
Oakton College
Des Plaines, IL06-1998
Associate of Arts - Multi-Media Arts
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL06-1981
Skills
- Patient care
- HIPAA requirements
- Therapeutic exercises
- Range of motion assessment
- Joint mobilization
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Strengthening
- Geriatric therapy
- Patient service
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Balance training
- Orthopedic rehabilitation
- Proficient in [software]
- Wheelchair management
- Anatomy
- Orthopedics
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
- Prosthetic training
- Progress reports
- Body mechanics
- Joint protection
- Adaptive equipment use
- Conditioning
- Therapeutic exercise
- Therapeutic equipment
- Customer service
- Patient education
- Safety management
- Medical terminology
- Strength training
- Gait training
- Progress monitoring
- Pain management techniques
- Emergency response
- Treatment implementation
- Muscle performance
- Communication
- Treatment planning assistance
- Endurance training
- Range of motion exercises
- Caregiver training
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Basic life support
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- HIPAA compliance
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Patient safety
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Heavy lifting
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Patient-focused therapy
Certification
- Physical Therapy Assistant License - Current
Timeline
Physical Therapy Assistant- Clinical Instructor
West Suburban Medical Center
09.2022 - 03.2026
Physical Therapy Assistant
West Suburban Medical Center
01.2009 - 03.2026
Physical Therapy Assistant
Brenneman Physical Therapy Services LTD
07.2006 - 12.2008
Physical Therapy Assistant
Brenneman Physical Therapy Services LTD
06.1999 - 07.2006
No Degree - CPR Certified
West Suburban Medical Center
Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapy Assistant
Oakton College
Associate of Arts - Multi-Media Arts
College of DuPage