Physical Therapist Assistant

Job Summary:

The Physical Therapist Assistant will assist the Physical Therapist(s) in the provision of physical therapy treatments and procedures. The Physical Therapist Assistant may, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within treatments within the scope of treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist(s).

Essential Functions:

• Provides at least general/indirect supervision to physical therapy aides (as outlined in the state practice based on experience), and Qualified PTA students.
• Instructs, motivates, safeguards, and assists patients during provision of treatment.
• Observes patients during treatments to compile data on their responses/progress and provides results to the Physical Therapist(s) in person or through daily notes.
• Confers with physical therapy staff to discuss patient information for the purpose of planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
• Communicates with and instructs caregivers and family members on treatment plans.
• Transports patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements. Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment.
• Measures patient range of motion, strength, balance, etc. via objective measures in order to determine progress made with treatment, and are addressing proper goals.
• Monitors operation of equipment and able to recognize the need for removal from service if equipment not working properly.
• Fits patients for supportive ambulatory devices, such as walkers, canes, crutches, etc., as well as potential for orthotics, braces, and prostheses.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Must have good oral and written communication skills, and practices sound judgement.
• Must be computer literate and able to learn/adapt to different software as needed.
• Must be confident and competent in the provision of Physical Therapy treatments per Plan of Care (POC).
• Must have strong patient care, customer service and organizational skills.
• Must be able to work independently with clients and with members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Must have strong sense of proper medical terminology, and its importance in detailed notes.

Education/ Experience Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited university is required.
• Certification or registered with the State PT Board and current Licensure based in the State(s) of practice is required.
• Aquatic and/or neuro background preferred.
• One to two years previous experience in a hospital/outpatient setting preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing, reaching, and bending.
• Able to lift up to 75 pounds at times.
• Potential for exposure to infectious diseases and human waste products.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person