OVERVIEW:

The Physical Therapist Assistant will help Physical Therapists provide 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 the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructs, motivates, safeguards, and assists patients as they practice exercises or functional activities

Observes patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provides results to the physical therapist in person or through progress notes

Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Communicates with and instructs caregivers and family members on patient therapeutic activities and treatment plans

Transports patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements. Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment

Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, and heat, light, sound, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound

Measures patients’ range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations

Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment

Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches

Assist in the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) process

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree or certification from a physical therapy program that included course study in anatomy and physiology, and clinical experience.

Possess up-to-date knowledge of treatment practices

Ability to solve problems independently

Ability to write reports and correspondence at a professional level

Ability to use a computer and software proficiently

Drive to continually learn new treatment techniques

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (with AED)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the care center.

Incumbent may be exposed to virus, disease and infection from patients and specimens in working environment.

Incumbent may be required to work extended periods of time at a video display terminal.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.