Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist and according to established treatment plans and specific procedures, provides treatment to physical therapy patients in order to assist them in regaining physical mobility and function, increase strength, and decrease pain.

Qualifications:

A person who is licensed, registered or certified as a PTA, if applicable, by the state in which practicing, unless licensure does not apply, and meets the following requirements: 

• Graduated from a physical therapist assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association. 

• Current PTA license in the state of practice. 

• A minimum of two (2) years experience as a PTA. preferably in home health care. 

• Criminal background check & and other state required checks for compliance. 

• Current CPR certification. 

If educated outside the United States or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to PTA entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified at 8 CFR 212.15(e); and 

2) Passed a national examination for physical therapist assistants. 

3) Has a current PTA license in the state of practice. 

4) Has a minimum of two (2) years experience as a PTA, preferably in the homecare setting.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Assists PT in the implementation of individual patient physical therapy care plans; performs daily physical therapy assignments to accomplish patient therapy plans and treatment goals. Responsible for the daily care of assigned patients per patient PОС.

Guides patients through prescribed exercise programs, including passive, assistive, and resistive exercise routines designed to develop or enhance strength, muscle tone, and range of motion.

May participate in the development of home exercise programs designed to meet individualized patient needs. 

Applies heat, light, water, and electrically based treatments/modalities (i.e., ultrasound, infra-red lamp, muscle stimulation, traction, hot and cold packs, paraffin baths, whirlpool, diathermy, etc.) to stimulate muscle/nerve function.

Assists patients in gait training (i.e., the use of parallel bars, walkers, crutches, canes, braces, etc.) in order to improve ambulatory skills.

Performs other therapeutic activities such as massage and body mechanics instruction. Observes patient condition during treatment and notes any significant change in patient condition.

Seeks assistance from PT or medical personnel when appropriate.

Records patient response to treatment and overall progress in patient charts.

Refers patients to PT for reevaluation as necessary.

Prepares patient referrals as requested by PТ.

Advises professional team members of patient progress and perceived effectiveness of treatments; may suggest revision of treatment plan to better meet patient needs and capabilities.

Escorts/transports patients to physical therapy area, giving verbal guidance to maximal physical assistance as required; obtains wheelchairs, carts, walkers, etc. and assists patients into chairs and onto carts and table as necessary and provides physical support at all times.

Prepares physical therapy equipment. Cleans and maintains therapy equipment by cleaning and changing mats, changing linen, cleaning and refilling equipment, etc.

Follows sterile procedures and guidelines and ensures that all equipment is working properly and reports needed repairs to supervisor.

Assists Physical Therapist in coordinating patient load. Participated in educating the patient and family.

Prepares charges for services provided and enter charges into computer if required.

Remains abreast of developments in the field of physical therapy technology by pursuing a program of self-development, attending in service and continuing education programs, etc. Participates in in-service programs.

Participates in QA program.

Performs related duties as required.

Special equipment to be operated:

Office equipment- phone, computer, printer, copy machine

PT assistive/adaptive devices WORK ENVIRONMENT Indoors, performing computer/office

Work Environment:

Indoors, performing computer/office duties- phone work Travel to patient homes/meetings; will require transportation to get to various sites

Functional Abilities:

Able to hear, speak, understand and communicate effectively in English.

Physical Requirements:

On a daily basis: walking, standing, sitting, reaching, use of telephone, use of computers & other office equipment, climbing stairs.

Able to lift, turn and transfer patients weighing up to 150+ pounds.

Able to carry bundles upstairs weighing up to 10 pounds.