PHYSICAL THERAPY ASST

Description

8-hour shifts, 2-3 per week

Position Title: Physical Therapist Assistant

Department: Rehabilitation Department

Reports To: Rehabilitation Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary:

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, using physical therapy modalities and procedures as ordered by the patients' physician.

Job Duties:

• Execute the comprehensive treatment program established by the supervising Physical Therapist, using various techniques and modalities such as therapeutic exercise, gait training, and physical agents.
• Monitor the patient's response to treatment and modify activities within the scope of the plan of care or recommend changes to the supervising PT as the patient's needs change.
• Provide therapy to a diverse diagnostic population of adults and geriatric patients with medically complex conditions, which may include those recovering from respiratory failure, stroke, sepsis, or serious wounds.
• Adhere to all diagnosis-related precautions and take necessary safety measures when handling patients and equipment, observing indications and contradictions for treatment.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of patient treatment, responses, and progress in the medical record, in compliance with hospital policy and regulatory guidelines.
• Communicate patient status, problems, and progress to the supervising Physical Therapist and other members of the interdisciplinary team, including during patient care conferences.
• Assist with discharge planning by educating the patient and family/caregivers on home exercise programs and discussing the need for adaptive equipment to ensure a safe transition.
• Comply with all department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines, including state practice acts and the APTA's ethical standards.
• The ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and effectively manage time in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to meet the changing needs of the system and patient population, and to work in a high-stress environment with professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements

Education, Training and Licenses Required:

• The Physical Therapist Assistant must be a graduate of a CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation and Physical Therapy Education) accredited school/college/institution
• Possess current California licensure
• Current BLS certification that is AHA compliant

Experience Required:

• No previous work experience required.
• Two years’ experience in an acute care facility or outpatient clinic preferred.