Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides therapy treatments under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, implementing components of patient interventions to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. The PTA collaborates with healthcare team members, documents patient progress, assists in patient education, and supports clinical and administrative functions in various settings including inpatient, outpatient, community, and home environments. Responsibilities:

• Provide therapy treatments according to the physical therapist's plan of care.
• Review clinical records and case histories relevant to patient care.
• Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to arrange medical equipment and discharge plans.
• Document patient encounters, treatments, diagnoses, and progress in compliance with hospital policies.
• Deliver services promptly following receipt of referral for both inpatient and outpatient populations.
• Supervise support staff, students, or interns as assigned.
• Develop and conduct patient education and home exercise programs tailored to patient and family needs.
• Assist in administrative duties, clinic operations, and specialty or research areas as appropriate.
• Maintain supply stocks, clinical equipment, and cleanliness of clinical spaces.
• Assist with acquisition and fitting of durable medical equipment based on patient needs.
• Stay current with billing procedures and reimbursement mechanisms (Medicare, Medicaid, third-party payers).
• Participate in community health programs, home visits, and remote site services including travel as necessary.
• Provide therapy consultations, presentations, and in-services to medical staff and interdisciplinary personnel.
• Adhere to ethical and regulatory standards set by the American Physical Therapy Association and Alaska Board of Physical Therapy.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Follow confidentiality and quality assurance standards, utilizing SQM principles.

• Associate degree from a CAPTE accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the Alaska State Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Clinical competency certification within 3 months of hire and every three years thereafter.
• High risk competency certification within 3 months of hire and every three years thereafter.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Physical ability to deliver treatment techniques and assist patient mobility safely.

• Experience in acute care hospital and outpatient clinical settings.
• Knowledge of anatomy, musculoskeletal physiology, biomechanics, and mental cognition related to physical therapy.
• Skills in fitting and training patients with adaptive devices such as splints, braces, orthoses, and durable medical equipment.
• Proficiency with information technology, including electronic medical records and multiple software applications.
• Experience with community health programs and remote site healthcare delivery.

• Work may involve exposure to infectious organisms requiring use of protective equipment and precautions.
• Physical demands include repetitive or heavy lifting (over 50 pounds) and physically demanding movements requiring good body mechanics.
• Services may be delivered in diverse settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, patient homes, and remote locations.
• Occasional multi-day travel by boat or small plane in inclement or harsh weather conditions.
• Compliance with Indian Child Protection Act as applicable.
• Supervision by licensed physical therapist with documented treatment plans and periodic on-site consultation at least monthly.

• Work schedule may include inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings with variable hours as assigned.
• May include occasional travel and flexible scheduling to meet patient and program needs.
• Shift assignments determined by department based on service requirements and patient care demands.