Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Home Sweet Home Health Services

Reports to PT

Limited exposure to blood borne pathogens

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 & 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

Passed a national examination for physical therapist assistants.

Has a current PTA license in the state of practice.

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 POC.

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 PT.

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 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 weighting up to 150+ pounds.

Able to carry bundles upstairs weighing up to 10 pounds.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Paid time off in accordance with MA sick leave
• Flexible Schedule
• Professional development opportunities
• Positive and supportive work environment
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Uniform tops provided
• Mileage and travel time Reimbursement
• Early pay options within payroll

When duties/responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity