Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to help residents/patients with physical injuries or illnesses to regain range of movement and control their pain. PTAs follow plans created by physical therapists that involve stretching, strength training, exercises, and physical manipulation to help residents/patients recover.

Essential Functions

• Helps residents with ambulation (walking, moving out of their wheelchairs, etc.).
• Contributes to patients physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives.
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories.
• Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting residents/patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance.
• Provides continuity of care implementing patient management plan.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends; monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives
• Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Other Functions

• Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations; anticipating emerging issues.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program.

Licenses/Certification:

• Current state PTA licensure.
• Valid CPR certification.

Experience:

• Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.