Physical Therapy Assistant - Acute Care

Physical Therapy Assistant

Under supervision, the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) assists a Physical Therapist by administering patient treatment within the parameters of a specific treatment plan. The PTA participates in department and unit committees, including performance improvement activities and other duties and projects as assigned. May supervise PTA students.

Locations Stanford Health Care

What You Will Do

• Applies therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, hot and cold packs, and whirlpool; applies orthotics, prosthetics, corsets and elastic bandages.
• Consults appropriately with the physical therapist to determine degree and extent of patient treatment required. Efficiently treats patients, documenting precautions and follow through, according to department standards.
• Consults with physical therapist regarding changes in patient status that would impact treatment or discharge plan. Coordinates care of patient with team members and other health care professionals.
• Ensures clear and accurate documentation and bills for treatment.
• Follows up on outstanding issues, including phoning physician/resident to clarify precautions and appropriately follows up with supervising physical therapist.
• Follows up with primary physical therapist to conduct patient conferences as needed or to co-sign notes on a daily basis.
• In consultation with the physical therapist, discharges patient from treatment when appropriate with adequate discharge planning including equipment procurement and family training, and communicates this appropriately to patient, family and health care team.
• Instructs and assists patients in practicing various functional activities; instructs patients in use of assistive devices (canes, walkers, crutches) and other aspects of gait training.
• Treats patients within the professional scope of practice addressing, but not limited to gait and transfer training, therapeutic exercise, functional mobility, the application of modalities, equipment procurement and training, and wound care, under the direction of a physical therapist.
• Utilizes appropriate hospital resources, clinical specialists, resource therapists and supervisors when appropriate for guidance and/or assistance with patient care.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to provide appropriate care and progress treatment based on professional standards of practice, and on the needs of the specific individual, including age and developmental considerations, cultural and psychosocial issues, precautions and medical condition
• Ability to work well with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Knowledge and adherence to Code of Ethics and performance standards specific to the clinician's professional organization
• Knowledge of available equipment and vendors used in assigned area
• Knowledge of body mechanics and techniques for functional activities
• Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
• Knowledge of equipment and assistive devices used in physical therapy
• Knowledge of procedures for a standard range of therapeutic exercises for increasing strength, range-of-motion and endurance
• Knowledge of procedures for gait training
• Knowledge of therapeutic modalities used in physical therapy

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS - Basic Life Support
• PTA - Phys Therapy Asst

Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $46.50 - $52.37 per hour