Physical Therapy Assistant

SUMMARY :

Under direct supervision of physical therapist, delivers prescribed physical therapy treatments, services and home instruction to patients to restore function, prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of a body part, and help patients reach maximum functional performance levels. Utilizes physical exercise, massage, heat, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices. Records and reports on patient progress.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Administers physical therapy care, or portions of programs, as directed by a licensed physical therapist.

Recognizes and recommends changes for improvement in program content.

Assists therapist during patient testing, evaluations and complex procedures.

Monitors patient condition levels; reports changes to appropriate individuals.

Documents patient care efficiently, timely and effectively in the electronic medical record.

Provides instruction in therapeutic procedures to be continued by patient and/or family/caregiver.

Conducts or participates in training medical and other personnel in therapy techniques and objectives.

Attends patient care staffing, conferences and other related meetings; coordinates with other service areas to ensure proper patient care.

Demonstrates sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy.

Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college, or technical school required.

EXPERIENCE : Acute Therapy: None required. Will consider exceptional new graduate candidates.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION : Certification as a PT Assistant required. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of the types of physical therapy programs used to assist in the restoration of function in a patient, or prevent a disability.
• Skill in the ability to demonstrate, or lead a patient in the performance of a therapy regimen.

• Skill in following directions and reporting back any issues, or concerns the patient may be encountering.