Physical Therapist Assistant

Location 2500 Elms Center Rd,Suite B,North Charleston, SC, 29406,United States Employee Type Full Time Manage Others No Palmetto Advanced Therapy Services, a division of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Physical Therapist Assistant to join our team. Offer 401K with generous company match Short Term and Long Term Disability Offered Essential Duties and Responsibilities Implement patient treatment plans established by the supervising Physical Therapist, including therapeutic exercise, gait training, balance training, and functional mobility activities. Administer treatment modalities (e.g., ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot/cold therapy, traction) as directed by the PT and in accordance with South Carolina practice regulations. Instruct, motivate, and assist patients in performing therapeutic activities and exercises correctly and safely. Monitor and document patient responses to treatment, including progress, setbacks, and tolerance, and communicate changes in patient status to the supervising PT. Train patients and caregivers in the use of assistive devices such as walkers, canes, crutches, and wheelchairs. Assist patients with transfers, positioning, and ambulation while ensuring proper body mechanics and safety. Maintain accurate, timely, and legible clinical documentation in the patient's medical record consistent with clinic, state, and payer requirements. Communicate and collaborate with the supervising PT regarding patient progress, treatment modifications, and discharge planning. Ensure a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment, including proper maintenance and cleaning of equipment. Comply with all HIPAA, safety, infection control, and regulatory standards. Report any changes in patient condition, adverse reactions, or safety concerns to the supervising PT immediately. Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist with scheduling patient appointments as needed. Participate in departmental meetings and in-service training. Assist front office or administrative staff with clerical tasks during downtime (e.g., answering phones). Help orient new staff, students, or volunteers to clinic procedures. Assist with inventory management and ordering of clinical supplies. Participate in community outreach, health fairs, or marketing events on behalf of the practice. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising Physical Therapist. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge: Working knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as related to physical therapy treatment. Understanding of therapeutic exercise principles, treatment modalities, and rehabilitation techniques. Familiarity with South Carolina physical therapy practice act and licensure requirements. Knowledge of medical terminology and documentation standards. Understanding of infection control, safety protocols, and HIPAA privacy regulations. Skills: Strong hands-on clinical skills in administering treatment techniques under PT direction. Effective verbal and written communication skills for patient instruction and clinical documentation. Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems and basic computer applications. Time-management skills to handle a patient caseload efficiently. Abilities: Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with patients of varying ages, backgrounds, and conditions. Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition. Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound clinical judgment. Ability to adapt treatment assistance techniques to individual patient needs under PT direction. Required Qualifications Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program. Current, valid license as a Physical Therapist Assistant issued by the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Current CPR/BLS certification. Prior clinical experience (inpatient, outpatient, or as specified by employer) preferred. Mental Requirements Ability to concentrate and maintain attention to detail over extended periods. Ability to problem-solve and exercise sound judgment in clinical situations. Ability to manage multiple patients and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Emotional resilience to work with patients experiencing pain, injury, or disability. Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in emergency or high-stress situations. Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions from the supervising PT. Physical Requirements Ability to lift, transfer, and assist patients weighing up to 50 lbs. or more, with or without assistance/equipment. Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching throughout the workday. Ability to physically demonstrate exercises and provide hands-on manual therapy techniques. Ability to push/pull wheelchairs, equipment, or mobility devices. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for operating equipment and completing documentation. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor patient safety and respond to changes in condition. Ability to stand or be on one's feet for extended periods (up to full shift). Occasional exposure to bodily fluids requiring adherence to standard precautions. Work is performed in an outpatient clinic. The role may require occasional travel between facilities. Summary A non-exempt position responsible for working under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) to provide skilled physical therapy interventions to patients as outlined in an established plan of care. The PTA assists in implementing treatment programs designed to improve patients' mobility, relieve pain, restore function, and prevent disability following injury, illness, or surgery. This role requires current licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of South Carolina and adherence to the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' practice act as well as all applicable state and federal regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr DeKalb Health