Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Performs any combination of following duties under direction of a Physical Therapist.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or GED.

• Must hold and maintain a State of Florida Physical Therapy Assistant license prior to hire and/or transfer into this position.

• Must hold and maintain Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) certification, in accordance with American Heart Association training guidelines in effect at the time the training was conducted, throughout employment in this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer physical therapy treatments to patients, working under direction of and as assistant to a Physical Therapist.

• Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, heat, light, sound, water and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ultraviolet, infrared, and hot and cold packs.

• Administer tractions to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.

• Instruct, motivate, and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation and daily living activities.

• Observe patients during treatments and compile and evaluate data on patients' responses to treatments and progress and reports orally or in writing to Physical Therapist.

• Fit patients for, adjust and train patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

• Confer with members of the physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs.

• Orientate new Physical Therapy Assistants, direct and give instructions to Physical Therapy Aides.

• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages and filling out forms.

• May measure patient's range of motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of specific treatments or to assist Physical Therapist to compile date for patient evaluation.

• May monitor treatments administered by Physical Therapy Technicians.

• Other duties as assigned.

Corporate Culture Responsibilities

• Follow established corporate and department-specific policies and procedures.

• Attend all corporate and department-specific required training.

• Uphold MCC's Purpose, Values, and Vision.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned cheerfully and willingly.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Displays customer services skills, strong interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Be a person of integrity and character, willing to embrace change and make a positive impact in the lives of patients and co-workers.

• Ability to work with staff members at all levels of the organization in a cooperative, team-oriented manner.

• Displays computer proficiency (i.e. PC windows and MS Office environment) and ability to quickly learn new applications.

• Proficient in use of English language both in written and verbal communication.

• Must be able to communicate with individuals of varying socio-economic backgrounds.

• Displays ability of giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Professional demeanor and recognition of privacy considerations for patients and families.

Physical Requirements of the Essential Job Functions

• Strength (Lift/Carry/Push/Pull): Medium (exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally)

• Standing/Walking: Occasionally; activity exists up to 1/3 of the time

• Keyboarding/Dexterity: Frequently; activity exists from ¾ of the time

• Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods.

• Ability to perform constant repetitive hands and finger motions.

• Ability to work in various positions (standing, sitting, bending, and walking) for extended periods of time.

• Ability to perform physical labor that includes holding, stooping, kneeling and occasionally lifting 50 pounds without mechanical aide for extended periods of time.

• Talking (Must be able to effectively communicate verbally): Yes

• Seeing: Yes

• Hearing: Yes

Emotional Requirements of the Essential Job Functions

• Must exhibit stable work behaviors daily.

• Must possess adequate individual coping skills.

• Ability to remain calm and professional regardless of workload or time constraints.

• Must be able to work under stress and remain calm and professional.

Work Environment

• Clinical back office environment

• Exposed to frequent and constant interruptions in daily functions/schedule.

• Must be available to customers and staff throughout the day.

• May be required to work extended hours to meet department needs.