Physical Therapy Tech

Physical Therapy Technician

Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant, performs only delegated, selected or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area. Performs clerical duties. Participates in performance improvement activities.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED certificate
• One (1) year experience as a Physical Therapy Tech preferred
• BLS Certification

Role and Responsibilities

• Basic awareness of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Instructs, motivates, safeguards and assists patients practicing exercises and functional activities, under direction of the staff Physical Therapist.
• Assists patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints and slings, before and after treatments.
• Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment.
• Ability to monitor vital signs, maintains adequate knowledge base regarding cardiovascular and respiratory precautions for the patient undergoing physical medicine services and treatments.
• Observes patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and reports to staff Physical Therapist.
• Communicates any changes in condition (physical or mental) to staff Physical Therapist, nursing and other hospital staff, as appropriate.
• Notifies appropriate licensed staff when patient complains of pain.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies. Records treatment/service revisions in accordance with departmental policy.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates a genuine and sincere interest in the therapy program by asking questions and/or observing the therapist's treatment procedures
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Maintains patient medical record forms, evaluations, educational handout distribution material, assists in record keeping of patient files, invoicing, claims billing.
• Cleans and organizes work area; disinfect equipment after treatment.
• Prepares and cleans treatment area for each patient use. Performs final cleaning at close of department, in preparation for first morning patient.
• Orders, stocks and maintains accurate records of adaptive equipment.
• Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages and filling out forms.
• Assists with posting of patient charges in the computer order entry system or on hardcopy invoice system.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Maintains equipment and furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly and disassembly of equipment and accessories.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Assists with orientation and inservice training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Participates in infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training and organizational safety and fire safety programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Support CMH's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy
• Adhere to the CMH Compliance Program
• Assures/maintains compliance with all accreditation, statutory and regulatory standards at the local, state, and federal levels
• Maintains in current status, licenses/certifications and memberships in applicable professional organizations
• Participates in department meetings by attending team business meetings and offering ideas/solutions in problem solving situations/activities
• Comply with all organizational policies
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service/advocacy, professionalism and integrity

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Additional languages preferred
• Strong written and verbal skills

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

• High-stress environment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Pushing and pulling heavy objects
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
• Position requires moderate to heavy lifting of 50+lbs
• Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
• Mental demands include: alertness, analytic ability, memory, concentration, judgment, initiative, precision, creativity and communication.