Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant, under direct supervision of a Physical Therapist, will work in an outpatient orthopaedic setting, and will be responsible for treatment of various orthopaedic injuries including pre and post-surgical conditions. Works closely with Orthopaedic Surgeons, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, and other staff to provide injury management, rehabilitation, and successful return to function for patients.

Duties

• Read all physical therapy documentation, including initial examination and plan of care.
  1. Note indications, contraindications, precautions, and safety considerations for the patient.
  2. Note goals and expected outcomes.
  3. Seek clarification from physical therapist, as needed.
• Review information in the medical record at each visit, including:
  1. Monitor medical records for changes in medical status and/or medical procedures.
  2. Collect data on patient's current condition, compare results to previously collected data and safety parameters established by the physical therapist, and determine if the safety parameters have been met.
  3. Seek clarification from appropriate health professions' staff for unfamiliar or ambiguous information.
• Identify when the directed interventions are either beyond the scope of work or personal scope of work of the PTA.
• Communicate to the physical therapist when there are significant changes in the patient's medical status, physician referral, or when the critical and complexity of the patient is beyond the knowledge, skills and abilities of the PTA.
• Explain the rationale for selected interventions to achieve patient goals as identified in the plan of care.
• Provide interventions compliant with federal and state licensing requirements, APTA standards documents (ex. Guide for Conduct for the PTA, Code of Ethics), and facility policies and procedures.
• Assure safety of patient and self throughout patient care.
  1. Identify the need for and act when safety of patient or self may be at risk or has been compromised.
  2. Utilize risk management strategies (ex. Universal precautions, body mechanics).
• Assure patient privacy, rights, and dignity; position/drape patients to protect modesty. Must follow established procedures to maintain compliance with the privacy and security provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") regarding viewing, printing, sending, faxing, verbally stating, or otherwise transmitting in any form the protected health information of patients.
• Provide competent physical therapy interventions, including therapeutic exercise, balance coordination and agility training, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility exercises, gait and locomotion training, neuromotor development training, relaxation, strength power and endurance training, functional training in self-care and home management, manual therapy, application and adjustment of assistive devices, application and adjustment of physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.
• Document in writing/ electronically patient care using language that is accurate. Compete, legible, timely, and consistent with institutional, legal, and billing requirements.
• Follow all safety, CPR, and emergency procedures.
• Adhere to the following Behavioral Expectations:
  1. Accountability
  2. Altruism
  3. Compassion and Caring
  4. Cultural Competence
  5. Duty
  6. Integrity
  7. Social Responsibility
• Respects and protects the confidentiality of all patient and Company information through the adherence of all HIPAA guidelines and regulations.
• Assumes other responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications

• Education Requirements
  1. High School diploma or equivalent required, along with successful completion of a NYS or APTA accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program. Must possess NYS licensure upon hire.
• Experience Requirements
  1. Background in sports medicine and/or professional experience in outpatient orthopaedic environment preferred.
• Skills and Competencies Requirements
  1. Excellent communication and customer service skills required. Must be able to multi-task and desire to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.