Physical Therapist Assistant

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Administers physical therapy treatment as prescribed by physician. Notes effectiveness of treatment by observing patient progress and reports progress to physical therapist. Maintains required patient and departmental records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:


1. Current or temporary physical therapy assistant licensure in the applicable state where services will be performed:

WV: Physical Therapy Assistant through the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy

OH: Physical Therapy Assistant through the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board

2. CPR Certification

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.


1. Consults with physicians regarding treatments; observes and notes effectiveness of treatments; reports findings to therapist.


2. Notes patient diagnosis; takes precautions for observing indications and contraindications.


3. Administers individual therapy programs for patients under direct supervision of licensed physical therapist using established specifications of program as prescribed by physician.


4. Monitors patient closely during treatment; responds to patient needs.


5. Adapts conventional therapeutic techniques to meet needs of patients who are unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily perform therapeutic exercise.

6. Records patient treatment and reports progress; has all progress notes cosigned by licensed physical therapist according to departmental policy.


7. Instructs in and demonstrates therapeutic procedures to be continued by patient; provides home care instructions to patient and family.


8. Operates and maintains departmental therapeutic equipment properly and safely.


9. Prepares treatment charges accurately for billing purposes.

10. Complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as government regulations.


11. Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide care and education appropriate to the age of the patients served. (Neonatal 0-11 months, Pediatric 1-12 years, Adolescent 13-17 years, Adult 18-79 years, Geriatric 80+ years)

• Demonstrates knowledge of principles of growth and development.
• Notes information relative to patient's status and informs therapist of this information to aid in identify the age specific needs of each patient.
• Maintains an understanding of the range of treatment necessary for each patient and provides appropriate care based on their age specific needs.

12. Maintains current knowledge of treatment approaches and participates in continuing education and inservices.


13. Provides physical therapy services in the home under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist and according to established policies, procedures, standards. Specifically the physical therapy assistant:

• Provides physical therapy treatment and activities
• Promptly documents clinical notes
• Participates in orientation and in-service programs
• Complies with accepted professional standards and principles

14. Each employee has a fundamental responsibility to safeguard patients' rights and demonstrate respect for such patient needs as confidentiality, privacy, security, complaint resolution, spiritual counseling, and communication.

15. May remove oxygen tubing from a wall gauge, attach tubing to an oxygen tank and adjust the flow meter on the tank as ordered by the physician.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


1. The national Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends minimizing the need for employees to manually lift patients, and limit safe patient handling to 35 pounds. All transfers, lifts and re-positioning will be completed utilizing the lift equipment and/or other patient handling aids as indicated by the patient's profile and appropriate algorithms. Details specific to therapeutic interventions outlined in Safe Patient Mobility Policy where applicable.
2. Heavy/Hard work: Work requires strength and/or stamina, lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, and carrying of materials and equipment weighing 40+lbs.
3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


1. Exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids and different types of cleaning and laundry chemicals.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:


1. Ability to organize and prioritize time and tasks to achieve a well-coordinated work effort and to effectively meet work schedules including an ability to integrate multiple factors which may have an impact on patient care.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company:
WMCH Weirton Medical Center

Cost Center:
2295 WMCH Physical Therapy Weirton

Address:
171 American Way

Weirton

West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.