Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Summary

Under supervision of a Physical Therapist, implements specific treatment programs for neonatal through geriatric patients according to accepted physical therapy practices and principles.

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Able to self-assess, self-correct, and self-direct; to identify needs and sources of learning; and to continually seek new knowledge and understanding through participation in professional organizations, educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, peer case reviews, workshops, etc.; shares new knowledge with co-workers.
• Effectively communicates with interdisciplinary team members including patients, physicians, families, colleagues and other healthcare professionals (i.e. verbal, non-verbal, reading, writing and listening) for varied audiences and purposes.
• Ability to question logically; to identify, generate and evaluate elements of a logical argument; to recognize and differentiate facts and assumptions; and to distinguish between the relevant and the irrelevant.
• Recognizes and defines problems; analyzes data, develops and implements solutions and evaluates outcomes.
• Assists with student training by accepting the role as a Clinical Instructor and promoting student education within the profession. Completes required student assessments timely, and receives positive feedback assessments from their student and school
• Nurtures other team members and builds productive relationships across the immediate work team and with other areas that impact the patient experience. Actively listens to others, encourages other’s opinion and help problem-solve. Acknowledges others for their ideas and efforts while positively contributing to the work plan. Readily accepts and promotes change.
• Assists as an assistant as requested by the Physical Therapist, through data collection from a variety of sources such as patient records, interviews, observations and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Conducts a program of exercise and treatment for assigned patients as determined by the physical therapist while ensuring the PT programming remains within the patient’s capabilities. Appropriately monitors medical precautions for patients during therapy sessions and consults with supervising Physical Therapist on a regular basis regarding the patient’s progress.
• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department.
• Assists as an assistant as requested by the Physical Therapist in discharge planning by obtaining objective measures, providing clerical support with discharge summaries, identifying the need for adaptive equipment and training and instructing the patient on proper use of adaptive equipment.
• Promotes and utilizes evidence-based practice. Participates in evidence-based activities such as department journal clubs, in-services, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required
  • Associate degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)- Accredited Program

Experience:

• Preferred
  • One (1) year of experience as a Physical Therapy Aide or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Certification/Licensure:

• Required
  • Current licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) with the Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE)
    • License must remain active and in good standing as a condition of continued employment
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
    • Must obtain within ninety (90) days of start date; must remain active and in good standing throughout the duration of employment