Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist evaluates, plans, and implements specific treatment programs for individual patients ranging in age from newborn to geriatric according to the principles and practices of Physical Therapy. The Physical Therapist collaborates with the members of the interdisciplinary care team; prepares written documentation pertaining to patient evaluation, treatment, education, and discharge planning; schedules patient treatments and meetings; supervises the work of Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA's), Rehabilitation Aides, Student Physical Therapists, and Student Physical Therapist Assistants; assists in preparing and conducting in-service training and continuing education programs; assists in the orientation and competency assessment of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aides; may participate in Performance Improvement activities and processes.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Conducts Physical Therapy evaluation in accordance with education, training, professional codes of ethics and standards, and department policy and procedure. Conducts patient interview and performs evaluation which consists of patient tests, measurements and assessments. Analyzes evaluation findings to identify disabilities and establish indications for a Physical Therapy treatment program. Plans treatment programs based on assessment of available patient data. Establishes and communicates appropriate discharge plan based on prior level of function, medical condition, financial situation, etc.
• Establishes and carries out treatment programs based on evaluation results and ongoing reassessments of the patient. Administers Physical Therapy treatment which may include but is not limited to functional mobility training (ambulation training, transfer training, bed mobility training, wheelchair mobility training), balance training, range of motion exercises and/or stretching, muscle re-education, therapeutic exercise to improve or maintain muscle function (isometric, progressive-resistive, functional activities) using weights, pulleys, exercise apparatus, assistive and supportive devices, application of physical agents (light, heat, water and electrical stimulation), joint mobilization, traction, massage, and hydrotherapy for the cleaning and debridement of burns and open wounds. May apply dressings depending on situation.
• Evaluates effects of treatments and adjusts treatments to achieve optimal benefits and is responsible for recommending adaptive and assistive equipment.
• Educates patient and family in a timely and appropriate manner. Informs patient and family of problems, goals, estimated completion date, and treatment plan. Instructs patient and family in home management procedures and discharge recommendations.
• Confers with physicians and other health care practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment programs and integrate Physical Therapy treatment with other aspects of patient health care.
• Manages patient schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity (toward 70% billable time target) and works to reduce cancellations and other situations that reduce the ability to meet patient's needs.
• Prepares written documentation pertaining to patient evaluation and treatment sessions per Department Policy and Procedure. Records the initial functional and clinical status of the patient in the evaluation report, which also includes problems, goals, estimated completion date, and treatment plan. Records progress of the patient through daily and weekly progress reports. Records the discharge status of the patient through completion of a discharge report.
• Outpatient charts are neat and contain all required referrals, forms, and information based on the patient's case. Completes charges accurately and in a timely manner.
• Completes and hands in end user audit reports and volume reports on the date of service and completes accurate charging of patient based on services provided, number of evaluations, screens, and hours in meetings, and number of visits, units billed, and cancellations
• Supervises work of Rehabilitation Aides by orienting, instructing, and directing the work activities of Rehabilitation Aides as pertains to their assistance in patient treatment programs and department operations. Evaluates and plans treatment programs for patients assigned to Physical Therapist Assistants and is available for re-evaluation of these patients. Reviews all weekly progress and discharge reports.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous healthcare experience

Required Licensure and Certification

• Licensed Physical Therapist (PT) - State Board of Healing Arts
• CPR/ AED/ BLS - Other BLS within 14 days