Physical Therapist Assistant PTA

Job Summary:

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy treatments to patients under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist. The role involves performing therapy procedures and modalities, assessing treatment effects, maintaining patient records, and collaborating with healthcare staff to ensure effective patient care. The PTA must demonstrate professionalism, strong communication skills, and organizational ability while working primarily Monday through Friday with no weekend shifts. Responsibilities:

• Provide physical therapy treatments as directed by the primary Physical Therapist.
• Observe, evaluate, and document the effects of each treatment, communicating findings clearly.
• Maintain organized, legible patient records with timely chart entries.
• Ensure a safe treatment environment that minimizes healthcare-related errors.
• Maintain cleanliness of the department and practice proper hand hygiene.
• Use physical therapy modalities and procedures safely and effectively, including spinal traction, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, diathermy, and infra-red light.
• Perform therapeutic exercises, soft tissue mobilization, gait training, neuromuscular re-education, orthotic/prosthetic training, and taping.
• Work cooperatively with patients, families, and staff to support a team approach to care.
• Manage patient scheduling and complete charting according to clinic policies.
• Assist with ordering supplies and maintaining adequate inventory levels.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with physicians, managers, and coworkers, accepting direction within the chain of command.
• Assist with front office duties such as patient registration and scheduling as needed.
• Participate in quality improvement projects and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Graduate of an APTA approved Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Licensed by the State of California to provide PTA services.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Proficiency in physical therapy procedures and modalities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain professional behavior and effective collaboration with all levels of staff.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience or special interest in acute care, skilled nursing, and outpatient physical therapy settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for data compilation and reporting.
• Experience with ordering and maintaining clinical supplies.

Special Considerations:

• Must adhere to the California State Practice Act governing Physical Therapist Assistants.
• Required to maintain PTA license and BCLS certification without lapse.
• Expected to wear identification and adhere to professional dress code while on duty.
• Demonstrate accountability by reporting to work on time and completing tasks within designated timeframes.

Scheduling:

• Monday through Friday work schedule with no weekend shifts.
• Appointment lengths include 1 hour for evaluations and 45 minutes for follow-up visits.
• Typical patient load of 8-9 patients per day with no double booking.