Physical Therapy Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) administers physical therapy to patients from birth through geriatrics. May work in acute care, post-acute care, home health and outpatient settings. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist (PT). Strives for excellence in clinical performance by consistently delivering therapeutic interventions and support that contribute to a positive patient and family experience. Collaborates effectively with the healthcare team and demonstrates a thorough understanding of patient and family centered care in all aspects of service delivery.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures.
• Provides physician prescribed physical therapy under a plan of care established by the PT.
• Improves or minimizes residual physical disabilities of the patient.
• Returns the individual to optimum and productive level within the patient’s capabilities.
• Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Performs all skill procedures as ordered by physician and according to the plan of care established by the PT.
• Makes recommendations regarding the plan of care as indicated by patient/family needs.
• Maintains order visit frequency.
• Consults with PT regarding change in treatment.
• Instructs patients and family members in programs and activities of daily living.
• Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.
• Participates in performance improvement activities as assigned.
• Attends all patient care conferences as scheduled.
• Maintains accurate records as required and documents all necessary information in clinical records in a timely manner.
• Documents assessments, interventions, and response to interventions indicating patient progress toward goals accurately and concisely.
• Accurately documents visit times in the chart.
• Participates in educating the patient and family.
• Observes proper chain of command.
• Manages time effectively and maintains productivity.
• Able to speak knowledgeably of the scope of services that are available through the organization.
• Accepts responsibility for own continuing educational needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting front office personnel as schedule dictates with answering phones, printing or making schedules, breaking down charts, folding and putting away laundry, emptying soiled linen bags, ordering supplies, or any other duty that would help the front office complete their daily tasks.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate with an associate degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited program.
• Currently licensed in the state(s) in which practicing.

EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years’ experience, preferred , new grads welcome.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

• Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
• Small motor skills required for operating modern computer, office, and telephone equipment as utilized by Memorial Healthcare (MHC).
• Sufficient strength and stability to perform passive, active, or resistive exercises.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

• Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
• Ability to perform manual therapy techniques and operate treatment/assessment equipment.
• Fine motor skills to apply taping, braces, etc.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
• Ability to interpret assessment results, follow the developed treatment plan, and evaluate patient’s response to treatment.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
• Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
• Ability to visually and auditory monitor treatment and patient’s response to treatment.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
• Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
• Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in all activities.

Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.