Physical Therapy Asst

8-hour shifts, 2-3 per week

Position Title: Physical Therapist Assistant

Department: Rehabilitation Department

Reports To: Rehabilitation Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, using physical therapy modalities and procedures as ordered by the patients' physician.

Job Duties

• Execute the comprehensive treatment program established by the supervising Physical Therapist, using various techniques and modalities such as therapeutic exercise, gait training, and physical agents.
• Monitor the patient's response to treatment and modify activities within the scope of the plan of care or recommend changes to the supervising PT as the patient's needs change.
• Provide therapy to a diverse diagnostic population of adults and geriatric patients with medically complex conditions, which may include those recovering from respiratory failure, stroke, sepsis, or serious wounds.
• Adhere to all diagnosis-related precautions and take necessary safety measures when handling patients and equipment, observing indications and contradictions for treatment.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of patient treatment, responses, and progress in the medical record, in compliance with hospital policy and regulatory guidelines.
• Communicate patient status, problems, and progress to the supervising Physical Therapist and other members of the interdisciplinary team, including during patient care conferences.

Assist with discharge planning by educating the patient and family/caregivers on home exercise programs and discussing the need for adaptive equipment to ensure a safe transition.

• Comply with all department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines, including state practice acts and the APTA's ethical standards.
• The ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and effectively manage time in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to meet the changing needs of the system and patient population, and to work in a high-stress environment with professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements

Education, Training and Licenses Required

• The Physical Therapist Assistant must be a graduate of a CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation and Physical Therapy Education) accredited school/college/institution
• Possess current California licensure
• Current BLS certification that is AHA compliant

Experience Required

• No previous work experience required.
• Two years’ experience in an acute care facility or outpatient clinic preferred.