PTA PRN As Needed

JOB TITLE: Physical Therapist Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Physical Therapy

REPORTS TO: Physical Therapist

SUPERVISES: Restorative Aides

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs physical therapy procedures, as delegated by a Registered Physical Therapist, in treating acute and rehabilitative patients with physical or mental disease or injury; and assesses and reports on patients' progress in attaining maximal function.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs delegated treatment procedures such as therapeutic exercises to maintain and restore strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; gait training and functional training for transferring and wheelchair activities; and treatment procedures involving the use of therapeutic equipment, machines, and assistive or supportive devices.
2. Applies modalities such as hot and cold packs, paraffin, whirlpool, Hubbard tank, pool, infrared, diathermy, ultrasound, ultra-violet, and electrical stimulation to relieve pain or promote healing.
3. Encourages and motivates patients to participate in the treatment program by discussing and explaining their treatment goals and objectives.
4. Progresses patient through treatment program, deciding when to advance the patient to more difficult or strenuous activities, when to decrease to less difficult level of activity, or when to interrupt the treatment based upon patient's reaction and response to the treatment program.
5. Assists the Therapist in performing tests, evaluations, and complex treatment procedures.
6. Trains patient in exercises, ambulation, and activities of daily living.
7. Maintains, operates and cares for therapy equipment.
8. Completes all required documentation in a thorough and timely fashion.
9. Educates family and patients regarding ability/disability and treatment programs and goals.
10. Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
11. Demonstrates, trains, and directs patients in the use and care of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, and other special equipment.
12. Observes and assists with tests, under the guidance of a Registered Physical Therapist, to determine patient’s functional level in performing activities of daily living.
13. Observes reactions and responses of patients to physical therapy treatment and reports observations to Registered Physical Therapists, physicians, and allied health personnel in rounds and staff or discharge planning conferences.
14. Writes progress notes in patients' physical therapy records noting reaction and response to the therapy treatment. Maintains accurate records of therapy treatments performed and the duration and frequency of treatments, which are reviewed and countersigned by the Registered Physical Therapist.
15. Instructs members of other health disciplines in standard methods of performing such tasks as transfers, ambulation, and positioning of patients.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy. Current state license required. Successful completion of a Physical Therapy Assistant program in a school recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of the American Physical Therapy Association and approved by the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance.

Or, approval, or an application for such approval on file, by the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Physical Therapy Examining Committee to assist in the provision of physical therapy under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist. Evidence of such approval must be presented upon publication of the results of the next examination following the date of filing for the approval.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

Previous hospital experience preferred

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

1 – 3 yearshospital experience preferred

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Exposure to hospital environmental conditions.

Qualifications