POSITION SUMMARY:

The physical therapist assistant will organize and implement specific treatment procedures/protocols for individual clients according to the principles and practices of physical therapy under the direct supervision of a physical therapist. The therapist will provide services including treatment, planning, implementation, education, documentation, and communication for the purpose of assisting the clients to achieve their goals, optimal functional level, and improved quality of life in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions associated with this position.

PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adhere to all policies of the organization, including (but not limited to) job description, certification/licensure requirements, mission statement, HIPAA, confidentiality standards and patient’s rights.
• Actively engage and stay up to date with organization’s communications and directives.
• Provide quality care to attain patient’s optimal function and quality of life in both the hospital and outpatient setting by:
  • Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of care/treatment and determining appropriate charges according to CAH policy and procedures.
  • Meeting Medicare standards, risk management standards, and all federal and state regulations.
• Perform patient care activities including:
  • Directing and assisting clients in therapeutic regimens while delegating routine care to support staff as appropriate.
  • Administering therapy services as outlined in the treatment plan and as approved by the physician.
  • Incorporating safety, infection control, and emergency procedures into treatment, as necessary.
  • Modifying the treatment as appropriate according to patient status with consent or approval of the supervising therapist.
  • Working with the PT to ensure patients receive re-assessment, as necessary.
  • Communicating with physicians and team members concerning patient progress.
  • Seeking input from patients and their families regarding quality of care.
  • Adapting recommended assistive devices to support patients’ functional outcomes.
  • Providing specific training in the use, care, and application of assistive devices for patients, family members, and/or staff members as needed.
  • Educating the client, family, or other staff members on goals to ensure maximal carryover of treatment programs.
  • Communicating with other team members to establish a total rehabilitative program for the patient, as necessary.
  • Coordinating individual client schedules in conjunction with other patients and staff.
  • Participating in discharge planning and team meetings

• Complete indirect patient care activities including:
  • Ensuring continued professional development through participation in hospital in-services and continuing education.
  • Attending and participating in staff meetings and family/team conferences.
  • Participating in departmental program development projects.
  • Maintaining a clean and professional appearance in the work area.
  • Demonstrating initiative in assisting other staff members.
  • Participating in community events to promote rehabilitative services, the hospital, and health and wellness as needed.
  • Conducting and participating in training medical and nursing staff in therapy techniques and objectives.
  • Supporting continuous quality improvement efforts.
  • Completing assigned projects/reports on time.
  • Performing all other reasonable duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT:

Computer and Printer

Copy Machine

Fax Machine

Telephone

Gym Equipment

Blood Pressure Cuff

Goniometer

Pulse Oximeter

Gait Belt

Transfer Assistive Devices and Lifts

E-stim and Ultrasound Machines

EDUCATIONAL/SKILLS REQUIRED:

The physical therapist assistant must be a graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant school, successfully complete the National Certification Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants, possess a current OK Physical Therapist Assistant license or be eligible via temporary license, and qualify for malpractice coverage.

EXPERIENCE:

More than a year is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

This position could have access to patient confidential records and must comply with HIPAA regulations as well as Compliance Policies.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following physical/mental demands are required for the Physical Therapist Assistant

Occasional = 33% Frequent = 66% Continuous = 100%

Frequently must be able to be on their feet walking, standing, transporting and/or positioning patients.

Occasionally lift and transfer a minimum of 50 pounds and apply a minimum of 50 pounds of push/pull force while using good body mechanics.

Frequently use hands to finger, handle or feel.

Frequently reach with hands and arms.

Frequently requires bending and stretching while using good body mechanics.

May be exposed to communicable diseases.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent to this position.