Physical Therapist Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) administers physical therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Clinical Manager/Therapy Supervisor and supervising Physical Therapist.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.     A person who is licensed, registered or certified as a physical therapist assistant, if applicable, by the state in which practicing, unless licensure does not apply and meets one of the following requirements:

a.     Graduated from a physical therapist assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.

b.      If educated outside the United States or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to physical therapist assistant entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified at 8 CFR 212.15(e).

AND

Passed a national examination for physical therapist assistants.

OR

c.     On or before December 31, 2009, meets one of the following:

i.     Is licensed, or otherwise regulated in the state in which practicing.

ii.     In states where licensure or other regulations do not apply, graduated before December 31, 2009, from a 2- year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and after January 1, 2010, and has passed any state required examinations for licensure.

OR

iii. Before January 1, 2008, where licensure or other regulation does not apply, graduated from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association

OR

iv. On or before December 31, 1977, was licensed or qualified as a physical therapist assistant and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service.

2.    Two (2) years’ experience, preferred.

3.    Acceptance of philosophy and goals of Agency.

4.    Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Performs services planned, delegated and supervised by the Physical Therapist.

2.     Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.

3.     Understands and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures.

4.     Provides physician prescribed physical therapy under a written plan of care established by the PT.

5.     Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.

6.     Instructs patients and family members in home programs and activities of daily living.

7.     Attends all staff meetings and patient care conferences as scheduled.

8.     Prepares medical records, progress notes and clinical notes for each patient visit in a timely manner as per Agency policy.

9.     Informs the PT and other team members of changes in the patient’s condition and needs.

10.     Continually reevaluates needs of patient/family.

11.     Coordinates the therapy and care needs with the PT and other IDT members as appropriate.

12.     Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient related information.

13.     Completes and submits progress notes and paperwork in a timely manner per Agency policy.

14.     Immediately reports to supervising Physical Therapist any patient incidents/variances or complaints.

15.     Demonstrates competent performances of technical skills according to established procedures.

16.     Participants in peer review and QM activities as requested.

17.      Adheres to Agency standards and consistently interprets and accurately performs all assigned responsibilities.

18.     Maintains acceptable attendance status, per Agency policy.

19.     Reports all incomplete work assignments to supervising Physical Therapist.

20.     Appearance is always within Agency standards; is clean and well-groomed.

21.     Demonstrates effective time management skills through daily documentation and infrequent overtime for routine assignments.

22.     Maintains clean and neat work environment.

23.     Demonstrates sound judgment, critical thinking and decision making.

24.     Maintains current CPR certifications.

25.     Performs other duties as assigned.