Position Summary / Career Interest:

The Physical Therapist Assistant, under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist, performs treatments and procedures for patients ranging in age from child to geriatric. The Physical Therapist Assistant communicates pertinent information back to the Physical Therapist when necessary or appropriate; prepares written documentation pertaining to daily treatments and assists the physical therapist with documentation pertaining to education and discharge planning; collaborates with other members of the health care team; schedules patient treatments and meetings; supervises the work of Rehabilitation Aides and PTA students; assists in the orientation and competency assessment of Physical Therapist Assistants and Rehabilitation Aides; and may participate in Performance Improvement activities and processes.


Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Consistently meets work schedule.
• Conducts Physical Therapy evaluation in accordance with education, training, professional codes of ethics and standards, and department policy and procedure.  Conducts patient interview and performs evaluation which consists of patient tests, measurements and assessments.  Analyzes evaluation findings to identify disabilities and  establish indications for a Physical Therapy treatment program.  Plans treatment programs based on assessment of available patient data.  Establishes and communicates appropriate discharge plan based on prior level of function, medical condition, financial situation, etc.
• Establishes and carries out treatment programs based on evaluation results and ongoing reassessments of the patient.  Administers Physical Therapy treatment which may include but is not limited to functional mobility training (ambulation training, transfer training, bed mobility training, wheelchair mobility training), balance training, range of motion exercises and/or stretching, muscle re-education, therapeutic exercise to improve or maintain muscle function (isometric,  progressive-resistive, functional activities) using weights, pulleys, exercise apparatus, assistive and supportive devices, application of physical agents (light, heat, water and electrical stimulation), joint mobilization, traction, massage, and hydrotherapy for the cleaning and debridement of burns and open wounds.  May apply dressings depending on situation.
• Evaluates effects of treatments and adjusts treatments to achieve optimal benefits and is responsible for recommending adaptive and assistive equipment.
• Educates patient and family in a timely and appropriate manner.  Informs patient and family of problems, goals, estimated completion date, and treatment plan.  Instructs patient and family in home management procedures and discharge recommendations.
• Confers with physicians and other health care practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment programs and integrate Physical Therapy treatment with other aspects of patient health care.
• Manages patient schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity (toward 70% billable time target) and works to reduce cancellations and other situations that reduce the ability to meet patient's needs.
• Prepares written documentation pertaining to patient evaluation and treatment sessions per Department Policy and Procedure.  Records the initial functional and clinical status of the patient in the evaluation report, which also includes problems, goals, estimated completion date, and treatment plan.  Records progress of the patient through daily and weekly progress reports.  Records the discharge status of the patient through completion of a discharge report.
• Outpatient charts are neat and contain all required referrals, forms, and information based on the patient's case.  Completes charges accurately and in a timely manner.
• Completes and hands in end user audit reports and volume reports on the date of service and completes accurate charging of patient based on services provided, number of evaluations, screens, and hours in meetings, and number of visits, units billed, and cancellations
• Supervises work of Rehabilitation Aides by orienting, instructing, and directing the work activities of Rehabilitation Aides as pertains to their assistance in patient treatment programs and department operations.  Evaluates and plans treatment programs for patients assigned to Physical Therapist Assistants and is available for re-evaluation of these patients.  Reviews all weekly progress and discharge reports.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Degree from accredited PTA Education Program

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous healthcare experience

Required Licensure and Certification

• CPR/ AED/ BLS - Other BLS upon Hire
• Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - State Board of Healing Arts upon Hire

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.