Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

The Physical Therapist's Assistant is responsible for performing prescribed physical therapy treatments to patients and for providing clinical direction to physical therapy workers.

Responsibilities

• Provides physical therapy treatments in a medical facility or patient’s home under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist and in accordance with an established treatment plan.
• Administers therapeutic interventions, including exercise, massage, heat, light, sound, water, electrical stimulation, infrared treatments, and hot or cold packs as prescribed.
• Instructs and assists patients in improving mobility, ambulation, transfers, and functional movement.
• Educates patients in the proper use and care of assistive devices and prosthetic equipment, including artificial limbs, braces, crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Observes patients during treatment sessions and reports patient progress, responses, and concerns to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Provides clinical direction and guidance to Physical Therapy support personnel as assigned.
• Documents treatments provided and patient responses accurately and timely in the medical record.
• Maintains required patient records, documentation, and statistical reports.
• Assists in the development and presentation of in-service education programs for hospital personnel.
• Assists with the cleaning, maintenance, and organization of physical therapy equipment and departmental areas.
• May assist with patient transportation as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a two-year accredited program leading to an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy required.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a Physical Therapy department preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) licensure in the state of practice required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, techniques, and treatment procedures.
• Ability to provide physical therapy treatments under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.
• Ability to instruct patients in therapeutic exercises, ambulation, transfers, and the use of assistive devices.
• Ability to observe, assess, and report patient responses to treatment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to accurately document treatments and patient progress in the medical record.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Knowledge of patient safety, infection prevention, and rehabilitation practices.