The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for performing physical therapy and related duties as assigned by the supervising physical therapist, including initiating treatment and supervising aides and students. They also maintain communication with the physical therapist and interdisciplinary team regarding patient progress and needs.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be graduates of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program with an associate degree or equivalent, and must be currently licensed in Kentucky. One year of experience is preferred, but new graduates will be accepted.
SUMMARY: A skilled health care worker, certified and licensed by the Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy, who performs physical therapy and related duties as assigned by the supervising physical therapist. Uses own professional judgement to maintain and carryout duties of the department and provided direct patient care. Understands and provides age appropriate care to all ages from pediatric, adolescent, adult and for geriatric patients.
PRIMARY
Responsibilities &
AUTHORITIES: Responsible for daily operations of the department when Director is not available. Supervises the Physical Therapy Aide, as needed, when Aide is giving treatment to patients. Also provides onsite supervision of Physical Therapist Students. Initiate patient's physical therapy treatment after evaluation is completed by the physical therapist. Directs and aids patient in active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, and gait and functional training, utilizing pulleys, weights, and stairs. Applies modalities such as Electrical Stimulation, Ultrasound, Cervical and Pelvic Traction, Hot Packs, Ice Packs. Gives instruction in posture control and therapeutic procedures to help patient meet goals. Modify and progress patient's treatment program, as appropriate, using own professional judgement. Responsible for development and/or modification of Home Exercise Program handouts Responsible for filling out appropriate patient billing forms & progress note sheets on a daily basis. Writes/dictates daily progress notes on all inpatients and outpatients he or she is responsible for. Dictates discharge summaries on all Swing Bed patients being discharged from hospital. Requisitions supplies and equipment both for patient and departmental needs. Maintain open communication with Licensed Physical Therapist regarding patients performance/progress. Initiates and maintains communication with interdisciplinary team regarding patients progress, needs, and discharge planning. Gathers data and performs objective tests related to patient's disability that will allow the Physical Therapist to interpret results and develop a Plan of Care. Provide training to new employees of the Physical Therapy department and assist contracted employees as needed. Maintains a neat and organized appearance in all areas of the department. Promotes and participates in performance improvement activities. Must attend all mandatory in-services.
OTHER
DUTIES
AND
RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM
Qualifications (Education,
Experience,
SKILLS,
ABILITIES): Graduate of Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program with an associate degree or equivalent with One (1) year experience preferred but will accept new graduates. OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS, ETC.) Must be currently licensed with the State of Kentucky to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant and maintain eligibility for license renewal. BLS CPR certification required.
Physical
DEMANDS: Must be able to lift, sit, stand, stoop and walk without restriction
WORK
ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled department or patient room. Universal precautions must be used when treating patients in hospital setting. QualificationsMINIMUM
Qualifications (Education,
Experience,
SKILLS,
ABILITIES): Graduate of Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program with an associate degree or equivalent with One (1) year experience preferred but will accept new graduates. OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS, ETC.) Must be currently licensed with the State of Kentucky to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant and maintain eligibility for license renewal. BLS CPR certification required.
