Description Physical Therapy Assistant
- Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff physical therapist.
- Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff physical therapist, after the physical therapist has evaluated the patient.
- The PTA assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability.
- Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.
- The PTA participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.
- Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.
- Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff physical therapist.
- Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.
- Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff physical therapist.
- Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy.
- This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
- Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, staff physical therapist is apprised of conclusions.
- Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
- Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.
- Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
- Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
- Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
- Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and members of the department.
- Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and facility policy is followed.
- Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
- Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
- Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
- Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
- Documentation meets current standards and policies.
- Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.
- Participates in infection control, departmental training equipment training and organizational CQI activities.
- Participates in educational staff performance improvement inservices.
- Assists with orientation and inservice training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
Requirements
Associates Degree in Physical Therapy Licensed by State of Kentucky as a Physical Therapy Assistant Experience working with geriatric population preferred. Good interpersonal and public relations skills. Solid analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities. Able to assist and coordinate with others. Able to use computer in basic word processing, email correspondence, and excel applications
- Physical Requirements Movements frequently and regularly required using the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- Especially where one must frequently convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or products or operate machinery.
- Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
- Frequently stand, use hands, reach with hands, and climb and balance.
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to deal with a variety of variables under only limited standardization.
- Able to interpret various instructions.
- Ability to perform basic math skills, use decimals to compute ratios and percents.
- Ability to prepare reports, letters, and other forms of communication using proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
- Ability to communicate distinctly with appropriate pauses and emphasis, correct pronunciation (or sign equivalent), and variation in word order using present, perfect, and future tenses.
I have read and understand the functions and requirements of this position. I understand that this is not to be considered as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional duties for this position.
I have noted below my accommodations that are required to enable me to perform those duties. I have also noted below any position duties that I am unable to perform with or without accommodation.
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Employee’s signature________________________ Date___________________________
