Physical Therapist Assistant

Essential Functions

• Helps residents with ambulation (walking, moving out of their wheelchairs, etc.).
• Contributes to patients physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives.
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories.
• Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting residents/patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance.
• Provides continuity of care implementing patient management plan.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends; monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives
• Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Requirements
Qualifications
Education:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program.

Licenses/Certification:

• Current state PTA licensure.
• Valid CPR certification.

Experience:

• Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.