POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists the Physical Therapist in providing physical therapy treatment and procedures that improves patient mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or lessens physical disabilities of patients. The Physical Therapist Assistant may, in accordance with State of Michigan Laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by the physical therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Performance responsibilities of the Physical Therapist Assistant are:

• Physical Therapist Assistants assist physical therapists in providing care to patients:
  • Provides instruction in gait and balance training using assistive devices, orthopedic braces, prosthesis and supportive devices.
  • Administers and provides therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, and physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.
  • Assists patients to dress, undress, don or doff supportive devices, braces, and slings.
  • Record the patient's responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment to the physical therapist.
  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities.
  • Measure patients range of motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatment or for patient re-evaluations.
  • Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
  • Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

I. Assists in maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and co-workers.

J. Transport patients to/from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them safely, utilizing recommended equipment and correct body mechanics.

K. Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information, planning, modifying and coordinating treatment.

• Perform clerical duties such as taking inventory, ordering supplies or ordering patient specific equipment, answering the phone, taking messages, scheduling appointments, and/or filling out forms and other miscellaneous paperwork.

• Attends to activities related to patient care:
  • Assists in, compiles data and prepares HWQI projects on an ongoing basis for quality Physical Therapy quality as directed by the Physical Therapy Manager.

B. Develops and maintains interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors, and hospital personnel.

4) Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills: Good communication skills required, in both verbal and written form. Organizational skills with an attention to detail. Positive attitude and willing to help other departments.

Education: Graduate from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistants Program with an Associate’s Degree, Currently licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Michigan, Completion of continuing education credits as necessary.