SUMMARY:

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associates Degree from an APTA accredited Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
2. Currently licensed under the statues of the state in which the assistant will be practicing if the state so requires.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in physical therapy.
2. Knowledge of the possible hazards to patients and necessary precautionary measures during treatment.
3. Ability to understand and follow the directions of the physical therapist pertaining to treatment programs, documentation and the policies and procedures of the location served.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, family and other personnel and to obtain their cooperation in the treatment prescribed.
5. Must demonstrate professional attitude, behavior and appearance.
6. Ability to work cooperatively with all departments and disciplines following established policies, procedures or guidelines of the location served.
7. Ability to perform the mental, physical, and emotional requirements of the job.
8. Must be able to take direction from the Physical Therapist in an accurate and professional manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Able to lift 50-60 pounds, as needed.
2. Able to transfer, lift, and guard patients safely with appropriate level of assistance and without likelihood of injury to the patient or self.
3. Able to bend, stoop, squat, and lift numerous times daily.
4. Able to carry out fine motor and manual dexterity skills required to perform physical therapy treatments for the assigned caseload.
5. Able to see and hear adequately in order to respond to auditory and visual needs and clinical indications of the assigned caseload.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide physical therapy services as directed by the physical therapist.
2. Assist the physical therapist when performing tests and treatment procedures.
3. Observe, record and report to the therapist, the conditions, reactions, and responses of patients.
4. Assist the therapist in consulting with patients, family, and other health care professionals as appropriate.
5. Assist the physical therapist with in-service programs or other duties as assigned by physical therapist.
6. Maintain documentation according to procedures of the location served and assure that legal and third party reimbursement requirements are met.
7. Assist with regular checks for safety, care, and cleaning of equipment and maintenance of safe, clean and professional work area and other related items as requested.
8. Must be able to maintain patient information as confidential.
9. Must be aware of the effects, consequences, and ramifications of treatment procedures.
10. Assist physical therapist as directed in performing public relations functions including contacts with the medical and general community in promoting physical therapy services.
11. Assuring Resident Safety