What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapy Assistant position at Cox Healthcare?
About the Role:
The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) plays a critical role in supporting licensed physical therapists in delivering high-quality rehabilitation services to patients recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic conditions. This position focuses on implementing treatment plans designed by physical therapists, ensuring patient safety, and promoting optimal recovery outcomes. The PTA works closely with patients in an skilled setting, providing hands-on therapy, monitoring progress, and adjusting interventions as needed under supervision. Compassion and effective communication are essential, as the PTA motivates and educates patients throughout their rehabilitation journey. Ultimately, the PTA contributes to enhancing patients' physical function, independence, and overall quality of life within the Highlands at Owasso community.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
- Current and valid state licensure or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
- Basic knowledge of physical therapy principles, rehabilitation techniques, and patient care standards.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
- Physical capability to perform lifting, carrying, and assisting patients with mobility tasks.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in an skilled rehabilitation setting.
- Familiarity with voluntary insurance programs and billing procedures related to physical therapy services.
- Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for therapeutic interventions.
- Demonstrated compassion and excellent interpersonal skills in patient care.
- Additional certifications in specialized therapy techniques or modalities.
Responsibilities:
- Assist physical therapists in executing individualized treatment plans for patients requiring rehabilitation services.
- Provide therapeutic exercises, modalities, and manual therapy techniques to improve patient mobility and reduce pain.
- Monitor patient responses to treatment and report progress or concerns to the supervising physical therapist.
- Maintain a safe and clean treatment environment by adhering to universal precautions and infection control protocols.
- Document patient care activities accurately and timely in compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.
- Educate patients and their families on exercises, safety measures, and use of assistive devices to support recovery.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care and optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
- Assist with lifting and transferring patients safely, ensuring proper body mechanics to prevent injury.
Skills:
The required skills such as knowledge of physical therapy and rehabilitation are applied daily to assist in delivering effective patient treatments and ensuring adherence to prescribed therapy plans. Universal precautions are rigorously followed to maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff, preventing infection and contamination. Compassion is essential in building trust and encouraging patients through often challenging recovery processes, while lifting and carrying heavy weights safely is critical to assist patients with mobility and transfers. Hand-eye coordination is utilized during manual therapy and exercise facilitation to ensure precise and effective interventions. Preferred skills like experience in outpatient settings and understanding of insurance programs enhance the PTA's ability to navigate administrative aspects and tailor care to diverse patient needs.