Physical Therapist Assistant

Department Name: Physical Therapy

Position Title: Physical Therapy Assistant

Reports To: PT Manager

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides skilled physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) setting including acute care, outpatient services, geriatrics, swing bed, and long-term care.

The PTA implements treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act, professional standards, and organizational policies. The PTA collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining regulatory compliance and documentation standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements treatment plans developed by the Physical Therapist, providing skilled therapeutic interventions appropriate to patient needs.
• Assists with patient evaluations by performing delegated tests and measures within scope of practice.
• Observes, records, and reports patient responses to treatment and communicates progress or concerns to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Participates in reassessment processes by providing objective data to assist the Physical Therapist in modifying treatment goals and plans of care.
• Documents all patient care sessions accurately and in a timely manner, including daily treatment notes and progress updates in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Provides services across care settings including acute inpatient, outpatient, swing bed, and long-term care as directed.
• Assists with wound care interventions within scope of practice and competency, under supervision of the Physical Therapist.
• Instructs patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs and safe mobility techniques as directed by the Physical Therapist.
• Collaborates effectively with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, and other clinical team members to support optimal patient outcomes.
• Assists with pre-employment screenings and functional agility testing as directed.
• Demonstrates positive, supportive, and professional communication with patients/residents, families, visitors, and staff.
• Maintains current licensure and assumes responsibility for professional development, meeting all CAH and departmental continuing education requirements.

The employee will demonstrate the ability to: manage time, maintain a safe and clean environment, practice confidentiality, treat all persons with respect and professional courtesy, accept change, support the mission and vision of Rosebud Health Care Center (RHCC), accept and provide constructive feedback, be a team player, and adhere to the infection control, fire and safety, disaster and hazardous waste policies. The employee must also demonstrate the competencies for the position and adhere to policies and procedures for their department.

A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in accordance with regulatory, legal, and organizational policies and procedures.

Reporting Relationship:

• Physical Therapy Manager

Employees Supervised:

• N/A

Education, Experience and Licensure/Certification Requirements: Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Graduate from an accredited PTA educational program
• Current MT PTA License
• Current BLS certification
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically within a multi-functional team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to successfully function in a fast paced, service oriented environment
• Experience in understanding and usage of computers as well as the ability to learn applications relevant to the position