Physical Therapist Assistant

Job Description

Administer patient care through direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Assist with designated tasks for smooth operation of the department.

Responsibilities

• Performs patient treatment to include exercise programs designed by the licensed physical therapist. This includes instruction of home exercise programs. Administers treatments safely and changes the program upon approval by the physical therapist. Provides ambulation training with patients with assistive devices as needed. Provides proper demonstration and instruction during ambulation procedures and gives patient verbal cueing as needed. Follows proper safety protocol by using a gait belt. Administer modality treatments. Prepares patients for treatment and uses proper positioning. Preserves patient’s modesty.
  
  

Population specific – considers cognitive, physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of different populations in the implementation of therapy programs. Population specific - demonstrates ability to provide appropriate instructions to different populations considers caregiver in process.

• Appropriate communication with the physical therapist regarding patient treatment. This may include the patient response to treatment, inquiries about the application of procedures, inquiries about the changes in a program and about the various pieces of equipment. Communicates essential information to other health care providers.
• Completion of documentation, including progress notes, charge sheets and performance improvement studies.
• Department operations:
• Provides appropriate supervision to interns when assigned.
• Schedules patient treatment times.
• Attends department meetings, in-services, arrives on time.
• Maintains clean work environment and prepares equipment as time permits.
• Assesses and completes patients’ charges and includes necessary information on charge sheets.
• Contacts companies to order equipment.
• Completes infection control procedures.
• Assist to promote a positive atmosphere at work.
• Uses hospital information system appropriately.
• Educational areas/staff development:
• Participates in department in-services
• Participates in student in-services
• Participates in student in-services.
• Participates in program development.
• Attends PM&R in-services.
• Meeting with other departments to discuss new programs.
• Participation on meetings and on committees with other departments with diverse goals.
• Participates in activities that promote the physical therapy profession.
• Attends continuing education courses as required by the State of Ohio.
  
  

Population specific – attends continuing education programs to increase competency in the skills to effectively teat, interact and communicate with different patient populations.

• Adheres to customer relations standards of performance. Represents department, self, and hospital in a positive manner.
  
  

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties. Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate. List any special education required for this position.

EDUCATION: Associate degree, major in Physical Therapist Assistant

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Entry level

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Personable, good communication skills

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Licensed by the State of Ohio

CPR certified