Physical Therapist Assistant

General Summary:

The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for implementation of comprehensive physical therapy procedures and services as prescribed by the supervising Physical Therapist designed to increase or restore function, minimize or prevent disability, and assist patients in reaching their maximum performance levels.

Essential Job Functions*:

· Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for the knowledge base inherent in the role of Physical Therapy Assistant by performing all functions accurately and recognizing their importance and relationship to patient care and client services

· Practices Physical Therapy consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association’s Physical Therapy Assistant Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

· Involves patient/caregiver in the plan of care to gain patient cooperation in gaining maximum benefit from therapeutic intervention

· Treats patients within their plan of care to relieve pain, and develop or restore function and maximum performance, using physical means such as exercise (making use of available equipment) and physical agent modalities

· Communicates with and updates supervising Physical Therapist regarding shared patients

· Trains patient/caregiver in use splints, braces and other adaptive equipment

· Coordinates physical therapy activities with other services, agencies and personnel involved in patient care management

· Participates in the supervision of designated personnel including Physical Therapy Assistant students, volunteers and aides

· Assists with patient scheduling.

· Participates in clinics, conferences, and educational programs to increase knowledge and improve patient care and staff performance

· Responsible for maintaining Continuing Education units for license renewal

· Must comply with relevant laws and regulations as they relate to the position

· Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein

· Complies with hospital and departmental policies, procedures, regulations and standards as related to job.

· Demonstrates hospital’s stated mission and values of teamwork, respect and communication with co-workers, patients, families and visitors.

· Actively and appropriately participates in problem-solving identification and resolution, both intra- and inter-departmentally.

· Meets department customer service standards and strives to enhance the level of customer service provided.

Qualifications:

· Education

Required: Graduation from accredited program as a Physical Therapy Assistant

· Work Experience

Preferred: Experience in orthopedics, acute care, home health and/or school programs

· Licensure/Certifications/Registrations

Required: Currently licensed to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the State of

New Hampshire

Current Basic Life Support (including use of an Automatic External

Defibrillator) certification

· Other Skills/Knowledge

Required: Knowledge of a range of therapy methods and techniques

Preferred: Ability to effectively communicate medical information in a manner easily

understood by the patient/caregiver