Physical Therapist Assistant

Essential Functions

- Helps residents with ambulation (walking, moving out of their wheelchairs, etc.).

- Contributes to patients physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives.

- Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories.

- Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.

- Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.

- Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting residents/patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.

- Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance.

- Provides continuity of care implementing patient management plan.

- Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

- Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends; monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives

- Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Requirements
Qualifications
Education:

- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program.
Licenses/Certification:

- Current state PTA licensure.

- Valid CPR certification.
Experience:

- Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.