A Physical Therapy Assistant assists physical therapists to help patients with disabling injuries or conditions improve their range of motion and manage their pain. Helps patients learn exercises and teaches them to use therapeutic equipment. Works in the office of a physical therapist or in a healthcare facility.
Provides direct physical therapy services under supervision of a physical therapist to patients of all ages according to standards of practice of profession, regulatory agencies, and institution. Supervises subordinate staff members in delivery of care and collaborates with interdisciplinary team to ensure maximum level of care to patients.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides and supervises direct physical therapy care to in and outpatients of all ages according to professional and institutional standards which includes assisting in evaluation, testing, and complex procedures, implementing treatment plan to achieve goals, reviewing progress and modifying program within limits set by Physical Therapist. Provides patients and families education, home programs, exercise program, prevention, and equipment usage, in a verbal, written, or demonstration form. Documents these activities and patient's understanding. Special attention will be given relevant to patient's age or impairments of mentation, vision, hearing, or mobility when providing a physical therapy service. Completes necessary documentation, test results, treatment rendered and progress. Assists in completing discharge summary. Completes charges and billing information necessary for correct reimbursement. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, social services, OT/ST, teachers, discharge planners, to integrate physical therapy into patient's total health care program. Supervises support staff by delegating appropriate patient care tasks and operational activities to P.T. Technicians, P.T. aides, clerical staff, and volunteers and supervising implementation of these tasks. Assists in training subordinate staff, identifying unacceptable performance and correcting it as appropriate. Assists in obtaining special patient equipment, supplies, orthotics, and assertive devices by recommending to P.T. type and model then assists in measuring, ordering, fitting, and educating patient in use as requested by physical therapist. Assists in overall operation of P.T. services by maintaining and suggesting equipment purchases, participating in organizational improvement activities, program development, implementing proper safety/infection control. Identifying and recommending changes needed to meet patient and staff needs, safety, or to increase efficiency. Adheres to dress code. Functions as a preceptor to orient new employees. Meets all departmental specific competencies. Adheres to medical center policies addressing infection control, safety, and personnel guidelines. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with the medical center code of conduct and applicable corporate policies and procedures. Maintains patient confidentiality and treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Performs other related duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
N/A
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge of physical therapy equipment is required.
Computer Skills including:
Turn your personal computer on and off. Recognize the four major part of the computer. Identify and explain the use of the four parts of the standard keyboard. Recognize the mouse and understand how to use to it. Open and close a program using Windows 95. Recognize and understand the operator panel of a printer. Load Paper.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE
A high school diploma or equivalency is required. An Associate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant is required. Current BLS training is required. Certification by Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases. Occasionally subjected to irregular hours. __X___All age groups (Birth and Above) Knowledge of physical therapy equipment is required. Provides direct physical therapy services under supervision of a physical therapist to patients of all ages according to standards of practice of profession, regulatory agencies, and institution. Supervises subordinate staff members in delivery of care and collaborates with interdisciplinary team to ensure maximum level of care to patients.
