Physical Therapist Assistant

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides rehabilitation care services in accordance with the policies of MHS and directives of the medical

staff. Possess the ability to comprehend and follow written or verbal instruction or directions. Adheres to

MHS Standard Precaution policy and procedure. Performs other duties as requested by supervisor. Work

with supervisors, other department managers and medical staff in order to provide the best patient care

possible.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administers physical therapy treatments to patients, working under direction of and as assistant to

Physical Therapist.

Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound,

water, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ultraviolet, infrared,

and hot and cold packs.

Administers traction to relieve neck and back pain.

Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities such as perambulation,

transfer, ambulation, and daily living activities.

Observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients’ responses to

treatments and progress and reports orally or in writing to Physical Therapist.

Fits patients for, adjusts, and trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and

supportive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

Confers with members of physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in

conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and

coordinating treatment programs.

Gives orientation to new Physical Therapist Assistants; directs and gives instructions to Physical Therapy

Aides.

Performs clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking

messages, and filling out forms.

Measures patient’s range-of-joint motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine

effects of specific treatments or to assist Physical Therapist to compile data for patient evaluations.

Monitors treatments administered by Physical Therapy Aides.

Assists in collecting data for PI program.

Keeps treatment areas clean and in order.

Maintains positive and effective relationships with other departments and the Medical Staff.

Maintains open communication and problem solving atmosphere with other departments to achieve

quality patient care.

Any other job duty as allowed by licensure.

Attends in-service training at the request of their Director, including hospital orientation and Annual Skills

Fair.

Will be preceptor to new hires as requested.

Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:

Associate’s Degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.

Current license from the Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Examiners. BLS required within 30 days of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to lift over 50 pounds.

Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.

Must be able to bend, squat, push, stoop, and pull as needed especially in fulfilling job responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee

encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be

made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work

environment is usually moderate.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of this position.

The job description and duties of this position are subject to change, be modified or supplemented as

deemed necessary by Medina Healthcare System. Employees are required to comply with supervisory

instructions and to perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments requested by supervisors,

managers and administration. This job description does not constitute any employment contract

between Medina Healthcare System and any employee.