Pt Assistant

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant will help Physical Therapists provide physical therapy treatments and procedures. The Physical Therapist Assistant may, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.

Key Responsibilities

• Instructs, motivates, safeguards, and assists patients as they practice exercises or functional activities. Observes patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provides results to the physical therapist in person or through progress notes
• Confers with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Communicates with and instructs caregivers and family members on patient therapeutic activities and treatment plans
• Transports patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements. Secures patients into or onto therapy equipment
• Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, and heat, light, sound, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound
• Measures patients’ range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations
• Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment
• Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches

Shared Duties/Other

• Maintains detailed knowledge of practice management and other computer software as it relates to job functions
• Maintains and respect the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with company policy & procedure, and HIPAA & compliance guidelines
• Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients
• Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
• Attends regular staff meetings and continuing education sessions as requested
• Presents professional image in manner, appearance, motivation and work habits
• Regular attendance is required
• Performs other duties as assigned

Academic/Technical Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or certification from a physical therapy program that included course study in anatomy and physiology, and clinical experience.

Industry Experience

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience in a physician group practice
• Good analytical skills and an affinity for detail
• Knowledge of HIPPA & OSHA guidelines
• Working knowledge of medical practice management systems and electronic medical records
• Understanding of physical therapy and medical terminology and basic knowledge of computers is mandatory

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well with physicians, employees, patients, and others
• A committed and result-driven attitude to work as a high ethical and professional standard.
• Unquestionable commitment to confidentiality, quality customer service and professionalism.