PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT The Physical Therapist Assistant supports physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. Responsibilities include assisting in the development of treatment plans, carrying out routine functions, documenting the progress of treatment, and modifying specific treatments in accordance with the patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES.
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: - Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients during exercises or functional activities
- Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress, and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment
- Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound
- Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations
- Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment
- Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices such as braces, splints, or slings
- Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment
- Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain using intermittent or static traction equipment
- Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists
- Perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) - Associates degree or vocational training preferred
- Two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training preferred
- Ability to provide personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to patients
- Ability to enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in written or electronic/magnetic form
- Ability to provide information to supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates by telephone, in writing, via e-mail, or in person
- Ability to perform physical activities requiring considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. BENEFITS include competitive compensation, direct deposit, employee assistance programs and may include: - Retirement Benefits - 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Continuing Education
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Legal Shield
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Plans
- Voluntary Insurances
- ID Shield
- Nationwide Pet Insurance
|