PTA (Physical Therapy Asst)

Unit Notes
Department: Physical Therapist (PT) 77000
Scrub Color - Royal Blue

Start dates are not flexible.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is responsible for the evaluation, planning, administration and supervision of
Physical Therapy treatment in accordance with physician referral, state and national
organizational standards, regulatory agencies, and established departmental policies and
procedures. This position demonstrates the clinical competence and knowledge necessary
to provide treatment appropriate to the age of the patients served.
CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Evaluates patient's functional abilities and limitations. Determines if intervention is
needed. Establishes a plan of care and treatment goals. Completes comprehensive
evaluation within the established time frame set by the department. Identifies and
prioritizes key limiting factors. Establishes treatment goals that are functional, measurable,
patient related and reflects the key limiting factors. Collaborates with patient and
family/caregiver when setting goals. Initiates discharge planning. Recommends additions
to or modifications of referring orders.
2. Implements individualized treatment plan with consideration to the patient's physical,
social, spiritual, cultural, educational and age specific needs. Provides skilled treatment in
a safe manner. Assesses ongoing effectiveness of treatment and modifies plan of care as
indicated. Involves patient and family/caregiver in the treatment and decision making
process. Provides ongoing education to physician, nurse, patient, family/caregiver, and
interdisciplinary team.
3. Documents according to professional practice guidelines set by regulatory agencies.
Documents legibly. Completes documentation within the established time frames of the
department. Documents evidence based and individualized treatment techniques/plan.
Documentation reflects skilled intervention and comprehensive assessment of the
patient's progress or lack of progress. Treatment goals are reassessed according to
department policies.
4. Communicates pertinent patient information to ensure the best possible follow through
of care. Communicates evaluation/treatment results and patient progress to physicians,
nurses, patient, family/caregiver, and interdisciplinary team. Communicates in a clear and
timely manner. Accepts responsibility to contact physicians for routine or difficult problem
solving to ensure optimal patient outcome. Defends treatment rationale with standard
practices and/or current literature.
5. Exhibits adaptability in assignments as it relates to caseload, scheduling, and staffing
shifts. Takes initiative to assist in other patient care areas and accepts responsibility for all
patient care needs.
6. Demonstrates appropriate supervision and delegation of personnel to achieve safe
delivery of quality cost effective patient care. Supervision and delegation of the PTA, ATC,
Therapy Technician and student complies with department policies and regulatory
agencies. Participates in the training and orientation of new personnel. Assures
competency of personnel, prior to delegation of task.
7. Department operational activities. Attends department required meetings and/or follows
up to obtain pertinent information. Participates in departmental/facility process
improvement. Meets productivity standards set by the department.
8. This position has responsibility for interacting with all levels of staff in a variety of
departments, physicians, patients, families, and external contacts such as employees of
other health care institutions, community provides and agencies concerning the health
care of the patient. Also interacts with the physician offices in order to report, request or
clarify information.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have graduated from an APTA accredited school of Physical Therapy, or equivalent.
Must possess a current Physical Therapy license within the State of practice. BLS
certification required.
Relates throughout the interview process their clinical competency, experience, training
and education they have received that is required to perform the job. Demonstrates
through behaviors and answers to job related experiential questions