Physical Therapist Assistant
About The Position
The Physical Therapist Assistant performs prescribed physical therapy treatments for patients and provides clinical direction to physical therapy workers. Treatments are delivered in a medical facility or in a patient's home under the supervision of a physical therapist and according to the treatment plan established by that physical therapist. The role includes administering therapeutic treatments, instructing and assisting patients with walking and transfers, and teaching patients to use and care for assistive equipment and prosthetic devices. The assistant observes patients during treatment, reports progress to the physical therapist, and documents treatment and patient responses in the medical record. The position also involves maintaining required records, supporting inservice education for hospital personnel, helping clean and maintain therapy equipment and the department, and possibly assisting with patient transportation.
Requirements
- Successful completion of a two-year accredited program leading to an associate degree in physical therapy.
- Current Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in the state where working.
Nice To Haves
- Minimum of one year of experience in a physical therapy department preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide physical therapy treatments in a medical facility or a patient's home under a physical therapist's supervision and according to the established treatment plan.
- Administer exercise, massage, heat, light, sound, water, electrical, and infrared treatments, and use hot or cold packs.
- Instruct and assist patients in improving their ability to walk and move between locations.
- Instruct patients in the use and care of assistive equipment and prosthetic devices, including artificial limbs, braces, crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
- Observe patients during treatment and report their progress to the physical therapist.
- Provide clinical direction to physical therapy workers.
- Document treatment provided and patient response in the medical record.
- Maintain required records and statistical reports.
- Assist with inservice education programs for other hospital personnel.
- Assist with cleaning and maintenance of physical therapy equipment and the department.
- May assist with patient transportation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
