Physical Therapist Assistant PTA

Banner Health•Coeur D'Alene, ID

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant administers physical therapy treatment under the supervision of a Physical Therapist and in accordance with physician referral, applicable standards and regulations, and departmental policies and procedures. The role supports outpatient and rehabilitation patients in a rural setting and provides treatment appropriate to the ages of patients served. The assistant implements individualized treatment plans, monitors treatment effectiveness, contributes to care planning and discharge planning, and involves patients and their families or caregivers in treatment and decisions. The role also documents care, communicates patient progress and significant changes to the supervising Physical Therapist and care team, and contributes to department operations and process improvement. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with rotating weekend and holiday coverage.

Requirements

Graduation from an APTA-accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program or equivalent.
Current Physical Therapy Assistant license in the state of practice, if required.
BLS certification.
Demonstrated clinical competency, experience, training, and education relevant to performing the job.
Ability to provide treatment appropriate to the ages of patients served.

Nice To Haves

For Banner Registry and Travel positions, at least one year of experience working as a Therapy Assistant is preferred.
Additional related education and/or experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer physical therapy treatment according to the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist, addressing patients’ individual needs and providing skilled treatment safely.
Monitor treatment effectiveness, identify key limiting factors, collaborate with the Physical Therapist on care-plan changes, and participate in discharge planning.
Involve patients and families or caregivers in treatment and decision-making, and provide ongoing education to patients, caregivers, physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary team.
Work within the scope of practice and document communication with the supervising Physical Therapist; report significant changes in patient function, behavior, or treatment tolerance.
Recommend additions to or modifications of referring orders and provide input on functional, measurable, patient-related treatment goals; refer patients to a Physical Therapist when their needs require those skills.
Document treatment, progress, and reassessments according to department and regulatory standards and within established time frames.
Communicate treatment results and patient progress clearly and promptly to physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team; support treatment rationale with standard practices or current literature.
Adapt to changes in caseload, scheduling, and staffing, assist in other patient care areas, and accept responsibility for patient care needs.
Supervise and delegate to Therapy Technicians and PTA students in compliance with department policies and regulations; help train and orient new personnel and ensure competency before delegating tasks.
Attend required department meetings or obtain pertinent information, participate in department and facility process improvement, and meet departmental productivity standards.
Interact with staff across departments, physicians, patients, families, external healthcare contacts, community providers, agencies, and physician offices about patient care.