Physical Therapist Assistant

Banner Health•Mesa, AZ

About The Position

This position administers physical therapy treatment under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, based on physician referral and in accordance with state and local organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and departmental policies. Treatment should reflect the age-specific needs of patients and their physical, social, spiritual, cultural, and educational needs. The position involves implementing and monitoring individualized plans of care, communicating patient progress and significant changes to the supervising Physical Therapist and interdisciplinary care team, documenting treatment and progress within required time frames, and contributing to discharge planning and patient and caregiver education. The role also includes adapting to caseload and staffing needs, assisting with other patient care areas, supervising and delegating to therapy technicians and PTA students as appropriate, supporting staff training, and participating in department operations and process improvement. The posting describes a PRN registry assignment through Banner Staffing Services at Banner Boswell. Registry positions do not have guaranteed hours. The opening description separately refers to a Registered Respiratory Therapist assignment at other locations and with different shift details; those details do not align with the Physical Therapist Assistant title and position summary.

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 required to perform the job.
Completion of a post-offer Occupational Health physical assessment, drug screen, and background check, including employment, criminal, and education checks.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Administer physical therapy treatments according to the Physical Therapist’s plan of care and individual patient needs.
Monitor treatment effectiveness and collaborate with the Physical Therapist on changes to the plan of care when indicated.
Identify and prioritize limiting factors, participate in discharge planning, and involve patients and caregivers in treatment and decision-making.
Provide ongoing education to physicians, nurses, patients, families or caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team.
Communicate significant changes in patient function, behavior, or treatment tolerance to the supervising Physical Therapist, and document that communication.
Make recommendations to the Physical Therapist about referring orders and treatment goals; refer patients to a Physical Therapist when their needs require those skills.
Complete documentation in accordance with departmental and regulatory standards and within established time frames.
Communicate treatment results and patient progress clearly and promptly to physicians, nurses, patients, families or caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team.
Adapt to changes in caseload, scheduling, and staffing; assist in other patient care areas as needed.
Supervise and delegate to therapy technicians and PTA students in accordance with department policies and regulatory requirements; support training and orientation of new personnel and verify competency before delegating tasks.
Attend required department meetings or obtain pertinent information, participate in department or facility process improvement, and meet department productivity standards.
Interact with staff, physicians, patients, families, external health care contacts, community providers, agencies, and physician offices regarding patient care and information.