Physical Therapy Assistant I
About The Position
The Physical Therapy Assistant I treats patients using therapy modalities and procedures prescribed by physicians and established by the Physical Therapist. The role provides patient care in accordance with applicable ethics, care plans, corporate compliance, performance improvement, and patient education requirements. The assistant may report on team and/or patient-family conferences and helps support divisional growth, team cohesiveness, and high-quality patient care. The position also assists with educating and training students. The role provides individualized, patient-centered care while maintaining a safe environment and communicating appropriately with sensitivity to patients’ diverse cultural backgrounds, ages, developmental needs, physical disabilities, personal beliefs, and support needs. The assistant completes documentation, supports discharge planning in conjunction with the Physical Therapist, obtains consent after reviewing therapy risks and benefits, and participates in continuous improvement and professional development.
Requirements
- Associate degree or college diploma; completion of formal education or training from an accredited institution leading to or required for a Physical Therapy Assistant license.
- No experience required; must be competent through training and/or experience to implement treatment plans and provide age-appropriate education.
- California state Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license.
- Basic Life Support (BLS).
Responsibilities
- Treat patients using therapy modalities and procedures according to physicians’ prescriptions and treatment established by the Physical Therapist.
- Provide patient education appropriate to the patient population.
- Provide individualized, patient-centered care that respects personal, cultural, and spiritual beliefs and preferences; age-related cognitive and psychosocial needs; social support needs; gender; sexual orientation; and economic background.
- Complete required documentation accurately and thoroughly within expected timeframes.
- Identify and facilitate patient discharge needs, including documentation, communication with the care team, and recommendations for follow-up services in conjunction with the Physical Therapist.
- Identify safety concerns and institute appropriate measures to maintain a safe environment and protect patients, self, and others.
- Review identified therapy risks and benefits and obtain consent from the patient and/or caregiver.
- Contribute ideas and suggestions to improve processes, procedures, methods, and productivity, and use quality principles for continuous performance improvement.
- Participate in activities that promote professional identity within the clinical environment, Cedars-Sinai, and the community.
- Participate in professional development through clinical education, formal mentoring programs, development of clinical and professional competencies, and involvement in research and scholarly work.
- Participate in continuous learning and professional development and document evidence of this development.
- Assist in the education and/or training of students.
- May report on team and/or patient-family conferences.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
