Physical Therapy Assistant

Spire Orthopedic Partners•Newburyport, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant works under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist in an outpatient orthopedic setting. The role treats a range of orthopedic injuries, including pre- and postsurgical conditions, and works closely with Orthopedic Surgeons, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, and other staff to support injury management, rehabilitation, and patients’ return to function. The position is based at Sports Medicine North’s Newburyport Core Office, with a Monday–Friday schedule that varies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of a Massachusetts- or APTA-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Must possess Massachusetts licensure upon hire.
Knowledge of HIPAA and other regulatory policies.
Knowledge of insurance regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of medical office procedures, policies, practices, medical terminology, telephone protocol, and professional etiquette.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Extensive customer service experience.
Proven ability to multitask.
Computer skills and proficiency with Windows-based software.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think quickly, professionally, and efficiently.
Ability to represent the organization professionally.

Nice To Haves

Background in sports medicine and/or professional experience in an outpatient orthopedic environment.
Experience with electronic medical systems, including Athena/Centricity, Medi-Tech, or similar systems.

Responsibilities

Review physical therapy documentation, including the initial examination and plan of care, noting patient goals, expected outcomes, indications, contraindications, precautions, and safety considerations; seek clarification as needed.
Review the medical record at each visit and monitor for changes in medical status or procedures.
Collect and compare data on the patient’s current condition against previously collected data and safety parameters established by the Physical Therapist.
Seek clarification from appropriate health professionals regarding unfamiliar or ambiguous information.
Recognize when an intervention is outside the scope of the role or personal competence, and communicate significant changes in patient status, physician referral, or patient complexity to the Physical Therapist.
Explain how selected interventions support the patient goals in the plan of care.
Provide physical therapy interventions in compliance with licensing requirements, APTA standards, and facility policies and procedures.
Maintain patient and staff safety, identify safety risks, and use risk-management strategies such as universal precautions and proper body mechanics.
Protect patient privacy, rights, dignity, and modesty, and comply with HIPAA privacy and security procedures for handling protected health information.
Follow safety, CPR, and emergency procedures.
Provide interventions including therapeutic exercise; balance, coordination, and agility training; body mechanics and postural stabilization; flexibility exercises; gait and locomotion training; neuromotor development training; relaxation; strength, power, and endurance training; functional self-care and home-management training; manual therapy; and application or adjustment of assistive devices, physical agents, and electrotherapeutic modalities.
Document patient care accurately, completely, legibly, and promptly in writing or electronically, consistent with institutional, legal, and billing requirements.