Physical Therapy Assistant - Defiance Regional Hospital

ProMedica•Defiance, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Physical Therapy Assistant, you will perform physical therapy treatments to patients, under the direction of, and as an assistant to a licensed physical therapist. This role involves administering various therapeutic treatments, instructing patients, monitoring progress, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. The assistant demonstrates knowledge of growth and development, provides age-specific care, and involves families in the plan of care. Responsibilities include administering manual therapy, heat, sound, water, and electrical stimulation treatments, as well as traction. The role also involves instructing patients in functional activities, fitting them for assistive devices, and directing the work of aides. The position requires adherence to population-specific competencies, including pain management, age-appropriate treatment, and safety measures.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited two-year program for physical therapy assistant or equivalent
Licensure by the Ohio State Physical Therapy Board as a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA)
Maintains continuing education to possess required CEU's
CPR

Responsibilities

Perform physical therapy treatments to patients, under the direction of, and as an assistant to a licensed physical therapist.
Administer active and passive manual therapeutic massage, and heat, sound, water, and electrical stimulation treatments, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, paraffin, aquatics, Iontophoresis, whirlpool, Ther Ex, cervical and pelvic traction, Jobst pump mobilization and hot and cold packs to treat patients.
Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
Instruct, motivate, and assist patients in learning and improving functional activities, such as transfers, ambulation, and daily-living activities.
Observe patients during treatments and compile and interpret data on patients' responses to treatments and progress, and report orally and/or in writing to physical therapist.
Fit patients for, adjust, and train in the use and care of orthoses, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Confer with members of physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and assess patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs.
Direct and give instruction and monitor treatments given by aides.
Assist physical therapist in measuring patient's joint range of motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of specific treatments; assist physical therapist to compile data for patient evaluations. Assist in progression of patient's program.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Demonstrate ability to assess and manage pain.
Treat children and adolescent patients for developmental level.
Treat geriatric patients for hearing, vision, and mobility.
Treat mentally disabled patient based on developmental level.
Demonstrate ability to recognize positioning needs in physically challenged patients.
Identify and implement appropriate safety measures.
Use appropriate methods to communicate with patient and/or family/significant other including, but not limited to tone of voice, speaking slowly and distinctly, repeating instructions several times, using simple medical terms, holding, and cuddling infant and facilitating parental interaction.