Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - OLGMC Physical Therapy - PRN

Ochsner Health • Lafayette, LA

5d

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant provides routine treatment assigned by a licensed Physical Therapist according to the established plan of care. The role provides direct patient care after a licensed Physical Therapist evaluates the patient, and documents patient progress in daily progress notes and/or summaries to physicians.

The position performs prescribed physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, communicates and documents changes in a patient’s status, and informs the therapist when reassessment is needed. It also maintains patient records according to documentation standards and participates in staff and committee projects. The role is expected to meet productivity levels established by administration and may educate or train others within the discipline.

The incumbent adapts interactions and explanations to the patient population, respecting privacy, introducing themselves appropriately, explaining services or procedures, requesting permission, and adjusting communication style. Other related duties may be assigned. The work takes place in patient care areas and involves direct patient contact, with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste. The position requires travel throughout and between facilities and physical activity including lifting or moving objects, bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, crawling, and manual dexterity. Mechanical lifting devices or team lifts should be used.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
• Current Physical Therapy Assistant license in the state of practice, or eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity from another state.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Proficiency with Windows-style applications, relevant role-specific software, and keyboard use.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels throughout the patient care process.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force and occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force; stooping, bending, reaching, squatting, crawling, and manual dexterity; and traveling throughout and between facilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical therapy treatments prescribed by a physician under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Communicate and document changes in patient status and inform the therapist when patient reassessment is needed.
• Maintain patient records according to documentation standards, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in staff and committee projects.
• Achieve productivity levels established by administration.
• Educate and train others within the discipline when required.
• Adapt behavior and communication to the patient population, including respecting privacy, introducing oneself appropriately, explaining services or procedures, requesting permission, and adapting communication style.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree