Physical Therapy Assistant Outpatient

GBMC HealthCare

3d•$25 - $41

About The Position

Under the general supervision of a physical therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant helps patients reach their maximum physical potential in accordance with the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act. The role provides treatment using appropriate therapeutic interventions and participates in team and interdisciplinary meetings. The assistant implements and documents treatment according to the physical therapist’s plan of care and goals, monitors and reports patient progress, and consults with the physical therapist when changes are needed. The role also supports patient and caregiver education, discharge planning, clinical collaboration, departmental initiatives, performance improvement, and fiscal accountability. All roles are expected to demonstrate GBMC Values.

Requirements

Associate of Arts degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Knowledge of physical therapy theories, practices, and standards.
Written and oral communication skills.
Ability to follow treatment plans, monitor patient progress, and alert the supervising physical therapist to status changes.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to prioritize and schedule patients efficiently.
Organizational skills.
Ability to use standardized tests to support documentation.
Ability to manage an average caseload in accordance with productivity standards.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn EMR navigation.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 75% of work time.
Ability to stand and walk for more than 60% of work time.
Ability to lift at least 30 pounds.
Ability to work while using personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Provide objective information to the physical therapist in accordance with the plan of care and goals.
Implement treatment according to the plan of care and goals established by the physical therapist’s evaluation; document treatment and progress toward goals; consult the physical therapist when changes are needed.
Implement appropriate therapeutic interventions, progress treatment, teach patients and caregivers activities that reinforce interventions, provide or fit appropriate assistive devices, and recognize patient distress signals requiring follow-up.
Document treatment plans and progress and record data for statistics, productivity, billing, and performance improvement as appropriate.
Use rehab technicians and volunteers for housekeeping, transportation, and physical assistance without using them in a context that could be interpreted as providing supervision.
Maintain current therapy practice knowledge through continuing education and consistently provide written and verbal patient education.
Inform the physical therapist, physician, registered nurse, and discharge planner of patient status and progress through documentation or direct communication; document communications with the physical therapist about changes in patient status, treatment plan, or discharge plan.
Communicate equipment needs and updates to the original discharge plan to the discharge planner and registered nurse.
Communicate with patients and caregivers to address anxiety, seek input, and encourage cooperation; train and educate caregivers to support exercise programs, maintain precautions, and demonstrate safe functional mobility.
Participate in interdisciplinary discharge planning and recommend appropriate assistance and continuation of rehabilitation as needed.
Adapt to and comply with departmental initiatives.
Demonstrate schedule flexibility to accommodate follow-up treatments; identify and communicate work-environment issues to the PT/PTA Mentor or Program Manager; use the chain of command to promote teamwork.
Recognize clinical limitations and seek advice or education; seek and incorporate feedback from the PT mentor or Program Manager; use evidence-based research in clinical practice and documentation.
Follow performance improvement and LDM requirements according to the department plan.
Work with the PT/PTA Mentor or Program Manager to resolve unit issues and problems, develop resolutions, and follow up with departmental staff and the unit.
Demonstrate proficiency in billing and coding, use time-management skills to increase productivity and meet established productivity standards, and seek and incorporate feedback for performance improvement.
Demonstrate GBMC Values, including respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork, ethical behavior, and results-oriented conduct.