PT Assistant - Maple Valley

Proliance Surgeons•Maple Valley, WA

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a necessary member of the physical therapy team who helps physical therapists deliver quality patient care. PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions, collect data related to interventions, and modify selected interventions as directed by the physical therapist to progress treatment or ensure patient/client safety and comfort. The role includes mastering all Physical Therapy Aide duties and responsibilities. The PTA implements individualized treatment plans established by the primary Physical Therapist, assists with tests, evaluations, and complex procedures, and contributes to assessment and treatment planning. The PTA provides a range of individualized treatments, instructs patients and caregivers under the Physical Therapist’s supervision, conducts screenings, and supports patients’ safe use of mobility equipment. The role also involves documentation, equipment upkeep, collaboration with the rehabilitation team, participation in staff activities, and compliance with organizational policies and professional standards.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
CPR certification.
Physical therapy assistant licensure, acquired by passing the National Physical Therapy Exam from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
Continuously earn continuing education units as required by the state of Washington.
Meet the physical requirements of frequent lifting, bending, and squatting.
Ability to perform well under pressure.
Superior customer service skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including patience, composure, cooperation, and the ability to work well with patients, physicians, and staff.
Provide caring and compassionate service that recognizes patients’ and families’ needs and rights.
Understand and adhere to safety, risk management, and precautionary procedures, including consistent respect for confidentiality under HIPAA.

Responsibilities

Master all Physical Therapy Aide duties and responsibilities.
Assist the Physical Therapist with tests, evaluations, and complex procedures.
Collect clinical assessment scores, radiographic scores and assessments, and health-related quality-of-life information.
Implement individualized treatment plans established by the primary Physical Therapist.
Provide individualized physical therapy treatments, including therapeutic exercise; functional training; manual therapy; airway clearance techniques; integumentary repair and protection; electrotherapeutic, physical agent, and mechanical modalities; health and wellness interventions; falls-risk interventions; and chronic disease management education.
Organize and facilitate treatment groups in collaboration with the Physical Therapist.
Instruct patients, families, and other caregivers in physical therapy treatment skills and techniques under the Physical Therapist’s supervision.
Conduct regular patient screenings to determine the need for intervention or treatment.
Assist the Physical Therapist with the evaluation process and identification of a target list, short- and long-term goals, and a treatment plan.
Train patients in locomotion using orthotics, prosthetics, and assistive devices such as canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Demonstrate gait-belt use, safety awareness, and proper guarding techniques.
Order and instruct patients in the use of prescribed equipment.
Collaborate with rehabilitation team members to implement programs suited to each patient’s needs and capabilities.
Clean and maintain equipment, and identify and report equipment requiring repair.
Perform skilled services in accordance with the APTA Code of Ethics.
Maintain legible, legal, accurate, appropriate, and timely documentation according to APTA and WPT standards.
Participate in staff meetings, forums, committees, and in-service training activities.
Complete duties and assist others as directed.
Follow policies introduced during onboarding, updated in real time, and outlined in the Associate Handbook.