Physical Therapy Assistant

AHMC Healthcare•Whittier, CA

7d•$29 - $37

About The Position

Manages physical therapy patient treatment programs or portions of programs planned and delegated by a physical therapist. Provides direct care for a variety of diagnoses according to established treatment plans, interprets the physical therapist’s evaluation and plan, progresses treatment, and recognizes when a plan may need to be changed. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to support effective patient care and desired outcomes, while taking patients’ age, developmental status, spiritual needs, and cultural diversity into account. The position includes patient and family education, equipment and discharge-planning support, timely documentation, department equipment and supply upkeep, staff and student training, and participation in departmental quality improvement and other organizational activities. The assistant communicates with the primary physical therapist and other relevant staff about patient status, goals, and concerns, follows applicable professional and institutional standards, and maintains professional development and required credentials.

Requirements

Graduate of a physical therapist assistant program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the Board of Medical Quality Assurance of the State of California, or have equivalent training and experience.
Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in California, or eligible to take the California licensure examination.
BCLS/CPR certification required.
Proficiency in written and oral English.
Ability to practice leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, teamwork, quality improvement, and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Manage physical therapy treatment programs or portions of programs planned and delegated by a physical therapist.
Provide direct patient care for a variety of diagnoses according to established treatment plans.
Interpret commonly referred diagnoses and the physical therapist’s evaluation and treatment plan.
Progress treatment in a timely manner, recognize when a treatment plan may need alteration, and seek physical therapist guidance for complicated cases or changes in patient status.
Review the patient’s chart before treatment and consult the physical therapist when the patient’s status changes.
Provide patient and family training, issue appropriate equipment, assist with discharge planning, and serve as a clinical resource on patient status.
Maintain department equipment and supply inventory, and report defective equipment and maintenance needs.
Complete progress notes, billing, home program instructions, rounds reports, and other documentation accurately and promptly.
Assist with orientation and training of staff, temporary physical therapy staff, hospital personnel, and student interns as assigned.
Follow hospital and departmental policies, productivity standards, safety and infection-control standards, and professional requirements.
Plan and organize time for patient care, documentation, record keeping, and other duties; complete assignments independently within established time frames.
Participate in departmental quality improvement, committees, staff meetings, and achievement of departmental objectives as requested.
Uphold the APTA code of ethics, standards of practice, California statutes pertaining to physical therapy, and acceptable standards of care.
Maintain professional growth by keeping up to date with physical therapy trends and practices, making recommendations for improvements, and presenting in-service training as requested.
Use departmental equipment, supplies, and resources conscientiously and cost-effectively; maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the work area and department.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, physical therapy staff, physicians, supervisors, and other hospital personnel, including regular communication with the primary physical therapist about patient problems, goals, and status changes.
Maintain confidentiality, follow appropriate communication channels, and keep the supervisor informed of personal concerns that may affect work performance.
Perform additional duties in different areas of the department as needed or as determined by management.
Contribute to a professional, positive, and constructive team environment; assist coworkers and address problems as they arise.
Meet attendance and workplace conduct expectations, including attending required meetings and in-service programs and complying with policies on breaks, time off, timekeeping, tardiness, and sick time.
Complete annual safety updates and general and departmental orientation within established time frames, and maintain current licensure or certification as appropriate.
Identify errors, inefficiencies, and inaccuracies; suggest improvements, develop solutions to departmental problems, support cost control or revenue generation, maximize operational efficiency, and measure progress against quality goals.