Physical Therapy Assistant - Per Diem

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

5d•$50•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist, provides direct patient care using physical therapy modalities and procedures in accordance with orders from the patient's physician. The classification of Physical Therapy Assistant is licensed by the State of California and provides direct patient care activities under the direction and supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist. This role is Per Diem, meaning employees supplement department staffing needs with no guarantee of minimum hours. The minimum scheduling expectation for Per Diem employees is six (6) shifts per four-week schedule.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited program and/or approved by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the state Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
Current licensure to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in California.
Applicants who have successfully completed an accredited program and/or who have applied but have not yet taken the exam for licensure shall be identified as “license applicant” and must pass the Physical Therapy Assistant examination during their probationary period in order to comply with state guidelines. Failure to pass this examination within the probationary period will result in termination.
Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 30 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.
Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
Knowledge of principles and methods of physical therapy and the roles of the Physical Therapist and the Physical Therapy Assistant.
Knowledge of objectives of physical therapy treatment.
Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge of various types of physical therapy treatments and procedures.
Knowledge of operation and care of various types of physical therapy equipment.
Ability to use and care for orthopedic appliances and special equipment.
Ability to explain, teach and administer physical therapy treatments and procedures.
Ability to keep records of case histories and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.

Nice To Haves

Other unit specific certification may be required.

Responsibilities

Performs a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients under the direction of a Physical Therapist who has assessed and evaluated the patient.
Monitors patients performing therapeutic exercise.
Administers treatments such as exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs and traction under supervision of the Physical Therapist.
Observes patients undergoing treatment and reports unusual occurrences and physical condition of the patients to the Physical Therapist.
Maintains appropriate communication with supervisor, physical therapy staff, patients and other hospital personnel.
Follows appropriate documentation procedures and established guidelines to record information and maintain records of services provided.
Participates in professional development through continuing education and in service training.
Monitors quality management issues.
Maintains treatment areas and equipment in proper working order.
Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.
Assists in scheduling physical therapy services and coordinating physical therapy with other types of services provided.
Assists in the performing tests and evaluations to establish treatment goals and chart patient progress.
Assists in explaining orthopedic recommendations and their benefits.
Provides instructions to patients and the relatives.
Performs other job related duties as required.