Physical Therapy Assistant

Wellstar Health System•Marietta, GA

11d

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant works under the direction of a Physical Therapist to help plan and implement programs that restore or improve patients’ mobility, strength, coordination, and range of motion following disease or injury. Services are provided across the full continuum of care in a cost-conscious, quality-focused, customer-oriented manner, with compliance with applicable regulatory standards required. The role implements treatment plans, selects activities to help patients progress toward goals, collaborates with the Physical Therapist and patient or family on goals and plans of care, and provides education, training, discharge instructions, follow-up, and referrals to community resources as appropriate. The assistant documents treatment and related activities in accordance with departmental and facility guidelines. The position also requires effective communication, teamwork, confidentiality, safe and cost-effective use of materials and equipment, infection-prevention precautions, customer service, and participation in professional development, training, and required education.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and general or associate-level physical therapy education.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) certification/license required upon hire.
Current BLS certification, American Red Cross BLS certification, or BLS Instructor certification required upon hire.
Effective communication skills.
Customer-service focus.
Team-oriented approach.
Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

Implement the physical therapy treatment plan under the direction of the Physical Therapist.
Select appropriate treatment activities to progress patients toward their goals.
Revise goals and plans of care in collaboration with the Physical Therapist and patient or family.
Provide ongoing patient and family education and training.
Provide discharge instructions, follow-up, and referrals to community resources as appropriate.
Serve as a referral source for staff, families, and physicians regarding rehabilitation services and equipment.
Document each treatment session according to departmental protocols.
Complete and submit family education, discharge, and other required documentation within facility and program guidelines.
Maintain ethical business practices, patient confidentiality, attendance, and punctuality, and follow departmental dress code policies.
Communicate effectively with team members verbally and in writing; attend and participate in staff meetings, required in-services, process improvement activities, and other requested meetings.
Organize workload to complete responsibilities appropriately and on time.
Use materials and equipment safely and cost-effectively, and observe infection-prevention precautions.
Promote a positive experience for patients and coworkers, apply AIDET principles, treat others with respect, foster teamwork, and use service recovery principles appropriately.
Participate in professional development and mandatory education; complete core and annual competencies and education required to maintain licensure.
Participate in orientation and training of new employees and complete mandatory hospital or system requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.