Physical Therapy Assistant

Memorial Healthcare•Owosso, MI

About The Position

A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) administers physician-prescribed physical therapy to patients from birth through geriatrics, in settings that may include acute care, post-acute care, home health, and outpatient care. The PTA works under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT), following the physician’s orders and the plan of care established by the PT. The role supports patients in improving or minimizing residual physical disabilities and returning to the most optimum and productive level within their capabilities. It emphasizes consistent clinical performance, a positive patient and family experience, collaboration with the healthcare team, and patient- and family-centered care. The PTA also maintains required clinical documentation, participates in patient care planning and conferences, educates patients and families, and contributes to in-service and performance improvement activities. Depending on the schedule, the position may assist front office staff with tasks such as answering phones, preparing schedules, managing charts and laundry, and ordering supplies.

Requirements

Associate degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited program.
Current license in the state or states in which the employee practices.
Ability to travel independently throughout Memorial Healthcare facilities.
Small motor skills sufficient to operate modern computer, office, and telephone equipment.
Sufficient strength and stability to perform passive, active, or resistive exercises.
Proficiency using modern office, computer, and telephone equipment.
Ability to perform manual therapy techniques and operate treatment and assessment equipment.
Fine motor skills to apply taping, braces, and similar items.
Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast-paced, rapidly changing, or stressful situations.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules, and laws.
Ability to interpret assessment results, follow the developed treatment plan, and evaluate a patient’s response to treatment.
Ability to see information in formats including paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, and manuals; ability to see and hear for work-related purposes and visually and auditorily monitor treatment and patient responses.
Ability to interact professionally, effectively, courteously, and tactfully with coworkers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public, and internal and external customers in person and through verbal, written, and electronic communication.
Ability to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
Ability to work as a team member, with a positive, cooperative, and motivated attitude.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience is preferred; new graduates are welcome.

Responsibilities

Understand and adhere to established Agency policies and procedures.
Provide physician-prescribed physical therapy under a plan of care established by the PT.
Help improve or minimize patients’ residual physical disabilities and support their return to an optimum and productive level within their capabilities.
Participate with other healthcare personnel in patient care planning.
Perform ordered skilled procedures according to the PT-established plan of care.
Recommend changes to the plan of care as indicated by patient and family needs.
Maintain the ordered visit frequency and consult with the PT regarding changes in treatment.
Instruct patients and family members in programs and activities of daily living.
Participate in in-service programs and present them as assigned.
Participate in performance improvement activities as assigned.
Attend scheduled patient care conferences.
Maintain accurate records and timely clinical documentation, including assessments, interventions, patient responses, progress toward goals, and visit times.
Participate in educating patients and families.
Observe the proper chain of command.
Manage time effectively and maintain productivity.
Speak knowledgeably about the organization’s available scope of services.
Accept responsibility for continuing education.
Support the hospital’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies, procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and code of ethical behavior.
Assist front office personnel as schedule dictates, including answering phones, printing or making schedules, breaking down charts, folding and putting away laundry, emptying soiled linen bags, ordering supplies, or other tasks that support daily front office work.