Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Physical Therapy
• Certificate Physical Therapy Assistant
• BLS Required at time of Hire
• Requires detailed knowledge of physical therapy in terms of what and how work is to be done as well as why it is done, this level includes interpretation of data.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Basic understanding of the rules and regulations of the specific setting

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) plays a vital role in delivering therapeutic interventions to support patients in overcoming physical or developmental challenges.
• This position focuses on improving safety in the home, reducing hospitalizations, and educating patients and caregivers on diagnoses, treatments, available resources, and necessary equipment.
• Treats patients in routine visits using the application of a wide variety of therapeutic interventions for improvement of physical or developmental dysfunction and independence in activities of daily living as set forth by the Physical Therapist Plan of Care.
• Requires detailed knowledge of physical therapy in terms of what and how work is to be done as well as why it is done.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of patients served.
• Follows the established comprehensive rehabilitation program designed to meet the physical, psychosocial , and immediate environmental well-being of the patient.
• Coordinates efforts toward discharge goals established by the Physical Therapist at initial evaluation and during episode of care.
• Educates and instructs regarding home programs and preventive measures as appropriate to patient, family, and others.
• Initiates documentation and completely records all care delivery for routine visits as required by the profession and the department as per agency policy.
• Communicates with the primary physical therapist regarding unexpected changes in patient status, response to treatment, or patient concerns that may indicate need for physician intervention or formal re-assessment from primary physical therapist.
• Communicates with patient, family, physician, other disciplines and other healthcare providers as indicted regarding patient care.
• Promotes patient/caregiver self-determination by optimizing outside resource utilization to achieve the highest level of independence.
• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participates in weekly team conferences, educational programs, in-services and other meetings as required.
• Participates on special project teams.
• Participates in agency continuous quality improvement activities as required.
• Maintains a department-defined productivity standard for routine visits and caseload management.
• Precepting newly hired assistants or students as needed.
• Responsible for holiday and weekend coverage for agency and patient home visits as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities
• Staff Safety (a wearable badge that allows nurses to quickly and discreetly call for help when safety is a concern)
• Differentials for night/weekend shifts, higher education, certifications and various lead roles (for eligible positions)
• Malpractice liability insurance
• Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department
• Presbyterian employees have access to a fun, engaging and unique wellness program, including free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching and classes, mindfulness and meditation resources, wellness challenges and more.