Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Licensed PT Assistant5155 Physical Therapy

Schedule: PRN or as needed.

Type additional details specific to position and/or department.

About the Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Physical Therapists in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care, training patients in exercises and activities of daily living, conducting treatments, using special equipment, administering modalities and other treatment procedures, reporting patient response, and completing documentation. The PTA works under the supervision of a physical therapist.
All PTAs require supervision by a PT. The level of supervision is related to the ability of the PTA to safely and effectively provide those interventions delegated to the PTA.

Overview of Responsibilities

• Implement physical therapy patient care programs as planned and directed by the physical therapist.

• Incorporate information in evaluation, assessment and treatment plan to individualize patient care.

• Provide goal-focused treatment utilizing patient and family/caregiver input with regards to individual functional rehabilitation and/or habilitation goals.

• Involve patient/family/caregiver in treatment interventions and planning (based on treatment plan).

• Provide for patient’s personal care and environment throughout the treatment.

• Demonstrate competence in performing all procedures and treatments required in area of practice, including but not exclusive to those listed in Competency Inventory.

• Demonstrate awareness of continuity of patient care by following established plans.

• Modify patient care based on continual assessment of the patient and effect of treatment intervention with direction of PT.

• Demonstrate skills in identifying, interpreting, and incorporating patient’s psychological, physical, and social responses to intervention.

• Provide and/or recommend equipment or supplies for home use.

• Provide for patient’s personal care and environment throughout the treatment.

• Provide education appropriate to each patient’s level of understanding regarding treatment procedures and self-responsibility.

• Instruct in-home treatment program to facilitate rehabilitation and/or habilitation and promote independence in care as appropriate.

• Collaborate with patient, caregiver, PT and other health care professionals in planning discharge from rehabilitation services.

• Initiate discharge planning at the time of initial intervention and continue to work toward discharge goals through the course of therapy.

• Confer and communicate with PT, referring physicians, and other appropriate persons through the use of progress notes, letters, team meetings, and direct contact concerning the course, progress, and discharge planning of each patient.

• Complete clear, concise, and clinically useful documentation in medical record in a timely manner according to organizational policy.

• Obtain countersignatures on documentation according to department policy (it is the responsibility of the PTA to inform PT of necessary signatures each day).

• Seek appropriate information and feedback from the supervising PT in order to provide optimal care.

• Provide clinical supervision to PTA students on site.

• Participate in and knowledgeable of QA&I activities.

• Ensure patient and departmental safety through work requests, following safety procedures, and other appropriate measures.

• Assist in orientation and training of new employees and students as appropriate.

• Conduct, participate in, and supervise the training and observation of medical and nursing personnel, students, and other persons in physical therapy.

• Market and promote physical therapy services appropriately.

• Submit capital equipment recommendations as appropriate.

• Arrange for patient care items as appropriate.

• Inform Manager or Director of department needs.

• Inform PT of any new orders received for their assigned patients (particularly those requiring re-evaluation and initiation of new procedures).

• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from a CAPTE accredited program.

• Preference may be given to individuals with advanced clinical experience or expertise.

Licensure & Certification

• Must be fully certified in Indiana to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant. May work with a Temporary Permit under the stipulated supervision of a PT in accordance with Indiana regulations.

• Additionally, if assigned to provide services in Ohio, the PTA is required to hold a current OH license.

• Basic Life Support certification is required.