Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview

Employer paid benefits - Medical, Dental, and Vision.

Wage - Min: $27.41 Max: $43.77

Aid in the care and safety of patients. Treats patients according to the Physical Therapist's Plan of Care, and checks patient and equipment during treatment for both comfort and safety. Treats patients of all ages (e.g., infants, children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, elderly, ages 0-120 years), races, creeds, genders, and disabilities without bias of prejudice. Responsible for charting on their assigned patients, assuring confidentiality of all records. Treats patients under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, to perform physical therapy treatments. This position is one of considerable responsibility. 

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

Responsibility

• Supervisory
  • Supervises their assigned area to ensure that it is secure, orderly and organized at all times.
  • Supervise technicians assigned to their areas.
  • Supervise patients receiving treatment in their assigned area.
• Non-supervisory
  • Care of equipment, machines, supplies and facilities.
  • Safety and welfare of patients.
  • Prevention of unnecessary expenses, waste, loss of time, and damage to equipment.
  • Order and cleanliness of department/facility.

Knowledge

• Must be familiar with cleaning agents and methods; physical layout of department/facility; techniques of handling patients; policies, procedures, and regulations, operations of department/facility equipment; physical therapy treatment techniques; general anatomy, physiology, physics, medical science, etc.

Skill

• Must be able to apply the theory of Physical Therapy; have the ability and competence to operate the equipment used in his/her position; perform technical procedures; speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others; use supervision and management skills.
• Must have skill in techniques of handling patients, for patient's and his/her own protection; efficiently assisting patients; operation of department/facility equipment. Must have skill in various treatment techniques.

Mental Application

• Must be able to instill confidence in patients, doctors, and personnel; determine proper procedures and methods and evaluate results; make decisions on his/her own; adapt to emergency situations; be alert to changes in the patient's condition; be alert to all activities of the department/facility.
• Must be willing to work under direction and take instructions and corrections; have ability to reason, to remember details of instructions; be alert, adaptable and flexible.

Dexterity

• Must have coordination of sight and body movements for various applications of procedures; know techniques of assisting and handling patients; can handle the tools and machines of the profession.

Policies and Procedures

• Keeps current on and adheres to policies and procedures as enumerated in the Policy and Procedures Manual of the department/facility.

Accuracy

• Must possess a high degree of accuracy in carrying out prescriptions, receiving and translating information, and charting and reporting.

Physical Demands

• Has good physical stamina; is fairly strong, energetic; tolerates much walking, standing, writing, stooping, carrying, talking, seeing, bending, handling; has good color vision, speed, healthy back; able to be on feet most of the day.
• Able to walk, stand, stoop, lift, balance, sit, kneel, hear, reach, pull, talk, see, turn, carry, push, handle, write. The degree to which any of these are done depends on the techniques being used.  Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds regularly.

Worker Characteristics

• Thoughtful of others, gentle, courteous, patient, neat, well-groomed, healthy, friendly, average intelligence, good memory, tactful. Should have ability to organize his/her time in order to treat the maximum number of patients in the allotted working day.
• Conducts himself/herself with professional dignity; is pleasant, tactful. Maintains optimum physical and emotional health; understands the importance of good human relations; is able to motivate others; has broad interests; must possess strength of all extremities and back; has initiative and good judgment, flexibility, enthusiasm, and thoroughness.

Hazards

• No unusual hazard risks. May be exposed to muscular strain in supporting, lifting and assisting patients. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Supervision Requirements

• Requires minimal supervision, instructions from Physical Therapist regarding new patients. Supervision of non-professional personnel as applicable.

Public Relations

• May be the first worker in the department/facility to contact the patient; therefore, a courteous, well-groomed, thoughtful person is necessary.

Policies and Procedures

• Keeps current on and adheres to all policies and procedures as enumerated in the Policy and Procedures Manual of the department/facility.

Organization-wide/Department Performance Improvement Plan

• Actively participates in overall organization-wide/department performance improvement plans as enumerated in the Performance Improvement Manual.

Additionally

• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Education

Required: Graduate of an accredited school of Physical Therapy Assistant. Must have an associate degree in physical therapy or be a graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

                           Preferred: Show evidence of continuing education appropriate for area and practice.

Licenses/ certifications/ registrations

Required: Possess a current Oregon PTA license in good standing. Must have current certification in CPR.

Preferred: NA

Experience

Required: Have ability to provide for patient's physical rehabilitation and psychosocial well-being. Ability to communicate with others both medically and publicly. Have a nice appearance, being well-groomed and demonstrate appropriate contact.

                Preferred: NA

Other

NA

Physical Requirements:

The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May to sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.

40 Hours USD $27.41/Hr. USD $43.77/Hr. 01-4070 Physical Therapy Day