Physical Therapy Assistant

This position is located in the Therapy Section of Rehab & Extended Care Service at the Hudson Valley VA Medical Center. The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist - but must be able to carry out a general treatment plan without the direct involvement of a Physical Therapist. The incumbent may be assigned duties at either Castle Point or Montrose campuses - as well as any one of the 7 community-based clinics (CBOCs).

• To qualify for appointment to this position - all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.)
• Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. A 7407(a)
• Education
• Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Associate degree from an accredited community college - junior college - college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
• OR (2) Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs
• OR (3) Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs
• Licensure
• Current - full - active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e
• Puerto Rico) of the United States - or District of Columbia
• Grade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant - GS-8 Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade
• In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs
• (b) Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g. - therapeutic exercise - balance - body mechanics - flexibility - strength - gait training - neuromotor development - physical agents - functional training - etc.)
• (c) Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client
• (d) Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs
• (e) Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient
• (f) Ability to identify critical changes (e.g
• vital signs - pain - mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.(g) Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning - modifying and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

• Duties include - but not limited to: A
• Patient Care Management 1
• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the Physical Therapist or physician
• Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist
• Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests
• 2
• Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history) - compiles and organizes pertinent information - and develops/presents a patient profile to the Physical Therapist - to be used in assessing patient's status
• Assists with or renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient - developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs
• This is done in consultation with a Physical Therapist or physician
• 3
• Assists Physical Therapists in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long and short-term goals
• Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities
• Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment
• 4
• Assists in the performance of - or independently performs - highly specialized and diversified treatment procedures
• Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat - cold - sound - electricity - and massage
• Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise
• Fits - adjusts - and instructs patients in the use of orthoses - prostheses - and mobility appliances
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to learn activities and daily living and improve functional activities
• Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments
• 5
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions
• Modifies intervention environment - tools - materials - and activities in response to each patient's response to treatment
• With prior approval of the therapist - adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual patient's needs
• Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the patient
• 6
• Assists the physical therapy staff in research projects - in-service training - public relations programs - and quality assurance/performance improvement initiatives
• 7
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports for physicians - physiatrists - nursing staff - fellow therapists - and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care
• Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs - report on patient's goals and progress - and to assist in planning patient's treatment program
• 8
• The PTA independently documents all patient care rendered and initiates consults for appropriate patient care equipment inherent to the physical therapy scope of practice
• 9
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment - safety check - cleaning - stocking - etc
• Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients - co-workers - and self
• Reports to Therapy Supervisor the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment
• B
• Human Resources Management: 1
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs
• Assists with the supervision and training of Physical Therapist Assistant Students - volunteers - work students and other healthcare practitioners
• 2
• Participates in training of new physical therapy staff
• 3
• Continually participates in various committees in the hospital to give input from the rehab perspective
• 4
• Participates in continuing education and in-service training to further professional development
• 5
• Completes the annual training/education required by the facility as mandatory
• 6
• Completes required continuing education to maintain current and valid licensure
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00a-4:30p Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 12492F