Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Ft. Belvoir, VA

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

- Implements progressive treatment plans for patients utilizing the full range of physical therapy modalities and therapeutic treatment techniques for inpatient and outpatient populations. Extensive use of problem solving, professional judgment, patient/family education, professional interactions, careful observation, and advanced orthopedic treatment skills are required. Primary diagnosis includes a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient orthopedic conditions such as sprains, strains, overuse injuries, arthritis, spinal pain and fractures. Post-surgical orthopedics include; ligament reconstruction, soft tissue surgery, surgical fixation of fractures, and joint replacement. Additional diagnosis include: chronic pain, Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis, reconditioning, poor balance, burns, chronic wounds, and Myocardial Infarction.

- Assist with the evaluation of patients functional status, response to treatment and progression on a recurring basis using accepted subjective and objective measurement techniques to appropriately implemented and progress the treatment plan. Documents this information per clinic standard operating procedure in progress notes, and relays pertinent data during staff meetings and directly with Physical Therapist. Reports changes in patient status, unexpected responses to treatment, and lack of functional progression to Physical Therapist.

- Makes recommendations and utilizes a broad spectrum of physical therapy modalities to include heat, cold, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, paraffin baths, electrotherapy, massage, and diathermy. Additionally, the Physical Therapist Assistant will utilize and apply gait training, therapeutic exercise techniques, transfer procedures and patient education in a progressive treatment plan designed to restore or maintain range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, neuromuscular control, reduce inflammation, swelling and muscle spasm to promote healing, relieve pain and maximize functional outcomes and patient independence.

- Assists in teaching patients, family members and others in an individual or group format on a broad spectrum of physical therapy related topics to include therapeutic exercises, techniques to reduce joint and soft tissue stress (joint sparring), appropriate body mechanics, fitness and exercise recommendations, injury prevention, healthy living and promotion of wellness.

- Consults with numerous members of the health care team on issues of patient function, physical therapy indications and response to physical therapy treatments. Interacts with clinic and hospital staff in a timely, articulate and professional manner that facilitates communications between professional staff, patients and referring departments and clinics. Team members include Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Occupational Therapists, Nursing staff, Discharge Planners, Case Managers, and allied health professionals.

- Participates in staff meetings and assist in conducting in-service education programs for peers, subordinates and other health care providers by presenting sound, researched based methods of physical therapy treatment programs. Assists supervisor relative to patient care, patient education, safety, infection control, supply and equipment, and other administrative issues. Participates in instructional programs as directed to include orientation of new staff and students.

- Maintain proper medical records IAW facilitys standard documentation procedures and AR 40-66. Documentation will be performed in a timely, accurate and legible manner. Prepare clinical, patient management, administrative and performance improvement reports as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Graduate of a physical therapist assistant associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical Therapy A sociation or be a graduate of the US Army Medical Department Center and Schools Therapy Technician program.

- Shall possess current certification in basic cardiac life support (BCLS).

- Minimum of two (2) years current experience with a minimum of 50% of those hours treating Orthopedic and Sports Medicine conditions in an outpatient setting. Current experience is defined as having worked in direct physical therapy patient care within the past five (5) years. Must demonstrate advanced competency in the efficient treatment and exercise progression for a variety of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine conditions to include sprains, strain, fractures and post-surgical orthopedic conditions.

- Possess a valid and current Physical Therapist Assistant state license.

- Must be a US Citizen.

Potomac Healthcare Solutions offers the following benefits:

Medical Insurance with PPO and HSA Options (United Healthcare)

Dental Insurance (Humana)*

Vision Insurance (Humana)*

401(k) with Employer Match

Health Savings Account with Employer Match

Prescription Drug Program

Employer Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability

(Mutual of Omaha)

*

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