The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for assisting the Physical Therapist in carrying out prescribed treatment plans and providing patient care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, as required by state regulations. The PTA will ensure the effective implementation of treatment programs, maintain accurate patient documentation, and adhere to all safety and compliance standards.
Essential Functions:
- Understand and adhere to the applicable state Practice Act, ensuring compliance with laws governing the practice of Physical Therapist Assistants under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
- Review and follow the company's Clinical Operations Policies & Procedures Manual annually, ensuring compliance with all policies and guidelines.
- Complete all required Medicare compliance training and other mandatory courses as per company policies and state regulations.
- Complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training annually, following all applicable safety and regulatory standards.
- Clean and prepare treatment areas and equipment in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
- Carry out skilled treatment programs as prescribed by the licensed Physical Therapist.
- Communicate patient feedback and progress clearly to therapists, both verbally and in writing.
- Document patient treatment and progress using accepted medical terminology and formats.
- Complete daily notes, charge tickets, and other documentation accurately, legibly, and in a timely manner to meet facility, physician, and payer deadlines.
- Maintain open and respectful communication with co-workers, physicians, patients, family members, third-party payers, and others.
- Participate in facility meetings as directed by the Center Manager (e.g., utilization review, infection control, disaster preparedness).
- Complete ongoing continuing education coursework to meet state licensure requirements for the reporting period.
- Maintain current CPR certification that meets state licensure requirements.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Efficiently utilize time to meet productivity requirements of the facility.
- Participate in and present clinical in-services as directed.
- Stay updated on changes in the healthcare field, particularly those impacting the practice of physical therapy.
- Take on a significant role in specific areas of center operations as agreed upon with the Center Manager.
- Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member.
- Strong organizational, time management, and planning skills.
- Active listening, reading, and comprehension skills for analyzing reports, charts, and correspondence.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift patients using appropriate biomedical techniques frequently throughout the workday/shift; must be capable of lifting up to fifty (50) pounds independently.
- Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during the workday/shift.
- Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognize people, and follow written directions.
- Ability to speak and hear clearly to understand and give instructions.
- Ability to push wheeled equipment throughout the facility and in the community.
- Fine motor skills necessary for scheduling, preparing patients, equipment, and supplies for treatment.
- Ability to engage in sustained physical activities for extended durations in accordance with state labor laws.
Required Credentials:
- Graduation from a physical therapist assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or, if internationally educated, from a non-CAPTE accredited program that meets equivalent education standards for licensure or registration as a physical therapist assistant.
- Current valid state license/registration/certification.