Outpat Physical Therapy Asst

Job Summary

Assists Physical Therapists by administering physical therapy services designed to restore function and prevent disability following trauma or disease through the use of various physical therapy measurements, exercises and modalities.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Associate's Degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant;

Graduate of a PTA program approved by the American Physical  Therapy Association or other educational program which the South Carolina board considers to be equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;

CPR Certification.
Required Training: None.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct physical therapy patient care upon referral by a physician,or advanced practice provider, as outlined in the plan of care by the physical therapist.
• Demonstrates age specific competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following patient population:  
  • Infant (Birth-1 year)      
  • Child (1 year through 12 years)     
  • Adolescent (13 years through 17 years)    
  • Adult (18 years to 65 years)      
  • Geriatric (over 65 years)
• Administers physical therapy treatments,as stated in patient's plan of care, designed to relieve pain, develop or restore function and maintain maximum performance. This may include, but is not limited to,  therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and modalities.
• Takes physical therapy objective measurements, such as manual muscle testing, functional ability, and range of motion.
• Documents appropriate patient treatment data in patient progress notes and discharge summaries.
• Instructs patients and their families in patient physical therapy home program.
• Represents the department in meetings and exhibits effective communication with the interdisciplinary team.
• Takes orders from physicians' offices and hospital patient care team. Notifies supervising therapists if plan of care needs to be updated.
• Provides in-service classes to other departments as needed.
• Assists in providing clinical supervision of students.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs all other duties as assigned by authorized personnel or as required in an emergency, e.g. fire or disaster.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgement and acts in accordance with the state practice act, hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in professional activities for continued self-development, and growth of technical knowledge and skills.
• Meets deadlines and commitments with minimal supervision.
• Uses safe techniques for protection of patients and self in performing duties.
• Demonstrates competence in safe delivery of care clinical practices.
• Maintains an optimistic and professional image and exhibits excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Demonstrates teamwork while performing duties. Exhibits courtesy, compassion and respect, when working with patients, visitors and co-workers. Conforms to the Service Expectation Policy.
• Reports to work on time and meets the hospital criteria for attendance and tardiness.