REPORTS TO: Physical Therapists
POSITION SUMMARY: Assist Physical Therapists in providing Physical Therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a Physical Therapist. Generally requires formal training.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients as they practice exercises and functional activities.
- Confer with Physical Therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment.
- Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, Anodyne, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, Iontophoresis, assistive devices, body mechanics, paraffin, joint mobilization.
- Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on patients’ responses and progress and report to Physical Therapist.
- Measure patients’ range-of-joint motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations; re-evaluate to include overall reassessment and manual muscle-testing.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches.
- Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses or supportive devices.
- Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
- Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
- Clean work area and check, clean and store equipment after treatment.
- Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices such as braces, splints and slings.
- Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
- Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages and filling out forms.
- Complete SOAP notes and place any findings of re-evaluation in PT’s “in” tray.
- Order supplies for clinic and to retail for home use.
- Instruct and supervise aides in how to best assist clinic.
- Maintain current license.
- Continued education/record hours worked and file them accordingly.
- Maintain and improve professionalism and knowledge through continuing education.
ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: A.S. Degree in PTA from an accredited institution
EXPERIENCE: Formal Training
REQUIRED SKILLS: Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time; work independently in a stressful environment; computer skills; typing; good people skills
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: A.S. degree in PTA from accredited institution; CPR certification
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Excellent Health
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisory in compliance with Federal and State laws.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.