Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Primary Function

The assistant is a skilled, technical worker who performs physical therapy treatments and related duties as assigned by the therapist.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited school for Physical Therapist Assistants.
• Registered: Licensure by the Board of Physical Therapy in applicable State.

Physical Demands

• Stands, turns, bends, stoops, lifts, climbs, and uses a great majority of physical motion in performing day to day activities of work.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and do a great deal of walking without experiencing extreme fatigue.
• Lifting and carrying equipment supplies, and materials up to 50 lbs. without help; over 50 lbs. with the help of mechanical devices or other personnel.
• Operation of electrical equipment.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Supervises Rehab Technicians.
• Treats patients after the evaluation has been performed by a Registered Physical Therapist.
• Participates in in-service training for clinical staff.
• Consults with the physical therapist regarding the patients' progress and plan of care.
• Interacts with other departments involved with individual patients regarding patient's progress.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to the code of ethics of the APTA.
• Reports to the staff Physical Therapists/Clinical Director concerning Physical Therapy matters.
• Carrries out the physical therapy procedures according to the Plan of Care of the Registered Physical Therapist.
• Covers instructions for home treatment programs through consultation with the Registered Physical Therapist.
• Maintains proper equipment and supplies which might benefit the patient.
• Maintains proper attitude of encouragement toward the patient without giving false hope.
• Counsels patient and/or family on special problems with advice from the Registered Physical Therapist.
• Helps the patient become physically, emotionally, and socially independent.
• Utilizes proper procedures which will be in keeping with good patient care, but reasonable in expense to the department, such as supplies, equipment, linens, and time usage.
• Submit in writing to the Registered Physical Therapist/Supervisor on duty, any recorded incident or accident with patient or employee as it occurs.
• Documents on all patients' treatments received according to the policies and procedures of the physical therapy department.

General

• SOURCE OF WORKERS: From schools and from classified ads in professional publications.
• SUPERVISED BY: Staff Therapist and Clinic Director.
• WORKERS SUPERVISED: Technicians/aids and students.