Physical Therapist Assistant

About the Role

Provide a full range of physical therapy assistant services under the direction of the supervising physical therapist.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as directed by the head physical therapist.
• Under supervision, administer treatments such as exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs, and traction.
• Instruct patients on program segments, including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices.
• Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
• Instruct, motivate, and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities, such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily living activities.
• Observe patients during treatments and compile and evaluate data on patients' responses to treatments and progress; report orally or in writing to the physical therapist.
• Fit patients for, adjust, and train patients in the use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or to assist the physical therapist in compiling data for patient evaluations.
• Monitor treatments administered by physical therapy aides.
• Confer with members of the physical therapy staff and other health team members to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs.
• Coordinate with other departments and clinic staff to provide complete care to patients; act as a liaison with nursing, medical staff, and other therapists to facilitate problem-solving and coordination of services.
• Act as an educational resource.
• Perform administrative duties such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephones, taking messages, filling out forms, scheduling patients, and staffing the reception area.
• Maintain and care for department equipment and supplies; maintain department records and files in accordance with facility policies.
• Perform coding of patient encounters and workload.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from a physical therapy assistant program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
• A current, valid State license as a physical therapy assistant in any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• At least twelve (12) months of experience within the last thirty-six (36) months as a physical therapist assistant.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Red Cross.
• Must obtain and maintain the site's required health screening and immunization requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.

Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to effectively read, write, and speak English to communicate with patients and healthcare providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Schedule

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignments or projects.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility such as a clinic, outpatient facility, or hospital.
• Environment is normally air-conditioned but may vary depending on circumstances.
• Work may be fast-paced, requiring quick thinking and rapid judgments.
• Exposure to a wide variety of clients with differing functions, personalities, and abilities.
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, latex, radiation, or other contaminants and safety issues.
• May be exposed to infections or diseases from patient contact.

Physical Demands

• Sitting for long periods of time, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, speaking, or translating.
• Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy computer usage.
• Occasional to moderate periods of analytical tasks requiring extensive reasoning abilities.