Physical Therapist

About the Role

The Staff Physical Therapist is responsible for providing quality physical therapy services and assisting in departmental operation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients referred to Physical Therapy to determine their current physical and functional status; assesses their potential benefit from physical therapy services.
• Plans and conducts a therapy program for patients, including the use of exercise, massage, thermal agents, water, light, and/or electricity.
• Applies diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint, and functional ability tests.
• Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, and gait and functional training.
• Utilizes exercise equipment such as pulleys, weights, steps, uneven and inclined surfaces.
• Makes use of equipment such as muscle and nerve stimulators, ultrasound machines, and other therapeutic electrical machines.
• Administers whirlpool and contrast baths, and applies moist heat and cold packs.
• Directs patients in the care and use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.
• Provides instruction in posture control and therapeutic procedures to be continued by the patient.
• Adapts conventional physical therapy techniques for patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carry out therapeutic exercises.
• Observes, records, and reports patient's condition, reactions, and responses.
• Directs and supervises activities of supportive personnel, including Physical Therapy Technicians and Assistants.
• Conducts and participates in training of Physical Therapy Technicians and Physical Therapist Assistants in physical therapy techniques and objectives.
• Ensures a safe, clean Physical Therapy Department.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Physical Demands

• Work is medium and consists of lifting and carrying equipment, supplies, and materials up to 50 pounds without help; over 50 pounds with mechanical devices or assistance.
• Stooping, pushing, and pulling when moving patients or equipment into position for treatment.
• Reaching when moving patients or equipment into position for treatment.
• Reaching for, handling, feeling, and manipulating equipment and patients during treatments.
• Talking and hearing to convey instructions and information to patients and staff members.
• Visual acuity to perceive reactions to treatment and to read instructions.
• Work is performed indoors.

Special Demands

• Demonstrates knowledge and manual skills necessary for performing quality patient care.
• Preference for working with people and ability to motivate them to achieve optimum performance.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to understand medical terminology, communicate with staff, patients, and physicians, and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of statistics and forms required for maintaining accurate departmental and patient records.
• Understands basic management concepts, possesses problem-solving skills, and can supervise supportive personnel.
• Performs self-evaluation and accepts constructive criticism.
• Demonstrates dedication to the profession through reliable and professional behavior.
• Able to work with individuals of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
• No previous experience necessary upon meeting educational requirements, but experience is desirable.
• Must be licensed by the Board of Physical Therapy in the applicable State.