Physical Therapist - United States Air Force Academy

In accordance with the scope of clinical privileges granted by the Military Treatment Facility (MTF), perform a full range of physical therapy treatment on patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint, and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.

Responsibilities

• Provide appropriate therapeutic procedures and a full range of therapy services in support of patient referrals.
• Ensure all patient contact and care is safe, timely, results in achievement of realistic and documented treatment goals, and complies with or satisfies the intent of the referring medical staff.
• Test and measure the patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and/or respiratory and circulatory efficiency; record findings to develop or revise treatment programs.
• Plan and prepare written treatment programs based on an evaluation of the patient.
• Administer manual exercises to improve and maintain function.
• Administer treatments involving application of physical agents, using equipment such as a pulsed lavage unit and/or whirlpool bath, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.
• Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Record treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart and/or automated systems.
• Coordinate treatment with physician and other staff members to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of the patient's health care.
• Contact referring physicians regarding patient care concerns, as required.
• Provide documented treatment and discharge recommendations to members of the staff in routine, emergency, and special cases as needed.
• Provide input and attend rehabilitation team meetings, seminars, and quality assurance meetings.
• Participate in peer review activities.
• Provide clinical supervision to assistants, technicians, aides, and students.
• Instruct, motivate, and assist patients in performing various physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily living activities, and in use of assistive and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Administer soft tissue mobilization, applying knowledge of mobilization techniques and body physiology.
• Administer traction to relieve pain, using traction equipment.
• Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Evaluate, fit, and adjust prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommend modification as required.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Masters or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from a program acceptable to the USAF Surgeon General and accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
• American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) board certification in orthopedics or sports physical therapy is strongly desired.
• A current, unrestricted license to practice Physical Therapy in any one of the fifty States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Have actively practiced in the field or in training for 24 within the past 36 months and are able to demonstrate clinical competency.
• Must possess and maintain current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support certification.
• 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.
• Must obtain and maintain all required documents, certifications, licenses, etc., listed on the credentialing checklist for this position for initial hire; all certifications listed must be maintained (expired certifications are not valid).

Skills

• Ability to effectively read, write, and speak English in order to communicate with all patients and other healthcare providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong manual therapy skills; trigger point dry needling desired.

Schedule

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project.

Travel

All Market contractors are subject to working at a duty location at any of the MTFs or associated sub-clinics within the Colorado Military Health System (CMHS).

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility such as a clinic, outpatient facility, or hospital. The environment is normally air-conditioned, but conditions may change dependent upon circumstances. Work may need to be performed in a fast-paced environment requiring quick thinking and rapid judgments. Employee will be exposed to a wide variety of clients in differing functions, personalities, and abilities. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids, latex, radiation or other contaminants, and safety issues. May be exposed to infection or diseases from contact with patients.

Physical Demands

Position consists of 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 periods of computer usage. It is Katmai's business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.