Physical Therapy Assistant - Acute Care

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed—our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken, and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

About the role

This job provides routine treatment as assigned and according to the plan of care provided by a licensed Physical Therapist. Provides direct patient care after the patient has been evaluated by a licensed Physical Therapist and documents patient progress in daily progress notes and/or summaries to physicians.

Responsibilities

• Performs physical therapy treatments as prescribed by the physician under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Communicates and documents any changes in patient's status and informs therapist of patient's reassessment.
• Maintains patient records according to documentation standards, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in staff and committee projects.
• Achieves established productivity levels set forth by administration.
• Educates and trains others within discipline.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions, and communication style.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations, and standards.

Requirements

• Current physical therapy assistant license in state of practice or eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity from another state.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association.
• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue.
• The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.
• There may be an occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated waste.