Physical Therapy Assistant

About the role

The incumbent for this position carries a full patient caseload and is responsible for maintaining appropriate patient records. The PTA provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction at the basic introductory level. Position can include both acute inpatient hospital and outpatient treatment locations. Weekend and holiday workdays are expected.

Responsibilities

• Receive and interpret requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapists or physician.
• Plans and implements therapy for patients under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist.
• Completes a chart review and obtain a subjective history.
• Administers therapy to patients incorporating accepted modalities and treatment standards per the American Physical Therapy Association (PTA) under the close and sometimes direct supervision of a physical therapist.
• Demonstrates familiarity and basic competencies in all clinical modalities, exercise and functional activities to enhance patient independence.
• Communicates with treating physical therapist to allow for development and modification of treatment plans. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plan and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities.
• Fits, adjusts, and instructs patients in the use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities.
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the physical therapist and fellow healthcare professionals concerned with the patient's care as needed.
• Participates in family and multidisciplinary team meetings to identify patient's needs, reports on patient's goals and progress and to assist in planning patient's treatment program.
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers, and self. Reports to Supervisory Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.
• Maintain a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs, clinical in-services, and on-line training.
• Performs other necessary duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-7).
• Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs; OR Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs.
• Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or District of Columbia.