Physical Therapy Assistant Inpatient

About the role

Conducts medically prescribed physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. Performs the duties and responsibilities within the scope of a Physical Therapy Assistant - Level I, as defined within the job description.

Responsibilities

• Applies research and proven techniques to prevent or treat conditions that limit the body's ability to move and function in daily life by implementing the plan of care established by a physical therapist.
• As appropriate to setting, determines/revises priorities for direct/indirect patient care activities based on patient need and available resources; collaborates with nursing to update appropriate algorithms for safe patient handling.
• Instructs patient and caregiver in treatment programs, precautions and equipment use as necessary and documents patient/caregiver demonstration of instructions provided.
• Documents all treatments, according to department policies and procedures, as monitored by supervision of the patient’s primary physical therapist.
• Submits accurate charges of services rendered for patients, according to departmental policies and procedures utilizing the billing system via the patient’s EMR.
• Carries out oversight responsibilities to ensure supervision of students and volunteers.
• For facilities with specialty accreditation requirements: completes annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards (training may be completed through CBLs, trainings, in-services, and competency validation).

Requirements

• Current physical therapy assistant licensure in the applicable state where services will be performed:
  • MD: Physical Therapy Assistant License through Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
  • OH: Physical Therapy Assistant through Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training Board OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
  • PA: Physical Therapy Assistant through Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
  • WV: Physical Therapy Assistant through West Virginia Board of Physical Therapists OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
• Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
• One (1) year of physical therapy assistant experience.
• Physical demands: ability to lift, move, stoop, reach, stand, walk, and carry materials and equipment weighing 40+lbs; safe patient handling limited to 35 pounds using lift equipment or other patient handling aids.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Working environment: exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, and various cleaning and laundry chemicals.

Qualifications

• Preferred: current specialty certification in one of the following:
  • Advanced Proficiency Pathways Certification through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
  • Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
  • Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)

Skills

• Ability to organize and prioritize time and tasks to achieve a well-coordinated work effort and effectively meet work schedules, integrating multiple factors that may impact patient care.
• Knowledge of the Physical Therapy Assistant Clinical Ladder system for professional development, quality clinical performance, and job satisfaction.

Schedule

Scheduled weekly hours: 40; Exempt/Non-Exempt shift: Non-Exempt (United States of America).