Physical Therapy Assistant, JCH

This position supports a variety of patient care routines and performs components of physical therapy procedures under the direction of a physical therapist. The PTA works with the rehabilitation team to implement the agreed-upon course of care for each patient, providing services that improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities across all age groups: infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient and family education/training, including counseling on coping with functional impairments and disabilities.
• Assist in developing and implementing purposeful goals with the supervising physical therapist.
• Administer therapeutic procedures, including manual exercises and functional activities, under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.
• Instruct and counsel patients on therapeutic regimens, wellness, and health maintenance.
• Observe patients during treatments, compile and evaluate data on responses and progress, and report to the physical therapist.
• Maintain current state licensure by completing licensing board and state requirements.
• Identify patient care issues and administer treatment programs to support the physical therapist’s effectiveness.
• Comply with federal and state physical therapy regulations.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by adhering to procedures, rules, and infection-control policies.
• Preserve the confidentiality of patient and staff health and financial information.
• Oversee care provided by support staff, including orienting, instructing, and directing students and aides.
• Complete administrative tasks, including documenting billing information and maintaining accurate records of daily notes, treatment progress, and treatment plans as required by law and hospital policy.
• Maintain legal and accreditation compliance, adhering to federal, state, and local regulations and JACHO standards.
• Adapt assessment, treatment, and care methods to accommodate physical, cultural, age-specific, and developmental needs.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuing education opportunities.
• Utilize assistive devices for lifting and adhere to safety protocols at all times.
• Undergo respirator and fit testing for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet-producing procedures, or caustic chemicals.
• Implement DRH Standards of Behavior and exhibit behaviors consistent with DRH core values.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.
• Current Oklahoma State licensure.
• American Heart Association BLS certification (may obtain within 30 days of hire).
• At least one (1) year of PTA experience preferred.
• For positions requiring travel, a current valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

Skills

• Fluency in oral and written English.
• Basic computer skills, including email and Electronic Health Record (EHR) tools.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to urgent situations.
• Analytical skills for selecting diagnostic tools, analyzing results, and developing effective treatment plans.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Compassion and sensitivity when working with individuals facing difficulties.
• Critical thinking skills for adjusting treatment plans and identifying alternative solutions.
• Attention to detail for maintaining accurate treatment and progress notes.
• Strong listening skills to address patient concerns and symptoms.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations for tasks such as frequency distribution and analysis of variance.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

Additional Information

This is a safety-sensitive position as defined by Oklahoma law. Applicants cannot test positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in pre-employment or any subsequent drug tests, even with a valid medical marijuana card.

Respirator and fit testing are required for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet-producing procedures, or caustic chemicals.

Vaccinations are required per DRH policy, with medical and religious exemptions available upon request.