Physical Therapy Assistant - Per Diem

NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk is a 306-bed medical center providing care to residents of eastern Long Island. The hospital features the Knapp Cardiac Care Center, a modern ambulatory surgical pavilion with specialized services including women's imaging, a sleep laboratory, and bariatric surgery. It operates a Provisional Level 2 Trauma Center, a Primary Stroke Center designated by the New York State Department of Health, and multiple outpatient sites such as a wound care center, hemodialysis center, and various primary care and specialty offices.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant to join our Physical & Speech Therapy team, working Monday through Friday with alternating schedules. In this role, you will treat inpatients under the supervision of a New York State licensed Physical Therapist, document daily treatment and patient responses, and provide education regarding disease processes. You will utilize various physical therapy modalities with an emphasis on therapeutic exercise, transfers, balance, and gait training.

Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
• Follows treatment plans as outlined by the primary physical therapist.
• Observes, records, and reports patient conditions, reactions, and responses to the therapist.
• Assists with supervision of the Rehabilitation Aide and Patient Service Assistant (PSA).
• Responsible for written progress notes on assigned patients, ensuring notes are recorded immediately after treatment.
• Takes an active role in Physical Therapy Departmental meetings.
• Follows established policies, procedures, and safety precautions for all modalities.
• Checks equipment and devices prior to patient usage.
• Lectures and gives demonstrations for hospital staff and the general public as requested.
• Participates in Departmental Performance Assessment & Improvement activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competence in infection control, employee health, patient rights, fire and safety, and quality assessment.

Professional Behavior & Customer Service

• Demonstrates a positive attitude, adaptability to change, and strong customer service skills.
• Displays good time management, integrity, respect, accountability, and problem-solving abilities.
• Is punctual and dependable.
• Treats internal and external customers with dignity, respect, and compassion while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Wears attire consistent with hospital expectations and displays hospital badge at all times.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients and families to alleviate fears and encourage cooperation.
• Exhibits sensitivity to differences in race, creed, color, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or health status.
• Promotes teamwork and customer satisfaction, addressing psychosocial needs of patients and families.
• Demonstrates willingness to adjust schedule to accommodate patient needs and facility requirements.
• Accepts assignments willingly.

Documentation

• Legibly documents all aspects of Physical Therapy care in patient charts, interdisciplinary sheets, and other hospital forms, including screening examinations, treatment responses, discharge planning, family conferences, and communications with healthcare professionals.
• Selects relevant information to document the delivery of physical therapy patient care.
• Documents patient and family education on the hospital’s Patient and Family Education form.
• Produces documentation that follows guidelines and formats required by the practice setting.
• Participates in activities addressing quality of service.

Quality of Service

• Seeks information regarding the quality of care rendered by self and others under their supervision.
• Provides recommendations for developing or modifying guidelines based on outcome measures, effectiveness studies, and clinical observations.
• Follows established guidelines for the delivery of physical therapy services (e.g., critical/clinical pathways, protocols).
• Participates in the Performance Assessment and Improvement program.

Professional Development

• Maintains knowledge of current trends and techniques by attending conferences, seminars, and reading relevant journals and books.
• Participates in inter- and intra-departmental instruction.
• Promotes the profession of Physical Therapy.
• Demonstrates willingness to take on and develop new projects and services.
• Takes part in departmental program planning and development.
• Develops and implements plans for self-improvement.

Requirements

• Completion of an approved Physical Therapy Assistant curriculum with an Associate Degree approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• New York State Education Department Certificate Number.
• Current New York State Physical Therapy Assistant registration.
• Ability to walk and stand for up to 75% of work time, and lift and turn patients.
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 75% of work time.
• Demonstrates professional behavior during interactions with others.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $40.95 - $40.95 hourly. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. This range does not include bonuses, incentive pay, differential pay, or other forms of compensation or benefits.