The Physical Therapist Assistant performs selected patient treatments with the instruction from Leader of Rehabilitation Services who has the responsibility for supervision of the Staff Physical Therapist, and has responsibility for utilization, supervision, instruction and evaluation of supportive staff, volunteers and students working in the department/facility. Prepares patients and equipment for treatment; helps perform the housekeeping duties of the department/facility; performs other diverse duties as requested or required.
Job Specifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: One-year clinical experience preferred; entry level acceptable if individual skills are above average. Current or pending state licensure or certification. Associate degree in Physical Therapy or graduate from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program. Current CPR certification is required. Must have current license if applicable. JOB KNOWLEDGE: Must be familiar with cleaning agents and methods; physical layout of department/facility; techniques of handling patients; policies, procedures and regulations; operations of department/facility equipment; knowledge of physical therapy treatment techniques, general anatomy, physiology, physics, medical science and other areas. The patient population must be considered when assessing job knowledge required from the employee.
ABILITIES, INTERESTS AND TEMPERAMENTS
Must be able to apply the theory of physical therapy; have the ability and competency to operate the necessary equipment; perform technical procedures; speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others; have supervision and management skills.
Must have skill in techniques of handling patients, for patients' and own protection; efficiently assisting patients; operation of department/facility equipment; various treatment techniques.
Must be able to instill confidence in patients, doctors, and personnel; determine proper procedures and methods and evaluate results; make decisions independently; adapt to emergency situations, be alert to changes in the patient's condition; be alert to all activities of the department/facility.
Must be willing to work under direction and take instruction and correction; have ability to reason and remember names and details of instruction; be alert, adaptable and flexible.
Must have coordination of sight and body movements in various applications of procedures; know techniques of assisting and handling patients; be able to handle the tools and machines of the profession.
Must have a high degree of accuracy in carrying out prescriptions, receiving and translating information and charting and reporting.
Must successfully complete departmental specific orientation(s) and ongoing hospital wide CBLs (computer based learning), participate in departmental inservices, and demonstrate competency by completing departmental specific competency testing/evaluation program.
Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).