Physical Therapy Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) will help Physical Therapists provide physical therapy treatments and procedures. The PTA may, in accordance with New York State Laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by the physical therapist

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instruct, motivate. safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercise or functional activities. Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provides results to the physical therapist in person or through progress notes
• Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Communicate with and instruct caregivers and family members on patient therapeutic activities and treatment plans
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, when required, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements
• Secure patient onto or into therapy equipment
• Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, and heat, light, sound, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound
• Measures patients range-of-motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations
• Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment
• Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Excellent customer service and patient care skills
• Basic understanding of physical therapy and medical terminology

EDUCATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Associate degree or certification from physical therapy program that included course study in anatomy and physiology, and relevant clinical experience
• MUST be licensed in New York State to practice as a physical therapy assistant

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Fit to stand for prolonged periods of time when required
• Fit to perform patient lifting, pushing, transferring to/from one area to the other
• Fit to perform frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching

JOB TYPE

• Full-time and Part-time

SALARY

• $31.00-34.00 per hour

BENEFITS

• 401K
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off
• CEUs