Physical Therapist Assistant

Benefits

Additional Information

We've learned that what is best for patients is also best for employees. Learn more about why we are one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas®. JOB SUMMARY: The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant will primarily be responsible for direct patient care for patients referred to PM&R. The therapist is expected to maintain the highest level of quality care at all times. The PTA will follow the plan of care and treatment developed by the Physical Therapist after the patient's initial evaluation. Activities will include those areas covered both under the written treatment plan and by verbal recommendations from the PT within the therapist's area of expertise. The therapist will assist in the supervision and training of other PTAs and support personnel, as well as PTA students and volunteers. The therapist will be expected to complete daily documentation and charges, and schedule patients daily. The therapist may be assigned to other specialty areas, and it will be expected the therapist is competent in all areas provided by this department. The therapist will adhere to policies, procedures, and standards of practice as defined by and/or stated by the 1) American Physical Therapy Association 2) Texas State Physical Therapy Practice Act, 3) DNV, 4) UMC Standard Policy and Procedure Manual, 5) PM&R Policy and Procedure Manual. REPORTS TO: JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: - The therapist is expected to be able to schedule patients for evaluation and treatment in an efficient manner. Productivity should demonstrate proficiency with this skill. - The therapist is expected to demonstrate proper and effective utilization, delegation and instruction to new staff PTA, support personnel, and volunteers. - The therapist is expected to participate in clinical education by functioning as a CI for PTA students after 1 year of experience at UMC. - The therapist is expected to assist in selection and retention of qualified candidates to meet the employment needs of the department. - The therapist is expected to provide two in-services annually. - The Staff PTA is expected to: o Demonstrate competence in carrying out a plan of care appropriate to the age of the patient after the proper evaluation and communication by a physical therapist. o Complete proper documentation at the time of treatment which includes appropriate subjective and objective information, a clear statement of the treatment given, any progress made by the patient, and the patient's response and tolerance to treatment. o Provide subjective and objective information to the supervising physical therapist for re-evaluations. o Complete the appropriate aspect of the discharge summary in a timely manner per department policy. o Submit daily charges as described in the department policy. - The Staff PTA will demonstrate the ability to: o Assess the needs of the patient by assessing and documenting the learning needs of the patient/caregiver, and supply the appropriate instructions to the appropriate learner. o Assess the needs of the patient by assessing the need for equipment, attaining an order for it, and demonstrating the proper use of the equipment. o Assess the needs of the patient by assessing and recommending needs for other services and participating in the discharge process. - The Staff PTA will demonstrate proficiency in therapy procedures appropriate to the age of the patient and within medical limits of the patient while taking into consideration any special precautions/contraindications the patient may have. The PTA performs and demonstrates procedures while using proper body mechanics and safety precautions for the techniques/procedures including but not limited to the following: o Manual Muscle Testing o Goniometry o Sensory Testing o Therapeutic Exercises o Transfer Training and Bed Mobility o Gait Analysis and Training o Posture Analysis o Physiological Responses o Neuromuscular / Balance Training o Differentiation of Tissue Damage o Developmental Testing o Modalities EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: - Graduate of an accredited Associates program for Physical Therapist Assistants. - One year clinical experience preferred, entry level accepted. REQUIRED LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS: Must have or be eligible for a Texas State license. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: - Must be able to apply the theory of Physical Therapy under the bylaws of the Texas State Practice Act and the APTA Code of ethics. - Should speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others, demonstrate good public relations, demonstrate assertiveness and tact. - Perform technical procedures. - Have ability and competency to operate necessary equipment. - Must be able to instill confidence in patients, physicians, and personnel. - Determine proper procedures and methods of treatment and evaluate results. - Make decisions independently. - Adapt to emergency situations. - Be alert to changes in the patient's condition. - Demonstrate economic use of time. - Know techniques