Under general supervision of a physical therapist, assists patients in reaching maximum physical potential, in accordance with the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act, treats patients using appropriate therapeutic interventions and participates in team and interdisciplinary meetings.
Education
AA degree from an accredited PT Assistant program.
Experience
None required
Skills
Knowledge of Physical therapy theories, practices, and standards
Skill in using written and oral communications
Skill in following treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and alerting the supervising physical therapist to status changes
Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills
Ability to prioritize and schedule patients utilizing time efficiently
Skill in organization
Ability to utilize standardized tests to support documentation
Ability to manage an average caseload per productivity standards set
Basic computer skills and ability to learn EMR navigation
Licensures, Certifications
Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification).
Physical Requirements
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of work time when administering treatments, observing patients and maintaining records or dealing with staff. Ability to stand and walk > 60% or the time. Ability to lift ≥ 30 lbs.
Working Conditions
Normal patient care environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperatures, and the like.
Ability to perform work while using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Conditions of Employment
Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Healthcare Provider (CPR certification)
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Patient care Treatment
Treatment
Provides objective information for the physical therapist in the accordance with the physical therapy plan of care and goals
Implements treatment in accordance with the plan of care & goals established by the PT Evaluation and documents treatment program and goal progress. Consults with the Physical Therapist when changes to plan of care or goals are required
Implements appropriate therapeutic interventions, progressing treatment plan and teaching patients/caregivers activities to reinforce therapeutic interventions, providing/fitting appropriate assistive devices and recognizing patient distress signals, which need follow-up
Documents treatment plans and progress; records data required for statistics, productivity, billing, performance improvement program, etc. as appropriate
Utilizes the assistance of rehab techs and volunteers for housekeeping, transportation and physical assistance, does not utilize the rehab tech in a context that could be interpreted as providing supervision
Maintains current knowledge of therapy practice through continuing education
Consistently provides both written and verbal patient education
Clinical Collaboration
Informs Physical Therapist, MD, RN and Discharge Planner of patient’s status and progress towards goals through documentation or direct communication, documents communications with Physical Therapist regarding changes in patient status, treatment plan, or discharge plan, communicates equipment needs and any changes/updates to original D/C plan to the discharge planner and RN
Communicates with patient/caregiver to allay anxieties, seek input and elicit cooperation, trains and educates caregivers to assist patients with exercise program, maintain precautions and demonstrate safe functional mobility
Participates in discharge planning with the interdisciplinary team, recommending appropriate assistance and continuation of the rehabilitation process as needed
Departmental Initiatives
Receptive to change in promoting & complying with departmental initiatives.
Team Work
Demonstrates flexibility with schedule to accommodate follow-up treatments
Identifies and communicates issues related to the working environment to PT/PTA Mentor/ Program…