Summary

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.  Responsibilities include following the plan of care, providing treatments, and working collaboratively with the members of the team to help achieve positive patient care outcomes.

 Qualifications

  1. A person who is licensed (unless licensure does not apply) registered, or certified as a Physical Therapist Assistant, if applicable, by the State in which practicing, and meets one of the following requirements:
    1. .
      1. Graduated from a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association; or if educated outside the United States or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist Assistant entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified at 8 CFR 212.15(e); and
      2. Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.
    2. On or before December 31, 2009, meets one of the following:
      1. Is licensed, or otherwise regulated in the State in which practicing.
      2. In States where licensure or other regulations do not apply, graduated on or before December 31, 2009, from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and, effective January 1, 2010 meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this definition.
    3. Before January 1, 2008, where licensure or other regulation does not apply, graduated from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
    4. On or before December 31, 1977, was licensed or qualified as a Physical Therapist Assistant and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S Public Health Service.
  2. Two years of appropriate experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Community/home health experience is preferred.
  3. Current CPR certification and valid driver’s license.
  4. Acceptance of philosophy and goals of the Agency.
  5. Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, basic math skills; therapy skills per competency checklist.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

  1. The Physical Therapist Assistant assumes responsibility for, but is not restricted to:
    1. Providing services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care
    2. Patient, caregiver, and family counselling
    3. Patient and caregiver education
    4. Preparing clinical notes
    5. Communication with the Physical Therapist and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current plan of care
    6. Participation in the Agency’s QAPI program
    7. Participation in agency-directed in-service training
  2. Delivers physical therapy program and instructs family/caregiver in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient.
  3. Implements current Physical Therapist Assistant practice following the plan of care.
  4. Provides accurate and timely documentation of patient services to reflect the plan of care.
  5. Provides patient and family/caregiver education and information pertinent to diagnosis and plan of care.
  6. Participates in coordination of Agency services, appropriately reporting the identified needs to the care team.
  7. Uses equipment and supplies effectively.
  8. Provides appropriate pain/symptom management. Evaluates and documents patient’s response to treatments/interventions.
  9. Participates in personal, professional growth and development.
  10. Performs other duties as assigned by the Physical Therapist/supervisor.

 

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

          1. Supervised by: Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Manager
          2. Employees Supervised: None

RISK EXPOSURE High risk