JOB SUMMARY:  

The Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Physical Therapist in providing physical therapy treatment and patient specific supervision that includes mandatory co-signing of the physical Therapist Assistant's notes in the patient record, or a case conference between the supervising Physical Therapist and physical therapist assistant within seven days.  The Physical Therapist Assistant does not interpret orders, evaluate patients, or develop treatment plans. 

The Physical Therapist Assistant reports to the Staff and/or Senior Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapy Manager.  The Physical Therapist Assistant is not responsible for supervising other positions. The Physical Therapist Assistant may work without on-site supervision but the supervising therapist shall be readily available in person or by telecommunication to the Physical Therapist Assistant at all times while the Physical Therapist Assistant is treating patients. 

  Provides medically prescribed consultative and therapeutic services in order to restore function and prevent disability in patients with musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and/or integumentary disorders. The Physical Therapist Assistant       performs responsibilities in accordance with Physical Therapy/Hospital Policy, state and federal regulatory licensing and accrediting requirements.

Assesses patient's response to treatment and adapts program and/or approach as necessary.  Reports any changes in patient's condition or behavior to appropriate personnel:  nursing, supervisor, primary therapist, or physician.

Always contacts physician or physical therapist when there is a question concerning the prescribed patient orders, or treatment plan.

Contributes in the patient conference and problem solves interdisciplinary issues to assure the patient is achieving the best outcome.

Able to problem solve by collaborating and collecting all important information, and then selecting the best approach to solve the problem.

Establishes treatment priorities and deals with the most important areas first.

Actively participates in peer review/case presentations every month.

Consistently demonstrates an awareness and concern for patient safety.

Uses good judgment when responding to request of others for physical therapy services, e.g. physician orders, nursing requests, etc.

Demonstrates an awareness of personal abilities and limitations; appropriately requests assistance in situations that exceed physical or knowledge limitations.

Always assesses and is sensitive to the patient's physical, social, and emotional needs as part of the overall evaluation and implementation of the therapy program.

Consistently combines ethical judgment with technical skill within the policy and legal guidelines of the institution.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

• Associate of Arts Degree from a Physical Therapist Assistant program approved by the APTA, or 5 years’ experience as a Physical Therapy aide with college level courses required by the State of California.
• Licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the State of California, or eligibility for licensure with approval by the Board to sit for the next examination.
• Current BLS(AHA) certification required.