Physical Therapist Assistant - Skilled Nursing Facility at Orlando Senior Health Network – Orlando, Florida

About the Role:

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) plays a critical role in supporting licensed physical therapists in delivering high-quality rehabilitative care to patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or managing chronic conditions. This position involves implementing treatment plans designed by physical therapists, monitoring patient progress, and adjusting therapeutic activities to optimize recovery outcomes. The PTA works closely with patients to encourage adherence to prescribed exercises and educate them on injury prevention and wellness strategies. By providing hands-on care and emotional support, the PTA helps improve patients' mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. This role requires a compassionate, detail-oriented professional committed to fostering a positive and motivating environment for diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings in the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree program.
• Current licensure or certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state Florida
• Basic life support (BLS) certification.
• Strong understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic exercise principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare professionals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in outpatient, inpatient, or rehabilitation settings.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Additional certifications such as CPR, first aid, or specialty therapy techniques.
• Bilingual abilities to serve diverse patient populations.
• Continuing education in specialized areas such as orthopedics, geriatrics, or pediatrics.

Responsibilities:

• Assist physical therapists in executing individualized treatment plans, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
• Monitor and document patient responses and progress during therapy sessions, reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising physical therapist.
• Educate patients and their families on home exercise programs, proper use of assistive devices, and strategies to prevent injury or re-injury.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized treatment environment, ensuring all equipment is properly sanitized and functional.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care and contribute to comprehensive rehabilitation plans.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Physical Therapist Assistant to accurately implement treatment plans and safely administer therapeutic interventions, ensuring patient safety and progress. Strong communication skills are essential for educating patients and collaborating with physical therapists and other healthcare providers. Attention to detail is critical when documenting patient responses and maintaining treatment environments. Preferred skills, such as experience with EMR systems and additional certifications, enhance efficiency and broaden the scope of care the PTA can provide. Together, these skills support the PTA in delivering compassionate, effective rehabilitation services that promote patient recovery and well-being.

This position requires a screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse

https://info.flclearinghouse.com/