The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides therapy services to patients under the direct supervision of the Physical Therapist. The PTA performs the following:

1. Assists the therapist in the evaluation process as directed.
2. Identifies indications for and assists in evaluations at appropriate intervals under the direct supervision of the therapist.
3. Assists the therapist in identifying a problem list, short-term goals, long-term goals, and treatment plan.
4. Conducts individual treatment as assigned and outlined in the treatment plan.
5. Assists in the selection of techniques/media and in the sequence of activities, adapts techniques/media as indicated by patient performance and following consultation with the therapist. No major modification to the treatment plan is made without the prior consultation with the therapist.
6. Provides/recommends/fabricates adaptive devices, orthotics or prosthetics. Trains patient, family, and appropriate staff in the use or application of the above.
7. Adheres to documentation compliance guidelines.
8. Provides treatment in accordance with the established standards of practice, department procedures, and productivity standards.
9. Consistently demonstrates sound judgment in the evaluation, planning, implementation, and follow-up of patient therapy programs.

Communication & Reporting Responsibilities

Self-Evaluation

Supervisory Evaluation

1. Confers formally and informally with other team members in coordinating the total rehabilitation of the patient.
2. Records billable treatment times in accordance with company Billing Compliance Guidelines.

Compliance Responsibilities

Self-Evaluation

Supervisory Evaluation

1. Complies with applicable legal requirements and standards including but not limited to company Policies and Procedures and Code of Conduct.
2. Participates in orientation and training programs, as required.
3. Reports concerns and suspected incidences of non-compliance following proper chain of command.
4. Cooperates with monitoring and audit functions and investigations.
5. Participates, as requested, in process improvement responsibilities.
6. Maintains current licensure assuring that renewals are completed and processed within specified time frames as designated by state licensure boards.

Daily Responsibilities

Self-Evaluation

Supervisory Evaluation

1. Reports to work on time and coordinates schedule to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency during assigned shift.
2. Adheres to established confidentiality and privacy standards, including but not limited to HIPPA legislature.
3. Projects a positive and professional image at all times.

Teamwork Responsibilities

Self-Evaluation

Supervisory Evaluation

1. Assists in establishing and modifying individual patient schedules in conjunction with other team members.
2. Adheres to department and patient schedule and modifies as appropriate for treatment regimen.
3. Participates in patient, family, and staff education.
4. Completes online in-services timely and attends facility in-services and meetings, as required.
5. Provides in-service education to the members of the patient’s care team and education to the community.
6. Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to the facility/company safety standards.
7. Complies with all Infection Control, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.
8. Maintains positive relationships and rapport with coworkers, patients, family members, and facility personnel.

Certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant with state licensure

Experience in skilled nursing preferred

BLS certification preferred