JOB SUMMARY 

The primary duties of the Physical Therapist Assistant are to assist the Physical Therapist in developing and executing a program that is designed to meet the needs of the patient and is in accordance with the physician’s order. Treatment plans may be modified based on patient response and with consultation of the evaluating Physical Therapist. 

PERFORMANCE DUTIES 

Communicates positively and effectively with patients, physicians, physical therapists, support staff, families and supervisors. Communicates pertinent information concerning patient care to other team members (i.e.: precautions, changes in patient status). Communicates pertinent information concerning patient care, scheduling needs to Supervisor.  

Treatment plans are implemented efficiently and safely.  

Treatment planning is accomplished specific to the needs of each individual patient. Makes appropriate decisions with guidance from the Physical Therapist concerning modification of the initial treatment plan on a regular basis. Modifies treatment goals for each patient with approval from the Physical Therapist.  

Therapist documentation is accurate and complete in all clinical and administrative applications. Documents clearly and concisely the various aspects of the therapeutic process on appropriate forms using guidelines published by the APTA. Documentation in patient records performed in a timely manner. Completes appropriate forms for billing procedures on a timely basis.  

Demonstrates mature approach to professional PM&R Department employment status.  

Demonstrates flexibility and professional approach to constantly changing environment.  

Demonstrates professional decorum in daily clinical and administrative actions. Abides by the APTA Code of Ethics. Maintains current knowledge in physical therapy practice (i.e.: attendance at on-going educational programs, attends at least one continuing education meeting per year). Demonstrates respect for patient rights by maintaining strict confidentiality of patient information  

Demonstrates leadership and professional example. 

STEWARDSHIP 

Demonstrates adherence to Trinity Health’s Compliance Integrity Program, code of Ethics, as well as other policies of St. Mary Mercy Hospital and Trinity Health. Demonstrates punctuality and adheres to attendance policies. Uses departmental resources in a cost effective manner and manages own work activities efficiently and effectively. Demonstrates initiative and seeks opportunities to enhance operating performance. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

A. Education: Graduate from an institution accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association and awarded an associate degree in Physical Therapy. 

B. Job Knowledge: Must be aware of relative value and limitations of each piece of equipment and skilled in the use of a broad range of modalities with a clear understanding of indications and contraindications of each modality. 

• Must be able to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and mechanical functioning of the body to specialized techniques in the treatment of patients, and know how to position patients with various conditions for different types of treatments. 

• Able to instruct students, interns and nurses in methods and objectives of therapeutic applications 

• Consults with physician concerning goals and treatment plans. 

• Able to provide instruction for home programs. 

• Able to monitor patient’s response to treatment and modify treatment approach as indicated. 

• Willing to participate in evaluation of aides. 

• Attends inservices and meetings. 

• Able to perform other related duties as requested 

• Performs discharge planning in coordination with the evaluating physical therapist. 

• Performs documentation as dictated by policy and reimbursement trends, including obtainment of physical therapist signature. 

• Participates in ongoing methods of learning and clinical skill mastery. 

• Computer knowledge necessary. 

C. Licensure: Current registration/licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant through Michigan 

D. Training and Experience: Some hospital attendant experience desirable. On-the-job training in use of various equipment, and in department methods and procedures 

DEMANDS 

Physical: 

• Stooping, pulling, pushing and manual dexterity when performing manual techniques. 

• Ability to lift/support patients and equipment of all weights. Regular heavy lifting involved. 

• Visual acuity necessary to perceive reactions to treatment and to read instruments. 

• Talking and hearing necessary to convey and receive instructions and provide information to patients and staff members 

Special: 

• Willingness to work with realization that errors have serious consequences for the patient and work with a variety of patients of all age groups, many of whom are in debilitated conditions. 

• Characteristics of warmth, understanding and friendliness to establish a productive and therapeutic relationship with the patient. 

• Alertness to detect symptoms of unfavorable reactions. 

• Creativity and adaptability in providing therapeutic care. 

• Accuracy in adjustment of sensitive electrical instruments and in timing of treatments. 

• Initiative and judgment involved in administering treatment as prescribed by the physician and physical therapist in interpreting patients’ reactions, developing and maintaining work schedules, preparing reports of treatments and results, and adapting therapeutic exercises and equipment to patients when required. 

• Ability to form conclusions reflecting patient’s progress on basis of both sensory judgmental criteria and measurable or verifiable criteria, indicated by patient’s reaction to therapeutic activities. 

• Clerical perception necessary to keep accurate records of patient’s treatment, reactions and evolution of progress. 

• Spatial and form perception necessary to visualize anatomical structure of the disabled part of the body and the relation of therapeutic devices in remedial actions. 

• Verbal ability necessary to understand medical terminology and how it applies to physical therapy; to communicate with patients, staff and physicians; and to prepare meaningful reports.