Job Description

The Physical Therapy Assistant promotes and maintains patient health by providing physical therapy services under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, contributing to the Physical Therapist’s effectiveness by identifying patient care issues.

THE DETAILS OF THE JOB

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist patients with active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, and give therapeutic massage, and heat, light, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ultraviolet, infrared, and hot and cold packs.
• Apply traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment. Instruct, motivate, and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities, such as perambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily-living activities.
• Observe patients during treatments, and compile and evaluate data on patients' responses to treatments and progress and reports verbally or in writing to Physical Therapist.
• Fit patients for, adjust, and train patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Confer with members of physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs.
• Perform clerical duties such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms.
• May measure patient's range-of-joint motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of specific treatments or to assist Physical Therapist to compile data for patient evaluations.
• Meet the Company’s expectations as described in the VSON Policies and Practices.
• Maintain confidentiality of Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in accordance with company Policies and State and Federal laws, including OHSA and HIPAA regulations.
• Perform job in accordance with all company safety practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

WHAT IT TAKES TO DO THE JOB

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of medical safety hazards and precautions.
• Ability to communicate with different audiences in a simple, clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work under pressure and with strict deadlines.
• Ability to identify when confidentiality, discretion and judgment are needed, and exhibit these traits appropriately.
• Ability to keep detailed reports, and use information technology including email and web navigation, clinical EMR, and Microsoft Suite programs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATES

• Associate degree for physical therapy assistant required.
• CPR certification required.
• Current Colorado Physical Therapy Assistant license required.