Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Position:  Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Job Summary:  The Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant provides skilled therapy intervention and treatments to patients in a home setting while acting under the supervision of the Registered Physical Therapist. This care includes providing direct patient care according to the treatment plan established by the Registered Physical Therapist. Monitor carefully the patient’s status and progress toward goals as well as compliance with physician’s orders. PTA’s are responsible for educating patients and caregivers while preparing the patient/caregiver for discharge as appropriate.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements:   

1. A person who is licensed, unless licensure does not apply, registered, or certified as a Physical Therapist Assistant, if applicable, by the State in which practicing, and meets one of the following requirements:

1. (1) Graduated from a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association; or if educated outside the United States or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist Assistant entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified at 8 CFR 212.15(e); and
   1. Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.
2. On or before December 31, 2009, meets one of the following:

1. 1. Is licensed, or otherwise regulated in the State in which practicing.
   2. In States where licensure or other regulations do not apply, graduated on or before December 31, 2009, from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and, effective January 1, 2010 meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this definition.

1. Before January 1, 2008, where licensure or other regulation does not apply, graduated from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

1. On or before December 31, 1977, was licensed or qualified as a Physical Therapist Assistant and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S

Responsibilities/essential functions: The person in this position must be able to perform the following essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Implement physical therapy services in accordance with the plan of treatment developed by the physical therapist, signed by the physician and planned, delegated and supervised by the PT.*
2. Treat clients to relieve pain, develop and restore function and maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as stated in the physical therapy plan of care. *
3. Observe, record, and report the client’s reactions to treatment and any changes in the client’s condition to the PT and/or Director of Nurses. *
4. Collaborate with the PT in assisting the physician in assessing the client’s functional level by applying appropriate tests. Assist in the development and revision of the plan of care. *
5. Complete clinical notes and progress reports according to agency policy and time frames. *
6. Attend and participate with care conferences to ensure coordination of care. *
7. Participate in the agency’s quality improvement program. *
8. Keep abreast of physical therapy trends and knowledge. *
9. Participate with in-service programs. *

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform to the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Elements

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of their position;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to efficiently function in a general office environment; and
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to efficiently function in a general office environment, with frequent travel to a variety of field sites.

Environmental Elements

Employee works in an office environment sometimes with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Employee will have to travel to a variety of patient homes and perform in conditions that vary greatly depending upon the client’s home environment. Some homes will be clean, neat, and maintained at a comfortable temperature. Other homes may be cluttered, dirty, with an uncomfortable temperature.

The above list reflects the essential functions and other job functions considered necessary of the job identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, or assigned by supervisory personnel.  This job description is used as a guide only and not inclusive of responsibilities and job duties.