Physical Therapy Assistant Outpatient

Overview

Under general supervision of a physical therapist, assists patients in reaching maximum physical potential, in accordance with the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act, treats patients using appropriate therapeutic interventions and participates in team and interdisciplinary meetings.

• AA degree from an accredited PT Assistant program.

• None required

• Knowledge of Physical therapy theories, practices, and standards
• Skill in using written and oral communications
• Skill in following treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and alerting the supervising physical therapist to status changes
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills
• Ability to prioritize and schedule patients utilizing time efficiently
• Skill in organization
• Ability to utilize standardized tests to support documentation
• Ability to manage an average caseload per productivity standards set
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn EMR navigation

• Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification).

• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of work time when administering treatments, observing patients and maintaining records or dealing with staff. Ability to stand and walk > 60% of the time. Ability to lift 30 lbs.

• Normal patient care environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperatures, and the like.
• Ability to perform work while using personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant
• Healthcare Provider (CPR certification)

Patient care Treatment

Treatment

• Provides objective information for the physical therapist in the accordance with the physical therapy plan of care and goals

• Implements treatment in accordance with the plan of care & goals established by the PT Evaluation and documents treatment program and goal progress. Consults with the Physical Therapist when changes to plan of care or goals are required
• Implements appropriate therapeutic interventions, progressing treatment plan and teaching patients/caregivers activities to reinforce therapeutic interventions, providing/fitting appropriate assistive devices and recognizing patient distress signals, which need follow-up
• Documents treatment plans and progress; records data required for statistics, productivity, billing, performance improvement program, etc. as appropriate
• Utilizes the assistance of rehab techs and volunteers for housekeeping, transportation and physical assistance, does not utilize the rehab tech in a context that could be interpreted as providing supervision
• Maintains current knowledge of therapy practice through continuing education
• Consistently provides both written and verbal patient education

• Informs Physical Therapist, MD, RN and Discharge Planner of patient s status and progress towards goals through documentation or direct communication, documents communications with Physical Therapist regarding changes in patient status, treatment plan, or discharge plan, communicates equipment needs and any changes/updates to original D/C plan to the discharge planner and RN
• Communicates with patient/caregiver to allay anxieties, seek input and elicit cooperation, trains and educates caregivers to assist patients with exercise program, maintain precautions and demonstrate safe functional mobility
• Participates in discharge planning with the interdisciplinary team, recommending appropriate assistance and continuation of the rehabilitation process as needed

• Receptive to change in promoting & complying with departmental initiatives.

• Demonstrates flexibility with schedule to accommodate follow-up treatments
• Identifies and communicates issues related to the working environment to PT/PTA Mentor/ Program Manager
• Utilizes chain of command effectively to promote cohesion and teamwork

• Independently recognizes own clinical limitations and seeks advice/education
• Actively seeks advice and incorporates feedback from PT mentor/ Program Manager
• Utilizes evidence base research for clinical practice and documentation

• Adheres to performance Improvement/ LDM requirements per department plan

• Works with PT/PTA Mentor/ Program Manager to resolve unit issues/ problems, developing resolutions and following up with both departmental staff and unit

• Demonstrates proficiency in proper billing and coding
• Utilizes time management skills to increase productivity, meets productivity standards set
• Actively seeks advice and demonstrates incorporation of feedback for performance improvement

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values

• Respect:
  Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
• Excellence:
  Meets and/or exceeds…