Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant supports patient care by delivering treatments according to the Physical Therapists Plan of Care. This role assists patients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring comfort, safety, and effective rehabilitation throughout therapy sessions. The position includes charting patient progress, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring that treatment areas remain organized, safe, and compliant with clinical standards.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Supervisory Responsibilities

Ensure assigned treatment areas are secure, orderly, and organized.
Supervise technicians assigned to the area.
Oversee patients receiving treatment in assigned areas.

Non-Supervisory Responsibilities

Maintain equipment, machines, supplies, and facilities.
Ensure patient safety and overall welfare.
Prevent unnecessary expenses, waste, and equipment damage.
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the department/facility.

Knowledge Requirements

Understanding of cleaning agents, patient-handling techniques, departmental layout, and physical therapy treatment methods.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics, and general medical science.

Skill Requirements

Apply physical therapy principles and operate therapy equipment competently.
Perform technical procedures and communicate effectively and professionally.
Safely handle patients, assist efficiently, and use appropriate treatment techniques.

Mental Application

Build confidence with patients and staff; make independent decisions; adapt to emergencies.
Remain attentive, flexible, and detail-oriented.
Follow instructions, accept constructive feedback, and adapt to changing situations.

Dexterity

Coordinate sight and body movements for treatment procedures.
Use tools and equipment safely and effectively.

Policies & Accuracy

Adhere to all departmental policies and procedures.
Perform duties with a high degree of accuracy in carrying out treatment plans, documenting care, and reporting.

Physical Demands

Maintain physical stamina and strength to perform frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and 25 lbs regularly; assist with patient transfers as needed.
Maintain good vision, hearing, coordination, and overall physical condition.

Worker Characteristics

Demonstrate courtesy, patience, tact, professionalism, and good grooming.
Organize time efficiently to maximize patient care.
Maintain emotional stability, initiative, judgment, and enthusiasm.

Hazards

Occasional exposure to muscular strain, hazardous chemicals, and infectious materials.

Supervision

Works under the direction of a Physical Therapist with minimal oversight.
Provides supervision to non-professional personnel as applicable.

Public Relations

Acts as a primary point of contact for patients in the therapy area; must be courteous and professional.

Performance Improvement

Participates in organization-wide and department-level performance improvement initiatives.

Additional Duties

Support organizational mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
Complete required education and perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required: Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program; Associate degree in Physical Therapy.
Preferred: Evidence of continuing education relevant to clinical practice.

Licenses / Certifications

Required: Current PTA license in good standing; CPR certification.
Preferred: None.

Experience

Required: Ability to support physical rehabilitation and patient psychosocial well-being; professional appearance; strong communication skills.
Preferred: None.

Physical Requirements

Ability to detect and respond to patient alarms and verbal communication.
Visual acuity for monitoring patient conditions and reading documentation.
Tactile perception for assessing patient physical characteristics.
Ability to perform fine motor tasks and operate medical equipment.
Frequent walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting; may require assistance with heavier transfers.
Ability to sit for extended periods as needed.

Working Conditions

Indoor clinical environment such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility.
Possible exposure to infectious diseases, chemicals, and medical equipment.
Required use of safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE).