Physical Therapy Assistant

Description

Exalt Health, an acute rehabilitation hospital, provides an intensive rehabilitation program, and admitted patients must be able to tolerate three hours of intense rehabilitation services per day. Focused on caring for patients with complex rehabilitative needs such as stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, head trauma, medically debilitation conditions, neurological disorders, cardio-pulmonary amputations, orthopedic injuries, and multiple major traumas.

Position Summary

As a Physical Therapy Assistant, you will play a vital part of our interdisciplinary team. You will work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists to deliver comprehensive rehabilitation programs to our patients. You will provide direct patient care, educate patients and families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct patient interviews and physical examinations to gather information and assess needs.
• Implement treatment plans developed by the physical therapist, including therapeutic exercises, gait training, and manual therapy techniques.
• Instruct and motivate patients in performing exercises and activities of daily living (ADLs) safely and effectively.
• Monitor patient progress, document treatment sessions, and report findings to the physical therapist.
• Educate patients and families on their condition, treatment plan, and home exercise programs.
• Assist with ambulation training and the use of assistive devices.
• Maintain a clean and safe treatment environment.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with nurses, doctors, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices in physical therapy.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

(Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Licenses or Certifications

• Current, unencumbered license to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the state where currently practicing.
• Current BLS required via the American Heart Association or American Red Cross (required).

Education, Training, and Experience

• Associate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. 
• 2 years of Inpatient Rehabilitation experience (preferred).
• Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.
• Proficient in documentation and medical record keeping. 
• Strong understanding of current trends and best practices in rehabilitation medicine.

Skills and Abilities, Proficiency and Productivity Standards

• Promotes a healing environment and utilizes resources for optimum patient outcomes.
• Supports Patient Rights and promotes patient satisfaction.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects within a dynamic environment.
• Organizes and prioritizes tasks and projects, accurately completing job responsibilities within the specified time constraints.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under deadlines and handle multiple tasks.
• Speaks and communicates English effectively in verbal and written format; writes legibly.
• Works cooperatively with co-workers and other hospital employees
• Functions proficiently in a Microsoft Windows environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)