Physical Therapist Assistant - COBRE VALLEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapist Assistant restores patient's function, alleviates pain, and prevents disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed and necessary skilled physical therapy and help the supervisingphysical therapist provide care to patients. Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, provide therapy through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and therapeutic modalities, such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound. Record patients' progress and report the results of each treatment to the physical therapist.

Adhere to legal practice standards and practice ethical decision-making that is consistent with the American Physical Therapy Association's Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Guide for Professional Conduct. The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant adheres to the principles, philosophy and mission of Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center in all aspects of job performance.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Promotes and maintains health by providing physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist.
2. Contributes to a physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues.
3. Administers treatment programs for patients.
4. Assesses patient health by interviewing patients, performing physical examinations, and obtaining updating, and studying therapy histories.
5. Evaluates abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.
6. Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
7. Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises and instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities.
8. Helps patients in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
9. Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens, giving normal growth and development information, and promoting wellness and health maintenance.
10. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, and adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
11. Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends and monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives.
12. Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations and JACHO standards.
13. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading periodicals, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
14. Enhances physical therapy reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It reflects the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center reserves the right to change job responsibilities, duties and hours as needs prevail. This document is for management communication only and not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification and licensure by the State of Arizona as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
• BLS/CPR certification required
• One year practical experience preferred, preferably with experience in inpatient and outpatient care settings.
• Must be able to interact effectively with co-workers, patients/family, physicians, and other hospital personnel.
• Must be able to perform effectively under physical and mental stress, maintaining concentration during that duration
• Must be able to function effectively under pressure or within time restraints.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Able to work independently and prioritize workflow.