JOB DESCRIPTION

REGISTERED PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Responsible for restoring the handicapped to their fullest physical ability and supervise the Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A graduate of a program in physical therapy approved by the council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association, or its equivalent, and when applicable is licensed or registered by the state.
• Must be capable of performing job duties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participates in evaluation and supervision of LPTA’s.

1. Completes initial evaluation and admission visit within 24 hours of referral unless specified otherwise by M.D. for patients being admitted for physical therapy only and develops a care plan.

1. Prepares and completes all required documentation for all visits and submits within 24 hours.

1. Assists the physician in evaluating patients by applying diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve joint and functional ability test.

1. Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, maintain maximum performances, using physical means, such as exercise, massage, heat, water, light and electricity.

1. Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercise, muscle re-education, gait and functional training activities of daily living including transfer activities and prosthetic training.

1. Makes use of equipment such as ultra sound, low voltage generators, moist packs, ice packs and percussion.

1. Observes, records and reports to the physician the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition.

1. Instructs patients in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes and prosthetic and orthotic devises. Also advises and consults with the physician in recommendation and feasibility of same.

1. Instructs other health team personnel including, when appropriate, RN’s, LPN’s, Home Health Aides and family members in certain phases of therapeutic exercises with which they may work with the patient, such as transfer, exercise program, use of appropriate appliance, ADL, gait training, etc.

1. Evaluates patient’s progress, determine need for continuation or discontinuation and notify physician accordingly.

1. Supervises and teaches in order to improve practice within the company when indicated.

1. Coordinates discharge planning with other disciplines.

1. Refers to other disciplines as indicated.

1. Conducts inservice programs as needed to other personnel.

1. Attends inservices, seminars, or other meetings as assigned by the immediate Supervisor or other management.

1. Maintains confidentiality of information related to business practices, business activities, and personnel.

1. Maintains a professional attitude when working with staff, fostering the team philosophy and team environment for all personnel.

1. Does not allow personal affairs to interfere with scheduled work time.

1. Maintains a professional appearance at all times.

1. Provides proper notification and/or advanced notice of absence or tardiness without abuse.

1. Participates willingly with special projects and/or overtime work when requested.

1. Follows all agency policy and procedures.