Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant

The Physical Therapy Assistant positions will report to the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) at the Monroe Outpatient Clinic, Monroe LA and Texarkana Outpatient Clinics located in Texarkana, TX. The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction.

Duties performed include, but are not limited to the following :

• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician.
• Plans and implements specialized treatment programs, some of which are for patients with complex medical problems and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist.
• Utilizes physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient / client.
• Independently implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
• Provides varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.).
• Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals.
• Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities.
• Identifies critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.
• Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment.
• Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedure.
• Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage.
• Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise.
• Fits, adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments.
• Organizes workday to complete duties in a timely manner allowing time for required daily chart documentation.
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions.
• Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.
• With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs.
• Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran.
• Instructs patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance of home programs.
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the ward physician, physiatrist, nursing staff, fellow therapists and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care.
• Works with Physical Therapists and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc.
• Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self.
• Reports to Lead Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs.
• Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants, volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday, 8 : 00am - 4 : 30pm; subject to change based on the needs of the facility.

Functional Statement # : 00434F

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

Requirements Conditions of Employment :

Qualifications :

Preferred Experience : Acute Care / Outpatient Orthopedic experience

Reference : For more information on this qualification standard, please visit.