Physical Therapy Assistant Duties
SUMMARY
Under general supervision and according to established treatment
plans and specific procedures, provides treatment to physical
therapy patients in order to assist them in regaining physical
mobility and function, increase strength, and decrease pain.
Performs related clerical and service duties.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists Physical Therapist in the development and implementation
of individual patient physical therapy care plans; performs
daily physical therapy assignments to accomplish patient therapy
plans and treatment goals.
Responsible for the daily care of assigned patients.
Guides patients through prescribed exercise programs, including
passive, assistive, and resistive exercise routines which are
designed to develop or enhance strength, muscle tone, and range
of motion.
May participate in the development of home exercise programs
designed to meet individualized patient needs.
Applies heat, light, water, and electrically based
treatments/modalities (i.e., ultrasound, infra-red lamp, muscle
stimulation, traction, hot and cold packs, paraffin baths,
whirlpool, diathermy, etc.) to stimulate muscle/nerve function.
Assists patients in gait training (i.e., the use of parallel
bars, walkers, crutches, canes, braces, etc.) in order to
improve ambulatory skills.
Performs other therapeutic activities such as massage and body
mechanics instruction (utilizing goniometer tests and indices).
Observes patient condition during treatment and notes any
significant change in patient condition.
Seeks assistance from professional therapist or medical
personnel when appropriate.
Records patient response to treatment and overall progress in
patient charts.
Refers patients to Physical Therapist for reevaluation as
necessary.
Prepares patient referrals as requested by Physical Therapist.
Advises professional team members of patient progress and
perceived effectiveness of treatments; may suggest revision of
treatment plan to better meet patient needs and capabilities.
Escorts/transports patients to physical therapy area, giving
verbal guidance to maximal physical assistance as required;
obtains wheelchairs, carts, walkers, etc. and assists patients
into chairs and onto carts and table as necessary and provides
physical support at all times.
Prepares physical therapy equipment by filling tanks, checking
and adjusting controls, setting timing devices, and so forth.
Cleans and maintains treatment areas by cleaning and changing
mats, changing linen, cleaning and refilling equipment, etc.
Follows sterile procedures and guidelines and ensures that all
equipment is working properly and reports needed repairs to
supervisor.
Assists in procuring supplies from other Health Center areas and
in properly storing unit supplies.
Assists in scheduling patients, preparation of daily schedules,
and maintenance of daily census of physical therapy patients.
Assists Physical Therapist in coordinating patient load.
Prepares charges for services provided and enter charges into
computer.
Remains abreast of developments in the field of physical therapy
technology by pursuing a program of self development, attending
in service and continuing education programs, and so forth.
Performs related duties as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Level of knowledge equivalent to that ordinarily acquired
through completion of an Associate's Degree in an accredited
Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
One to three months of experience.
Current licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the State
of Georgia.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, materials,
and equipment used in physical therapy.
Considerable knowledge of the possible hazards to patients
during treatment and of necessary precautionary and remedial
measures.
Some knowledge of anatomy and physiology sufficient to position
patients for various types of treatments without harm.
Ability to determine the proper length and intensity for
individual treatments.
Ability to demonstrate to patients and others the acceptable
techniques in a wide variety of physical therapeutic treatments.
Ability to understand, interpret, and adapt a physician's
written or oral direction for physical therapy.
Ability to make necessary working adjustments and minor repairs
to standard physical therapy equipment.
Ability to maintain adequate records to established techniques. |
|
|
