Job Summary

Assist the physical therapist by administering physical therapy services designed to restore function and prevent disability following trauma or disease through the use of various physical therapy measurements, exercises and modalities.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Graduate of a physical therapist assistant program approved by the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Minimum Years of Experience: None.
Substitutable Education & Experience: None.
Required Certifications/Licensure: Licensed physical therapist assistant in the State of South Carolina by the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;

CPR Certification.
Required Training: None.

Essential Functions

• Works under the supervision of a physical therapist to administers direct physical therapy patient care as outlined in the treatment plan by the physical therapist using specific competencies.
• Demonstrates age specific competence to provide developmentally appropriate care/treatment for the following patient population:
  • Child (1 year through 12 years)
  • Adolescent (13 years through 17 years)
  • Adult (18 years to 65 years)
  • Geriatric (over 65 years).
• Administers physical therapy treatments designed to relieve pain, develop or restore function and maintain maximum performance using physical means such as, but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and modalities.
• Monitors ongoing progress by administering physical therapy tests and measurements, such as muscle testing, functional ability, and range of motion.
• Documents/records appropriate patient treatment data, such as patient progress notes, and discharge summaries as directed by CMS and the physical therapy state practice act.
• Instructs patients and their families in home program.
• Represents department and communicates with the interdisciplinary team for discharge planning and coordination of medical services during hospital stay.
• Represents department in meetings, such as attending patient care conferences and providing in-services for other hospital departments such as nursing, housekeeping, etc.
• Assist in providing clinical supervision of rehab techs and students in their duties.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisors, or authorized personnel as required in an emergency, e.g. fire or disaster.
• Uses effective time management to complete patient care assignments and meet departmental productivity standards.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgement and acts in accordance with the state physical therapy practice act, hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in professional activities for continued self-development, and growth of technical knowledge and skills.
• Therapist will be able to meet deadlines and commitments with minimal supervision.
• Uses safe techniques and safe patient handling equipment as needed for protection of patients and self while performing duties.
• Demonstrates competence in safe delivery of care.
• Maintains an optimistic and professional image and exhibits excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers. Demonstrates teamwork while performing duties, for example assists with the transportation of patients as needed. Exhibits courtesy, compassion and respect, when working with patients, visitors and co-workers. Conforms to the Service Expectation Policy.
• Reports to work on time and meets the hospital criteria for attendance and tardiness.