Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

The Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant provides skilled therapy intervention and treatments to patients in a home setting while acting under the supervision of the Registered Physical Therapist. This care includes providing direct patient care according to the treatment plan established by the Registered Physical Therapist. Monitor carefully the patient’s status and progress toward goals as well as compliance with physician’s orders. PTA’s are responsible for educating patients and caregivers while preparing the patient/caregiver for discharge as appropriate.

The person in this position must be able to perform the following essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

- Implement physical therapy services in accordance with the plan of treatment developed by the physical therapist, signed by the physician and planned, delegated and supervised by the PT.*

- Treat clients to relieve pain, develop and restore function and maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as stated in the physical therapy plan of care. *

- Observe, record, and report the client’s reactions to treatment and any changes in the client’s condition to the PT and/or Director of Nurses. *

- Collaborate with the PT in assisting the physician in assessing the client’s functional level by applying appropriate tests. Assist in the development and revision of the plan of care. *

- Complete clinical notes and progress reports according to agency policy and time frames. *

- Attend and participate with care conferences to ensure coordination of care. *

- Participate in the agency’s quality improvement program. *

- Keep abreast of physical therapy trends and knowledge. *

- Participate with in-service programs. *

Requirements

A person who is licensed, unless licensure does notapply, registered, or certified as a Physical Therapist Assistant, if applicable, by the State in which practicing, and meets one of the following requirements:

(1) Graduated from a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association; or if educated outside the United States or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist Assistant entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified at 8 CFR 212.15(e); and

Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist Assistants.

On or before December 31, 2009, meets one of the following:

Is licensed, or otherwise regulated in the State in which practicing.

In States where licensure or other regulations do not apply, graduated on or before December 31, 2009, from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and, effective January 1, 2010 meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this definition.

Before January 1, 2008, where licensure or other regulation does not apply, graduated from a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

On or before December 31, 1977, was licensed or qualified as a Physical Therapist Assistant and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S

Minimum of 2 years of physical therapy assistant experience.