A physical therapist assistant is responsible for providing aid to professionals in the field in such a way that helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses. Their duties include massaging patients, helping with exercises, and answering patients' questions.

Keys to writing a physical therapist assistant job description. Zippia analyzed thousands of physical therapist assistant job descriptions to identify key pieces of information you want to include. Using a machine learning data analysis, we determined the following key facts about physical therapist assistant job descriptions:

  • The average physical therapist assistant job description intro is about 93 words
  • The responsibilities section contains an average of 12 bullets points
  • The requirements section contains an average of 6 bullets points

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Physical Therapist Assistant Duties

  • Manage a diverse caseload including, but not limit to CVA's, cardiac care, Alzheimer's and sub acute orthopedics
  • Provide patients at a SNF with ROM exercises, transfer and gait training as well as balance and bed mobility exercises.
  • Provide physical therapy treatment as directed by physical therapist as PRN PTA for inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation and community hospital settings.
  • Care of patients in acute and ICU settings.
  • Work with adult, geriatrics, burns, ulcers and ICU patients
Check All Physical Therapist Assistant Duties

Physical Therapist Assistant Requirements

Physical therapist assistant requirements can be divided into basic requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in physical therapist assistant job postings.

Requirements
  • Associate’s degree in physical therapy.
  • Licensed physical therapy assistant.
  • Experience in physical therapy.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Proficiency in relevant computer software.
Required Soft Skills
  • Excellent interpersonal communication.
  • Able to follow directions.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Therapist Assistant Description Example 1

Full Job Description

This job assumes responsibility for and provides routine treatment as assigned according to plan of are provided by a licensed Physical Therapist. Provides direct patient care after the patient has been evaluated by a licensed Physical Therapist and documents patient progress in daily progress notes and/or summaries to physicians.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required -Associate's degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Program

Work Experience
Required -None.

Certifications
Required - Current Physical Therapy Assistant license in the state of practice or eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity from another state
Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process. Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard Strong organizational skills Good interpersonal skills

Job Duties
Performs physical therapy treatments as prescribed by the physician under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Communicates and documents any changes in patient's status and informs therapist of patient's reassessment. Maintains patient records according to documentation standards, policies and procedures. Participates in staff and committee projects. Achieves established productivity levels set forth by administration. May be required to educate and train others within discipline. Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

Other related duties as required. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Mechanical lifting devices (e.g. carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach, squat, crawl and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.


Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
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Physical Therapist Assistant Description Example 2

Full Job Description

Under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, performs treatments and provides exercise instruction, demonstration and education for patients at an entry to intermediate skill level. Under general supervision, performs diversified secretarial/clerical duties requiring knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare billing protocols. Provides support for department head and department staff as needed. Assists therapists and/or therapist assistants in preparing patients for therapy, treating patients and gathering supplies.
Duties and Responsibilities


+ Carries out a program of exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as determined by evaluation performed by the Physical Therapist.


+ Assists the Physical Therapist during patient testing, evaluations and complex procedures according to the rules and regulations of the APTA and PPTA.


+ Coordinates physical therapy activities in collaboration with the other members of the interdisciplinary team to facilitate achievement of established goals.


+ Ensures compliance with regulations set forth by the regulatory agencies and state governing bodies.


+ Conducts or participates in training medical and nursing personnel in physical therapy techniques and objectives.


+ Utilizes safe patient handling techniques for all patient transfers, lifts and positioning.


+ Complies with PA practice act related to communication with supervising Physical Therapist.


+ Answers telephones, routes callers, takes messages and provides routine information to callers.


+ Greets and registers patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.


+ Schedules patient appointments within established parameters.


+ Performs a variety of billing functions including recording patient information, preparing and submitting patient charge vouchers and processing insurance information.


+ Bills insurance carriers for appropriate payments.


+ Contacts carriers to follow up on balances due.


+ Maintains up-to-date patient accounts.


+ Prepares and maintains records of patient charges.


+ Creates medical records for new patients.


+ Establishes and maintains files and records on an ongoing basis.


+ Schedules meetings, training and other requirements for staff.


+ Enters and/or retrieves data from established computer files using knowledge of various computer software applications.


+ Compiles data for and prepares regularly scheduled or special reports, analyses and statements.


+ Prepares the treatment areas for patient care including: sets up, removes, cleans, appropriately stores, and organizes equipment and supplies including linens. Assists with monitoring of supply stock, informing front office when supplies are low.


+ Monitor temperatures of applicable equipment per policy.


+ Clean hydroculators, ice pack machines, and paraffin baths and document on cleaning logs


+ Assists department in preparation for regulatory surveys, utilizing checklists to ensure compliance.


Qualifications


+ Associate's Degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program


+ Certified Physical Therapist Assistant; BLS certification


+ Up to 6 months


Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
WellSpan Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy and intention of the System to maintain consistent and equal treatment toward applicants and employees of all job classifications without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.
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Physical Therapist Assistant Description Example 3

Full Job Description

University Hospitals Rehabilitation Hospital is proud to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Rehabilitation Hospitals in 2021 and 2022!

UH Rehabilitation Hospital is a joint venture between University Hospitals and Kindred Healthcare, bringing together the expertise of both world-class organizations. Our goal is to restore lives, helping patients regain their independence so they can return home. Our 50-bed, state-of-the-art acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals who have experienced a variety of conditions.
Job Specific:




Under guidance of supervising PT: Acquires pertinent information and implements comprehensive program using varied techniques and treatment activities; reviews and modifies treatment in response to changing patient needs; identifies equipment and discharge needs.
Is aware of patient injury/diagnosis and takes all necessary precautions for observing indications and contradictions.
Assists the patient in the preparation for treatment/modality as necessary.
Provides treatment to diverse diagnostic populations and completes supporting documentation according to hospital policy and State Practice Act.
Communicates collaborates with support personnel regarding treatment orders as directed by the supervising PT.
Applies the physical agents, therapeutic exercises or gait-training activates as outlined by the licensed PT, in the patient POC. Progresses patients in an appropriate manner when deemed necessary by the PT.
Observes treatment affect, accomplishment of short and long term goals and recommends change to the supervising PT, if needed.
Demonstrates appropriate and effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication with team members through the continuum of care.
Completes timely and accurate documentation, including QI scoring, of patient treatment in the patient medical record as indicated
Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function of participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate interventions to reduce pain after consulting with supervising OTR/L and makes appropriate physician contact as indicated.
When necessary, instructs care giver/family members in home exercise program as related to the patient's functional and ambulatory status: discusses necessary equipment for the home situation.
Records daily charges within day of treatment
Writes progress notes in accordance with departmental policy.
Reports on patient's status at team and family conferences when necessary. (Team conferences should be attended by the supervising PT and with the PTA in attendance.)
May transport patients/equipment to/from therapy gym.
Utilizes specialized equipment, testing procedures and/or advanced treatment techniques with appropriate competency




Qualifications




Current state licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Previous experience in the care of patients preferred.
Current BLS/CPR.
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Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Faqs

What Are The Most Common Skills On A Job Description For A Physical Therapist Assistant?

The most common skills on a job description for a physical therapist assistant are Patients, Rehabilitation, and Home Health.

What Does A Physical Therapist Assistant Do?

A physical therapist assistant's role is to provide treatments that will help a patient improve physical movements while under a physical therapist's supervision. Their responsibilities revolve around regularly observing a patient's reaction and progress to the treatment, operating various machines such as treadmills and trainers, and giving instructions to families on how to take care of the patient while at home. Furthermore, they must coordinate with a physical therapist to meet all of the patient's needs and give the best treatment possible.
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