Home Health - PRN Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Las Cruces
The physical therapy assistant provides physical therapy services under the direction of the physical therapist and according to the physician's plan of care.
Responsibilities
- Under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist, assists in ongoing evaluation of the patient referred to physical therapy by the physician. Reviews test information for patients in the following areas: specific muscle strength, joint range of motion, sensation, fine and gross motor coordination, gait deviations, activities of daily living, and equipment needs, etc.
- Implements rehabilitative treatment programs for patients according to the physician’s orders and the plan of treatment established by the physical therapist, consults with the licensed physical therapist and the physicians to provide feedback and report progress.
- Coordinates treatment plans with the supervising physical therapist and other agency and contract facility team members including physician, occupational therapist, speech therapist, nursing staff, and social worker. Participates in staff meetings and case reviews as necessary.
- In consultation with the licensed physical therapist, re-evaluates the treatment program and as indicated by the individual’s progress and the physician’s orders, carries out the physical therapists modification and changes to the treatment plan in accordance with new information.
- Explains and instructs the family in the individual’s treatment goals and program to insure carry-over in living arrangement and/or home setting; makes recommendations to the licensed physical therapist regarding adaptive
equipment. - Maintains verbal and/or written communications among other personnel involved in the care of the patient; maintains clinical records on all patients referred to physical therapy and in consultation with the licensed physical therapist.
- Performs and submits required documentation of patient’s clinical notes, progress reports, summaries and case conferences along with changes in orders. All patient visit notes must be turned in the next scheduled work day, not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours.
- Advances professional growth; participates in training sessions at least 2 times annually; attends short courses, and studies professional journals and texts.
- Administers non-complex active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, traction, heat, light, cold, water and electrical modalities and ultrasound to patients with relatively stable conditions. Gait, transfer, bed mobility, balance, home exercise program safety and other skilled physical therapy services appropriate for a Physical Therapist Assistant as per the Physical Therapy Practice Act of the state in which PTA is practicing.
- Complies with Homecare Agency Compliance Plan.
- Complies with Homecare Agency’s Infection Control Policies.
- Complies with Homecare Agency’s HIPAA Policies.
Skills
- Must be a graduate of a 2-year college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association
- Minimum of one year of experience in the clinical practice of Physical Therapy
- A Physical Therapist Assistant should meet the qualifications for a Physical Therapist Assistant under the Federal Conditions of Participation for Homecare Agency established by CMS.
- Must be licensed to practice physical therapy by the state licensing board in the state of practice.
- Current CPR license.
