Physical Therapist Assistant

Required Qualifications

The Physical Therapy Assistant must possess:

• A valid, unrestricted license in his/her therapy discipline in the state.
• Meet educational requirements of his/her licensure requirements.
• Valid driver’s license in the state of employment preferred.
• Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care preferred.

Assists in the practice of physical therapy and activities requiring an understanding of physical therapy but not requiring professional or advanced training in the anatomical, biological, and physical sciences involved in the practice of physical therapy.

Practices only under the direction of a registered physical therapist (licensed).

Implements the physical therapy treatment plan as established by the physical therapist in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing body and its respective affiliate state chapter, current state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act in the state.

Records the resident's progress and can request a reexamination if/when needed.

Offers suggestions, provides feedback, carries-out agreed upon activities, and voices constructive concerns in a collaborative manner with the physical therapist.

May perform physical examination to obtain, update and study therapy histories to ensure that each resident is on the appropriate physical therapy track.

Documents physical therapy services by charting in the resident medical record.

Complies with facility policies and procedures for appropriately documenting for residents receiving physical therapy.

Schedules and coordinates with facility nursing staff therapy sessions for residents as instructed by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Prepares required documentation according to facility policy for billing purposes, discharge planning, etc. and as instructed by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Helps residents perform their planned therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises such as simply instructing and encouraging a resident through his/her exercises to physically helping him/her complete a difficult routine.

Treats residents who demonstrate disorders of musculoskeletal deficiencies, neurological conditions, balance disorders, and transfer/gait deficits, etc. Treatment will only be conducted after a written order is received from the physician.

Is familiar with assistive devices that might be used during treatment and ambulatory assistive devices, like canes and walkers that some residents may require for walking.

Monitors the resident’s environment in order to identify any needs or barriers that might negatively impact the resident’s therapy and recovery. Observes and makes recommendations for the necessary accommodations to the physical therapist and enacts those recommendations.

Treats residents with a variety of physical therapy techniques including but not limited to massaging sore muscles and pushing injured ones into deeper stretches.

Provides resident information needed for the resident assessment instrument according to facility policy such as but not limited to functional abilities, functional status, range of motion, balance during transitions and walking, physical therapy minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s) as assigned by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Ensures physical therapy equipment is stored, used and sanitized, disinfected and/or cleaned properly and safely in the facility.

Participates in daily, weekly, and/or monthly rehabilitative and interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss residents’ therapy progression in relation to discharge planning for residents receiving physical therapy services as designated by the rehabilitation director or physical therapist.

Adheres to the state practice guidelines in his/her discipline as defined by the State of Ohio Physical Therapy Practice Act. Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidelines as defined by the professional association.

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