Physical Therapy Technician

PURPOSE: Supports physical therapy care delivery by preparing treatment area, patient, equipment and materials; performing procedures, under the supervision of a physical therapist.

ACCOUNTABILITIES: (include but are not limited to)

• Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
• Prepare and maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress, and report to physical therapist.
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients practicing exercises and functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
• Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
• Prepares treatment area for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patient into physical therapy apparel or apertures.
• Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests
• Helps treat patients by applying heat packs; paraffin dips; assisting patients into whirlpool; helping patients onto therapy equipment, monitoring motion; tracking walking time and distance; measuring mobility; performing prescribed exercises and strengthening techniques.
• Educates patients by demonstrating proper use of equipment and exercise routines.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Sterilize and deliver equipment and supplies to treatment area; positioning equipment for therapist access; positioning patient on equipment.
• Ensures operation of physical therapy equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instruction; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
• Maintains physical therapy supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Assist in data collection and database management for FOTO, our functional outcome reporting system.
• Assist the therapy staff with the taking and recording of temperature and equipment maintenance logs.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Familiarity with HIPAA, insurance regulations, policies, procedures and other regulatory policies
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe working environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Able to react calmly and effectively in under stress
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures
• Develop and maintain effective and professional working relationships with patients, medical staff, coworkers and the public by displaying sympathy, tact and understanding
• Must be a team player with a positive attitude, adjust to various personalities , work with a diverse population, demonstrating patience and professionalism
• Represents the clinic in a professional manner
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all patient issues