Physical Therapist Assistant; PTA

Overview

Pay Range: $26.06 - $36.08

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position is based in the Hospital Rehabilitation Services Department with a primary focus on providing Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) treatments. Physical therapy is a core service provided by this healthcare organization. Services are to be provided in compliance with hospital standards, licensure requirements, regulatory and practice standards of Physical Therapy and the national professional guidelines established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

To maintain a high standard of integrity in the profession and to safeguard the health and welfare of the public, physical therapy assistants shall adhere to the ethical standards set out in the Alaska Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Principles of Practice, dated March 2015.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort.

PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

The physical therapist is responsible for the services provided by the PTA. Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The PTA cannot attempt to practice physical therapy that has not been initiated, supervised, and terminated by a licensed physical therapist.

A PTA’s responsibilities do not include testing or evaluation.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Provides therapy treatments from physical therapist plan of care plan with focus on PT goals and implements treatment of PTA services to patients. Review clinical records and case histories. May attend care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs with-in the health care team concept. Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge.
  
  Document patient encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan, recommendations, and prognoses in appropriate format according to hospital policies. Provides services in a timely manner after receipt of referral. Both In-patient and out-patient populations in various settings as assigned.

• Entry-level qualifying Physical Therapy Assistant associate degree from a CAPTE accredited program.

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

• Current Basic Life Support CPR certification.

• Valid Driver’s license.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Acute care hospital and clinical out-patient experience preferred.

• Knowledge of anatomy, musculoskeletal physiology including active/passive range of motion, gait, strength,…