Physical Therapist | Outpatient Therapy

Summary of Essential Functions

• Under the general supervision of the Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation, responsible for planning and implementing specific treatment programs for individual patients and patient groups according to the principles and practices of Physical Therapy.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team.

Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• B.S., M.S., or Doctoral degree from an accredited school of Physical Therapy. Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Texas Physical Therapy license.
• CPR Certification.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Acute/Hospital experience is preferred.
• Able to evaluate and establish treatment plans for diverse patient populations and implement treatment to achieve functional goals.
• Good communication and teaching skills.

Physical Requirements

• Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Potential for musculoskeletal injuries due to moving/lifting equipment and patients; potential for exposure to infectious processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint, and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.
• Reviews physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required.
• Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs.
• Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.
• Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in the use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Administers treatments involving application of physical agents and equipment.
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into patient’s medical record, including electronic documentation.
• Maintains records as required by law, establishment’s policy, and administrative regulations.
• Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to Orthotist/Prosthetist.
• Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggests revisions in treatment program, and integrates physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care.
• Orients, instructs, monitors, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.
• May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.
• Applies and operates department equipment according to established standards.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, clean, and secured environment with well-stocked supplies and properly functional equipment.
• Assists patients to learn and improve functional activities, including transfers, ambulation, and Activities of Daily Living.
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.