Physical Therapy Assistant-Adult Acute Therapy Full-Time

Tucson Medical Center - Tucson, AZ

Full-time - Entry Level

Tucson, AZ

Hospitals

About the position

Under the direction of a physical therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant delivers prescribed physical therapy treatments and education to patients. The goal is to restore function, minimize the impact of prolonged acute care admission, and promote improved independence with functional mobility to maximize patient outcomes. The assistant is responsible for recording and reporting on patient progress and communicating effectively with the physical therapist and the interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Administers physical therapy care or portions of programs as directed by a licensed physical therapist.
• Recognizes and recommends changes for improvement in program content.
• Assists therapist during patient testing, evaluations, and complex procedures.
• Monitors patient condition levels and reports changes to appropriate individuals.
• Documents patient care efficiently, timely, and effectively in the electronic medical record.
• Provides instruction in therapeutic procedures to be continued by patient and/or family/caregiver.
• Conducts or participates in training medical and other personnel in therapy techniques and objectives.
• Attends patient care staffing, conferences, and other related meetings; coordinates with other service areas to ensure proper patient care.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy.
• Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies, and standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school required.
• Certification as a PT Assistant required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required.
• One (1) - two (2) years of adult acute therapy experience preferred, but exceptional new graduate candidates with acute therapy rotation will be considered.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of the types of physical therapy programs used to assist in the restoration of function in a patient or prevent a disability.
• Skill in the ability to demonstrate or lead a patient in the performance of a therapy regimen.
• Skill in following directions and reporting back any issues or concerns the patient may be encountering.