Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction. The PTA participates with the PT in planning and implementing complex treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within SAVAHCS including various clinical, administrative, and patient care areas associated with PM&RS.

Duties

Major duties to include but not limited to: Implements the plan of care for patient cases, advance the program, and continually review the patient's condition to determine their medical and functional status. Performs specific interventions and monitors and captures progress of the patient/client using knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques. Responsible for the execution of routine and specialized physical therapy treatment of patients. The PTA is allowed individual creativity and initiative to execute treatment program goals and objectives set forth by the treating physical therapist. Implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Executes treatments for all types of diagnoses both routine and complex including but not limited to orthopedic, neurological, integumentary conditions of all degrees of severity. Many cases are complex where multiple diagnoses complicate treatment. Provides evidence based skilled interventions including, but not limited to: therapeutic exercise; therapeutic activities; therapeutic modalities; manual treatment; neuromuscular re-education; self-care and management training; patient/caregiver's education and group therapy; balance; body mechanics; flexibility; strength, etc. Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs or perceptions of the patient. Identifies critical changes (e.g., vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Utilizes considerable tact and resourcefulness in an effort to provide motivating factors to encourage patients to work toward rehabilitation goals. As a physical therapy team member, the PTA may be required to provide periodic in-services as requested by interdisciplinary team members. Instruction and/or patient education may include physical therapy interventions/modalities, body mechanics, transfer techniques, bed positioning, range of motion exercises and application of slings, splints, and braces. Communicates effectively with interdisciplinary treatment team members regarding patient function. Instructs patients and caregivers in varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home exercise programs. Administers thermo-therapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, TENS, diathermy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, low level laser therapy, traction, therapeutic exercises, and skin/wound care dressing as indicated by a Licensed Physical Therapist. Recognizes significant change and/or adverse reaction to treatment and initiates effective action immediately. Meets with the physical therapy staff and other healthcare team members to evaluate and discuss patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning. Assists in gait training and remedial muscle re-education. Facilitates the provision of adaptive and durable medical equipment provided by the physical therapist. Maintains the linen supply, cleans equipment, changes sheets on the treatment tables, and adheres to infection control procedures. Maintains clinic treatment records, attendance records, schedules patients when indicated and completes encounters daily. Documents treatment and treatment outcomes per the physical therapy treatment plan in the electronic medical record. Orders departmental supplies for the inpatient or outpatient physical therapy gym depending on assignment. Attends regularly scheduled departmental and physical therapy section meetings. Demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients related to physical limitations, unique psychological needs, and age associated illnesses and conditions. Work Schedule: Full-Time/ Monday - Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs; OR Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs. Licensure: Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Exceptions for Non-Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess state licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PTA on a full-time temporary appointment under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7401(a)(1)(B) and not to exceed two years in accordance with the timeframe in 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). Non-licensed individuals shall only provide care under the direct supervision of a licensed PTA or PT who meets all state regulatory requirements. Non-licensed individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until licensure is obtained. Temporary appointments of non-licensed PTAs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Failure to Obtain Licensure: In all cases, non-licensed PTAs must actively pursue meeting requirements for licensure starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the non-licensed PTA with the written requirements for licensure, including the time by which the license must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed by the deadline. Failure to obtain licensure during this time period may result in termination of employment. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grandfathering Provision: All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series [or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard] on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positi