Physical Therapy Technician

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JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for assisting the OT, OTA, PT, PTA, and OT/OTA and PT/PTA students with patient treatments, maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies, housekeeping duties and any other assigned duties while in the acute setting. Adheres to policies, procedures, and standards of practice as defined by and/or stated by the 1) American Occupational Therapy Association, 2) Texas State Occupational Therapy Practice Act, 3) American Physical Therapy Association, 4) Texas State Physical Therapy Practice Act, 5)DNV, 6) UMC Standard Policy and Procedure Manual, 7) PM&R Policy and Procedure Manual.


REPORTS TO:


JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors patients in routine exercise programs including passive, active assistive, active and
Resistive ROM programs as instructed by the PT/PTA or OT/OTA
• Monitors patients in gait training activities, using any weight bearing precautions, and using
assistive equipment as instructed by the therapist
• Assists the therapist with monitoring patient safety while performing ADL’s and transfers.
• Performs modalities appropriately as directed by the PT/PTA or OT/OTA and be aware of major
precautions and contraindications for modalities including but not limited to continuous passive
motion (CPM) machines, hot and cold treatments, coban wrap, paraffin baths, fluidotherapy,
whirlpool, ultrasound and splint checks.
• Monitors patient transfers and be able to perform transfers in a safe manner while using proper
body mechanics and assist PT/PTA or OT/OTA as needed.
• Performs routine daily/weekly or monthly housekeeping duties including but not limited to
cleaning patient care areas with disinfectant after patient use, disposing of soiled linens properly,
and maintaining storage areas in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Completes daily tasks as assigned to include but not limited to charge sheets, updating daily
patient lists, discussion with nursing staff to prepare patient for PT/PTA or OT/OTA treatments,
and prepare patient for next PT/PTA or OT/OTA session.
• Assists in assembling weekly and daily supply orders and will maintain the proper level of
supplies/inventory in the department.
• Must communicate patient responses to treatment both verbally and in writing to PT/PTA or
OT/OTA.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• No previous hospital experience is required but preferred.
• Computer experience preferred, but not required.
• On the job training provided.


REQUIRED LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

• No licensure required.
• Basic Life Support Certification (CPR) after the first 90 days.


SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Should speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others, demonstrate good public
relations, demonstrate assertiveness, flexibility and tact.
• Perform technical procedures as assigned by the therapist.
• Have ability and competence to operate necessary equipment.
• Must be able to instill confidence in patients, physicians, and personnel.
• Adapt to emergency conditions.
• Be alert to changes in the patient’s condition.
• Demonstrate economic use of time.
• Know techniques of assisting and handling patients.
• Understand Departmental/Facility policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Be aware of inter/intradepartmental communication.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS:

Must display a professional attitude at all times, be thoughtful of others, neat and well groomed. Will need to carry out close working relationships with many people including but not limited to the Director and IP/OP Managers, Supervisor, OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, support personnel, Speech, Audiologists, Physicians, Nursing staff, Social Services, Respiratory Therapy, Radiology, Food and Nutrition, and most importantly patients and their family members or caregivers. Should have the flexibility to schedule around the afore mentioned services if needed and have the ability to organize time in order to treat the maximum number of patients in the allotted working day. Should also offer help to co-workers when down time is experienced.


PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:

Good physical stamina, be able to be on feet most of the day and be fairly strong and energetic. Work frequently requires much walking, standing, carrying,