Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant - Physical Therapy

CHRISTUS Health; Alamogordo (NM); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant to administer therapy modalities under supervision and support rehabilitation goals. The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and collaboration with the Physical Therapy team to maximize patient outcomes.

Responsibilities include treatment delivery, patient education, and participation in department quality initiatives, with focus on accurate records and effective communication with patients and staff.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an APTA-approved program.
• Current New Mexico licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association).
• Basic computer literacy and familiarity with patient documentation.

Responsibilities

• Administers physical therapy modalities under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
• Assists in treatment planning and patient education to restore function.
• Maintains accurate patient records and supports department CQI activities.
• Demonstrates safe operation of therapy equipment and adherence to safety policies.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Education

Associate degree in Physical Therapy Assisting

New Mexico PTA licensure

CPR/BLS certification

Job description

Description

Summary: Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff Physical Therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff Physical Therapist, after the physical therapist has evaluated the patient. The Physical Therapy Assistant assists with the restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease, or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The Physical Therapy Assistant participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department, and participates in CQI activities. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety, and fire safety programs. This description is not intended to be a complete list of duties. Other related duties may be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide services based on the physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and other related criteria appropriate population in his/her assigned area
• Maintains required core competencies.
• Complies with set Policies and Procedures (i.e. name tag, dress code, parking, smoking, etc.)
• Assumption: All aspects of the Job Specific Competencies are assumed to be under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.
• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the Physical Therapist. Adheres to standards of physical therapy practice as outlined by the American Physical Therapy Association and the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board.
• Correctly interprets and implements the plan of care as outlined by the physical therapist and seeks understanding and clarification in cases where needed.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Demonstrates the required knowledge and ability to deliver the various modalities of physical therapy in a safe and efficacious manner.
• Observes and assesses treatment effect, accurately communicates and discusses observations Physical Therapist and other members of the multidisciplinary team responsible for the care of the patient.
• Assessing patient's pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation-makes appropriate clinician contact for intervention, if indicated.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment and manner that is most favorable for patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Assists with the formulation and implementation of a teaching/education plan based upon identified learning needs of the patient and family and assesses effectiveness of learning on an ongoing basis.
• Completes all documentation thoroughly and related charges accurately the same day treatment is rendered.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, hospital staff and members of the department.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Uses clinical resources in a judicious manner so as to minimize costs to the patient and the organization.
• Coordinates and assists with direction patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Actively plants for the patient's discharge from the day of admission through the entire length of stay demonstrated in patient documentation and participation in meetings or discussions with other care providers.
• Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Utilizes time in a productive manner that emphasizes patient care and by-products related to delivering that care. Regularly meets or exceeds productivity standards.

Requirements

• Required Education: Associate degree form a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Required National Licensure: Not applicable
• Required New Mexico Licensure: Must have current New Mexico licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Required Certification(s): Current American Heart — HeartSaver or Basic Life Support (BLS) card.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English-additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge. Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology. Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Performs related responsibilities as assigned.

Work Schedule

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type

Full Time