Physical Therapist

Westchester Medical Center Health Network; Town of Mount Pleasant (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Westchester Medical Center Health Network is seeking a Physical Therapist to perform evaluations and treatments in hospital, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. You will take histories, assess patients, and adjust therapy plans based on physician prescriptions.

The role involves using rehab equipment, providing muscle re-education and therapeutic exercises, and educating patients on safe use of equipment. NYS limited permit or licensure is required.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years’ experience in acute care and/or rehabilitation preferred, but new graduates may be considered.
• Master’s degree or Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited university.
• Must possess a limited permit to practice physical therapy or be licensed/registered in NYS as a Physical Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Takes patient histories and performs physical assessment to evaluate conditions and adjust therapy plans.
• Evaluates need for rehabilitation equipment and prostheses to improve mobility.
• Observes patient responses and refers to appropriate discipline when needed.
• Applies equipment to maximize patient functioning.
• Performs muscle re-education, therapeutic exercise, coordination, balance, relaxation, and neuromuscular facilitation.
• Administers modalities (hot/cold packs, contrast baths, ultrasound, electrodiagnostics) per NYS guidelines.
• Instructs patients in use and care of durable medical equipment (canes, crutches, walkers, braces, prostheses).
• Educates patients on rehabilitation goals and procedures to promote understanding and independence.
• Maintains accurate patient records and statistics.
• May supervise or train PT students as appropriate.
• Serves as resource for staff, family, and referring physicians.

Education

Master’s degree/Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Job description

Job Summary:

The Physical Therapist performs evaluations and treatments with patients in accordance with the diagnosis and prescription of referring physicians. Treatment is provided in the hospital, rehabilitation department and or outpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Takes patient histories and performs physical assessment to evaluate physical conditions and to adjust therapy plans;
• Evaluates the need for and determines proper rehabilitation equipment and prostheses needed by the patient to improve mobility;
• Observes patient responses to therapy and makes referrals to the appropriate discipline for treatment, if needed;
• Utilizes appropriate equipment for maximum functioning of the patient;
• Performs and educates patient with muscle re-education, therapeutic exercise, coordination and balance exercises, relaxation techniques, and all forms of neuromuscular facilitation;
• Administers hot and cold packs, contrast baths, ultrasound and electro diagnostics as appropriate and in accordance with NYS guidelines.
• Instructs patients in the safe use and care of durable medical equipment including canes, crutches, walkers, braces and/or prostheses.
• Instructs and reinforces with patients the goals and procedures used in their rehabilitation program to promote understanding, motivation, and independence;
• Maintains accurate patient records and statistics;
• May participate in the on-the-job clinical training of physical therapy students as appropriate;
• Serves as resource for other health care staff, family members, and referring physicians or agency staff.

Qualifications/Requirements

Experience:

1-2 years’ experience in acute care and or rehabilitation preferred but willing to train a new graduate.

Education:

Master’s degree/Doctorate from an accredited university in Physical Therapy.

Licenses / Certifications:

Must possess a limited permit to practice physical therapy issued by the New York State Education Department, and must have applied for or taken the licensing examination for physical therapy OR must possess license and current registration issued by the New York State Education Department as a Physical Therapist.

Other:

Thorough knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology, neurophysiology, electrotherapy and physics; knowledge of clinical pathology, pharmacology and psychology; knowledge of the modern physical medicine equipment including care and maintenance of such equipment; knowledge of the modern physical therapy techniques and procedures including knowledge of advancement in prosthetics and orthotics; ability to prepare reports and keep accurate patient records; ability to set up and carry out a rehabilitation program based on diagnosis obtained from a physician; ability to relate to physicians, co-workers, patients and their families and other community personnel; ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position; ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments; integrity; initiative; tact; reliability; physical condition commensurate with the requirements of the position.

Special Requirements:

If the candidate is a graduate of an approved physical therapy program and indicates that they have submitted applications and fees for both the licensing examination and limited permit, then they may practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. This exemption is only valid for up to 90 days after the date of graduation.