Palmetto Therapy Services

Descriptions of Clinical Positions

Physical Therapy Assistant

A Physical Therapy Assistant is a licensed member of the health care team who applies Physical Therapy procedures under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist.

Duties Performed:
The responsibilities and duties of the Physical Therapy Assistant include but are not limited to:

Using physical means such as exercise, soft tissue mobilization/massage, heat, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance and independence.
Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, gait and functional training, activities of daily living including transfer activities and prosthetic training.
Uses equipment such as ultrasound, mechanical traction, electrical stimulation, whirlpools and contrast baths.
Participates in the planning and coordination of total patient care.
Observes, records and reports to the licensed Physical Therapist the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition.
Instructs patients in care and use of crutches, walkers, canes, braces, wheelchairs, and prosthetic or orthotic devices.
Attends inservice education programs and continuing education courses to enhance educational background.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A Physical Therapy Assistant must be a graduate of an approved school with a course of not less than two years and must possess a current license as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the state where practicing. He/she must display integrity, compassion, reliability, initiative, adequate communication skills and a professional attitude.

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Physical Therapy Aide

A Physical Therapy Aide is responsible for assisting the therapist and assistant in the application of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities and injuries. Work in this capacity involves assisting in the operation and maintenance of the Physical Therapy department. Supervision is provided by the Physical Therapist(s) and Physical Therapy Assistant(s) in the department.

Duties Performed:
Examples of work duties include:

Assists with administration of routine Physical Therapy treatments (i.e., therapeutic exercise) as supervised by a Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapy Assistant.
Prepares patients for treatments.
Maintains stock of supplies.
Assists with cleaning and maintaining of equipment and linens.
Maintains a safe, neat, and efficient working environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of the principles, materials and equipment used in the department.
Considerable knowledge of precautions to be observed in lifting and moving patients and of necessary remedial measures.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with patients.
Ability to understand and follow written and/or oral instruction.
Ability to follow a schedule.

Experience and Training Qualifications:
The Physical Therapist will provide on-the-job training in the duties of the Physical Therapy Aide.

Special Demands:

Physical: Good physical health and stamina are required for stooping, pulling, lifting, carrying, and manipulating equipment and patients.
Emotional: Must be able to maintain patient information as recorded in a strictly confidential manner.

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Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist uses advanced evaluation skills and analytical insight to determine an individual’s functional deficits and implement a rehabilitative program to restore the individual to maximum independence. An employee classified as an Occupational Therapist is responsible for supervising and participating in the application of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities, injuries, diseases, or cognitive deficits. Considerable initiative and judgment are required in administering treatments prescribed by a physician and in interpreting patients’ reactions. General supervision is received from a physician who monitors treatment results through written progress reports and communication with the rehabilitation team.

Duties Performed:

Provides services as ordered by the referring physician and selects appropriate portions of the treatment program to be delegated to the aide or assistant to be carried out when the Occupational Therapist is not on the premises.
Instructs the aide or assistant in the delegated function to be carried out, including precautions, special problems, contraindications, anticipated progress goals, and plans for re-evaluation.
Evaluates, develops, and supervises treatments and programs, including the establishment of goals for patients as referred and approved by the physician, with periodic re-evaluation.
Participates in in-service training for Clinic Aides and/or other healthcare professionals as needed.
Assists administration by recommending new equipment, adjusting charge schedules, and other related duties.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in the field of Occupational Therapy.
Considerable knowledge of the possible hazards to patients during treatment, contraindications to treatment, and/or necessary precautionary and remedial measures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and to obtain their cooperation in the treatment prescribed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with appropriate medical personnel.
Ability to understand, interpret, and adopt a physician's written or oral directions and to suggest treatment programs and outline the expected benefits of rehabilitation as administered by the Occupational Therapist.

Experience and Training Qualifications:
The candidate must be a graduate of an approved course in Occupational Therapy as certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association. He/She must be licensed or eligible for licensure under the statutes of the state in which the Occupational Therapist will be practicing.

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Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapist Assistants work under the direction of Occupational Therapists to administer rehabilitative services to persons with physical, emotional, cognitive, or developmental impairments. The primary goal is to improve the individual's quality of life by helping him/her overcome present deficits to achieve maximal independence.

Duties Performed:
The Occupational Therapist Assistant's duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Using rehabilitative activities, equipment, and therapeutic exercises that are developed in the treatment plan by an Occupational Therapist.
Monitoring the patient's treatment activities to ensure proper technique.
Educating the patient and caregivers of precautions to follow and safe techniques with care of the patient.
Reporting the patient's reaction to treatment and progress toward the goals to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Working in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist to alter the treatment plan and goals as needed to effectively rehabilitate the patient.
Providing ongoing encouragement to the patient to achieve maximal functional independence with activities of daily living and/or return to work activities.
Assisting the Occupational Therapist with communication with referring physicians and other involved health care professionals.
Documentation and billing of the patient's sessions for report to the health insurance provider.
Attending inservice education programs and continuing education courses to enhance educational background.

Experience and Training Qualifications:
An Occupational Therapist Assistant must receive certification or an associate’s degree from an accredited program at a community college or technical school. He/She must possess a current license as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) in the state where practicing. He/She must display integrity, compassion, reliability, initiative, adequate communication skills and a professional attitude.

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Occupational Therapy Aide

An Occupational Therapy Aide is responsible for assisting the therapist and assistant in the application of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities and injuries. Aides are not licensed personnel, therefore, by law they are not allowed to perform as wide a range of tasks as Occupational Therapist Assistants. Work in this capacity involves assisting in the operation and maintenance of the Occupational Therapy department, including preparation of materials, assembling equipment, and performing a range of clerical tasks. Supervision is provided by the Occupational Therapist(s) and Occupational Therapist Assistant(s) in the department.

Duties Performed:
Examples of work duties include:

Assists with administration of routine Occupational Therapy treatments (i.e., therapeutic exercise) as supervised by an Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Prepares patients for treatments.
Maintains stock of supplies.
Assists with cleaning and maintaining of equipment and linens.
Maintains a safe, neat, and efficient working environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Some knowledge of the principles, materials and equipment used in the department.
Considerable knowledge of precautions to be observed in lifting and moving patients and of necessary remedial measures.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with patients.
Ability to understand and follow written and/or oral instruction.
Ability to follow a schedule.

Experience and Training Qualifications:
The Occupational Therapist or other licensed therapist will provide on-the-job training in the duties of the Occupational Therapy Aide.

Special Demands:

Physical: Good physical health and stamina are required for stooping, pulling, lifting, carrying, standing, and manipulating equipment and patients.
Emotional: Must be able to maintain patient information as recorded in a strictly confidential manner.

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Athletic Trainer

An Athletic Trainer is a certified member of the health care team who carries out the practice of prevention and physical rehabilitation of injuries incurred by athletes on the team(s) by which the athletic trainer is employed, and under the direction of a team physician.

Duties Performed:
The responsibilities and duties of the Athletic Trainer include but are not limited to:

Use of physical means such as exercise, soft tissue massage, heat, cryotherapy, water, electrical stimulation to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum athletic performance.
Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, gait and functional activities, sport specific exercises.
Uses equipment such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation and applies heat or cryotherapy as indicated.
Attends sporting events to provide on-site athletic training services.
Participates in the planning and coordination of total patient care.
Observes, records and reports to the team physician and/or licensed physical therapist the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition.
Instructs patients in care and use of assistive devices (i.e., crutches) and braces as well as instruction in home exercise programs.
Instructs family on patient's total rehabilitation program.
Communicates with team physician, family, coaches regarding patient's rehabilitative potential.
Attends in-service education programs to enhance educational background.

Experience and Training Qualifications:
The Athletic Trainer must have a Bachelor of Science degree in physical or corrective therapy with a minor in physical education or health which includes a basic athletic training course and must have spent at least two academic years working under the supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer. He/She must hold a current license as a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.) from the National Athletic Trainers Association (N.A.T.A.) and in the state where practicing. He/She must show integrity, compassion, reliability, initiative, adequate communication skills and a professional attitude.

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Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist performs advanced technical and supervisory work in the administration of a variety of physical therapeutic agents in the rehabilitation of patients. An employee classified as a Physical Therapist is responsible for supervising and participating in the application of a wide variety of physical therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities, injuries, or diseases. Considerable initiative and judgement are required in administering treatments prescribed by a physician and in interpreting patients’ reactions. General supervision is received from a physician who monitors treatment results through written progress reports and observation of patients.

Duties Performed:

Provides services as ordered by the referring physician and selects appropriate portions of the treatment program to be delegated to the aide or assistant to be carried out when the Physical Therapist is not on the premises.
Instructs the aide or assistant in the delegated function to be carried out, including precautions, special problems, contraindications, anticipated progress goals, and plans for re-evaluation.
Evaluates, plans, and supervises treatments and programs, including the establishment of goals for patients as referred and approved by the physician, with periodic re-evaluation.
Participates in in-service training for Physical Therapy Aides and/or other healthcare professionals.
Assists administration by recommending new equipment, adjusting charge schedules, and other related duties.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in Physical Therapy.
Considerable knowledge of the possible hazards to patients during treatment and/or necessary precautionary and remedial measures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and to obtain their cooperation in the treatment prescribed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the medical staff and other medical personnel.
Ability to understand, interpret, and adopt a physician’s written or oral directions and to suggest treatment programs and outline expected benefits regarding Physical Therapy.

Experience and Training Qualifications:
The candidate must be a graduate of an approved course in Physical Therapy as certified by the American Physical Therapy Association. He/She must be licensed or eligible for licensure under the statutes of the state in which the Physical Therapist will be practicing.

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