Full Job Description
The Physical Therapist administers medically prescribed Physical Therapy treatments to patients. Independently evaluates patient's level of function, determines treatment strategies, and delivers and/or delegates Physical Therapy services that identify, prevent, remediate, and rehabilitate acute or prolonged physical dysfunction or pain.
This role encompasses evaluation skills and techniques, analysis of patients, and therapeutic application of physical and chemical agents, prescription of exercise and other procedures to maximize the patient's functional independence.
May work in an Inpatient, Outpatient, Home Care, Skilled Nursing, or Assisted Living environment.
Upon referral, performs thorough examination and evaluation of patient's level of function. Performs evaluations for strength, movement, motor control, joint mobility, soft tissue integrity, pain, balance, coordination, posture, cardiopulmonary function by assessing and monitoring vitals, endurance, gait and functional abilities in activities of daily living.
Recognizes physiological, psychological, and age related changes in the patient. Consults with other Health Care Team members as necessary.
Develop an individualized patient centered treatment plan of care to promote optimum movement function and safety.
Evaluate care plan on an on-going basis, revising as necessary in accordance with patient's care needs. Establish measurable goals with the patient/family based on appropriate patient care protocols and critical paths in order to meet patient needs.
Notify Physician of any changes in status or progress.
Deliver therapeutic techniques that are appropriate to patient's needs and medical status
Implement, deliver and delegate patient care by utilizing appropriate interventions and clinical decision making including but not limited to modalities such as heat, cold, light, water, sound, electricity, mobilization and therapeutic exercise.
Completes all documentation including but not limited to: evaluation, care plan and goals, patient status and progress, visits, patient discharge summary, and patient care transition plan and summary.
Participate in patient transition planning and/or patient discharge planning including recommendations to community resources to meet patient needs throughout the continuum of care. Help to coordinate patient care with other care providers such as Rehab Therapists, Nurses, Social Workers, and other community resources as related to care transition planning.
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelors of Science - Physical Therapy
Licensure - Current State of CT Physical Therapy license required
For new grads: Requires Temp State of CT Physical Therapy License; Temp State of CT Physical Therapy license limited to 120 days. Failure to obtain State of CT Physical Therapy license in accordance with State of CT Guidelines will result in termination.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
(BLS upon hire or within 30 days of hire: varies by facility)
For Home Care Only: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
Preferred:
Master's Degree in Physical Therapy or Doctor of Physical Therapy
Previous experience as a physical therapist