Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist has daily duties that include responsibilities for assessing patient's physical, psychological, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs, as well as planning and providing physical therapy treatments for patients in accordance with written prescription or referral from a physician, or as appropriate for direct access patients. Other responsibilities include instruction and education of physical therapy and physical therapy assistant students.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Identifying patient's goals and needs. Provides quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining physical therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription.
• Administers manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilizations, deep tissue massage); instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as therapeutic exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in using assistive and supportive devices, such as crutches, walkers, and orthotics to help patients accomplish their treatment goals.
• Administers physical therapy modalities such as mechanical traction, hot/cold packs, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation for pain control, neuromuscular re-education, and functional improvements;
• Evaluates effects of physical therapy treatments and fit of orthotic devices by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.
• Completes discharge planning by consulting with the patient, family and care givers, and physicians.
• Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient programs.

Qualifications:

• Education: successful completion of accredited physical therapy program; may be Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate level program.
• Must complete yearly mandatory safety in-services and/or trainings as well as yearly Healthstream e-Learning Courses.
• Licensure: Current NYS Physical Therapy license.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Experience: Prior experience preferred.