Summary:  The Physical Therapist Assistant (Home Care) administers prescribed physical therapy interventions per the Physical Therapist’s plans of care to restore function; prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of body part; and promote maximum activity performance while living within the limits of his/her capabilities.  The Physical Therapist Assistant performs treatments and assessments; provides patient and family/caregiver education, home exercise programs and makes safety and equipment recommendations specific to the patient’s needs within his/her home environment.

 

Education: Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited educational institution is required.

           

Licensure:   Rhode Island Physical Therapist Assistant license is required.  Massachusetts Physical Therapist Assistant license is strongly encouraged, but not required.  Current driver’s license is required.  BLS/CPR is required.

 

Experience:  A minimum of six months of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant is required.  Clinical experience in the areas of acute care, acute rehabilitation, sub-acute rehabilitation, long-term care and/or outpatient rehabilitation is preferred.

 

Skills and Abilities:  The Physical Therapist Assistant must demonstrate competency in clinical assessment and treatment skills; electronic medical record documentation; e-mail; cell phone usage and basic computer functions such as Microsoft Word.  He/she must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in customer service and evidence-based practice.

 

Working Conditions, Physical Environment and/or Safety Requirements: The Home Care Physical Therapist Assistant is required to provide direct care within the patient’s home environment.  Clinical work requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, lift, carry, walk, ascend/descend stairs and manage therapy-related equipment