Responsible for patient care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist as mandated by the State Practice Act. Possesses training and education which allows him/her to assist the Physical Therapist in carrying out prescribed treatment programs.
· Understand applicable state Practice Act and adhere to the laws which govern how Physical Therapist Assistants may practice under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
· Review the company’s Clinical Operations Policies & Procedures Manual on a yearly basis and adhere to the policies and procedures set forth.
· Complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training on a yearly basis and adhere to standards set forth in OSHA standards and other governmental regulations.
· Complete written documentation (daily notes, charge tickets, etc.) legibly, appropriately and in a timely fashion in order to meet facility, physician and payor deadlines.
· Maintain open and respectful communication with co-workers, physicians, patients, family members, third party payors and others always.
· Attend and/or participate in facility meetings as directed by Center Manager (may include utilization review, infection control, disaster preparedness, etc.)
· Completes sufficient ongoing continuing education coursework to meet state licensure requirements for the defined reporting period
· Maintain current awareness of general changes in health care field and specific issues impacting the practice of physical therapy.
· Play a significant role in specific area of center operations as agreed upon between employee and Center Manager.
· Active listening, reading and comprehension skills for analyzing reports, charts and correspondence
· The ability to lift patients using biomedical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift; must be capable of easily lifting fifty (50) pounds of weight alone.
· Visual acuity (near and distant) sufficient to maintain accurate records, recognize people, and understand written directions.
· Fine motor skills are adequate for scheduling and preparing patients, equipment, and supplies for treatment.
· Ability to participate in sustained activities for many hours in duration in accordance with state labor laws.
· Graduation from a physical therapist assistant or physical therapist education program accredited by CAPTE or in the case of a graduate of an international physical therapist assistant program or international physical therapist program from a non-CAPTE accredited program seeking licensure, certification, or registration as a physical therapist assistant, a substantially equivalent education
Job Summary:
Essential Functions:
· Complete all Medicare compliance training as required by regulations and/or company policies.
· Clean and prepare treatment areas and equipment following OSHA guidelines.
· Carry out skilled treatment programs as directed by a licensed Physical Therapist.
· Communicate patient comments and activities to therapists clearly via verbal or written word.
· Document in charts using accepted medical terminology and format.
· Maintains a current CPR certification that meets state licensure requirements
Additional Responsibilities:
· Utilize time efficiently to meet productivity requirements of the facility.
· Participate in and present clinical in-services, as directed
· Performs other duties or special projects assigned.
Required Skills & Abilities:
· Ability to work effectively as a team member.
· Effective organizational, time management, and planning skills.
Physical Requirements:
· Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a workday/shift.
· Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand and give directions.
· Ability to push wheeled equipment throughout the facility and in the community.
Required Credentials:
· Current valid State license/registration/certification
Freqently Asked Questions
Oakland's healthcare sector shows strong demand for physical therapist assistants, attracting many qualified candidates. However, with several medical facilities expanding, job seekers with updated certifications and local experience tend to have a competitive advantage in landing positions.
Employers around Oakland prioritize credentials like the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for assistants, alongside state licensure. Completing accredited physical therapy assistant programs recognized by California's licensing board enhances employment prospects locally.
Physical therapist assistants generally support treatment plans by assisting patients with exercises and documenting progress, while physical therapists design and modify these plans. Assistants focus more on hands-on care under the supervision of licensed therapists.
Many physical therapy assistants pursue further education to transition into physical therapist roles. This often involves enrolling in accredited physical therapy degree programs, gaining clinical experience, and passing relevant licensing exams to expand their scope.
Physical therapist assistants in Oakland typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, reflecting the area's cost of living and demand. This range is competitive compared to cities like Sacramento but slightly lower than San Francisco due to regional economic differences.
Working at Interstate Recruiters Corp, a staffing company, may involve adapting quickly to diverse clinical environments and patient needs across different facilities. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential to thrive in varying Oakland healthcare settings.
Interstate Recruiters Corp often offers orientation and ongoing professional development tailored to local healthcare protocols, helping physical therapist assistants acclimate smoothly to Oakland's clinical standards and patient demographics.
Some believe physical therapy assistants have limited responsibilities or growth potential, but in reality, they play a vital role in patient recovery and can expand their careers through certifications and further education, especially in dynamic markets like Oakland.
California-based physical therapy assistant programs emphasize compliance with state-specific licensure requirements and practical skills tailored to regional healthcare demands, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for positions in places like Oakland.
Assistants in Oakland often manage a mix of patient evaluations, therapeutic exercise administration, and progress documentation. Due to high patient volumes, strong organizational skills and stamina are vital for balancing diverse treatment sessions efficiently.
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