Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - CA

Santa Monica, CA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Administer treatment as directed by the Physical Therapist.
  • Record daily treatment notes and weekly progress notes in accordance with PT Board requirements.
  • Assist with department upkeep and participate in Rehabilitation and Patient Care Conferences as needed.
  • Support treatment area maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Follow physician treatment plans when working with patients.
  • Help train Restorative Aides alongside the nursing department.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and the healthcare team regarding patient progress and care plans.
  • Participate in in-service training for facility staff.
  • Document any treatment changes per facility policies and procedures.
  • Educate families or nursing staff on maintenance programs and caregiver responsibilities for patient discharge.
  • Report equipment issues to ensure proper maintenance.
  • Maintain a positive, effective, and professional relationship with patients, families, and staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Comfortable using electronic health record systems, such as:
    • Casamba
    • Point Click Care
  • Language:
    • Ability to read and understand technical procedures and policy manuals.
    • Able to communicate effectively with managers, coworkers, and families.
  • Mathematics:
    • Capable of applying basic mathematical concepts (fractions, percentages, ratios).
  • Reasoning:
    • Able to solve practical problems and follow instructions in various formats (written, oral, diagrams, schedules).

Physical Demands

  • Very Frequent:
    • Standing, walking, pushing/pulling, talking, hearing, tasting, smelling
  • Frequent:
    • Reaching with arms and hands
  • Occasional:
    • Sitting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling
  • Lifting/Force:
    • Up to 100 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, and 20 lbs constantly
  • Vision:
    • Requires close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception with ability to adjust focus.

Education & Experience

  • Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant by the State Board.
  • Not specifically required, but must be proficient in relevant documentation and systems.
  • Must hold an active Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state.
  • Must meet continuing education requirements per state regulations.
  • Must maintain a license in good standing with the state board.