Physical Therapist

• Obtains a complete patient past medical history and history of present condition
• Performs a complete system review of the patient
• Completes accurate and appropriate test and measures
• Determines the appropriateness for physical therapy treatment following the examination
• Recognizes and makes appropriate referral to another practitioner as needed
• Determines the physical therapy diagnosis based on the physical therapy examination
• Determines the amount of time required to reach the optimal level of improvement
• Develops a plan of care that specifies the interventions to be used and their timing and frequency
• Conducts a reexamination to determine changes in patient/client status and to modify or redirect interventions as appropriate
• Uses various physical therapy procedures and techniques to produce changes in the condition that are consistent with the diagnosis and prognosis
• Observes and evaluates treatment effect, and makes changes to the plan of care as needed
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient and therapist safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors
• Performs patient/ family education timely to prevent delays in discharge
• Demonstrates the ability to treat patients and their families with respect and dignity
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed
• Determines the anticipated goals and expected outcomes for the episode of care
• Participates in outcomes data collection and analysis to determine the effectiveness of intervention
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation that meets current standards and policies
• Interacts professionally with patients/ families and involves the patient/ family in the formation of the plan of care
• Maintains current patient schedule board or book
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities

• Graduate of Bachelor of Science program in Physical Therapy with curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy Association
• New York State Physical Therapist licensure and registration
• One-year experience as a staff physical therapist under qualified supervision

DPT or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy