A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing and treating individuals of all ages with medical conditions or injuries that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities of daily living. The job description of a physical therapist typically includes the following responsibilities:
1. **Assessment and Evaluation**: Conduct thorough evaluations of patients to assess their physical condition, functional abilities, and limitations. This may involve reviewing medical histories, performing physical examinations, and using specialized assessment tools and tests.
2. **Diagnosis and Treatment Planning**: Formulate physical therapy diagnoses based on assessment findings and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and goals. Treatment plans may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, modalities (such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation), and education.
3. **Implementation of Treatment**: Administer physical therapy interventions by the established treatment plan. This may involve instructing patients in therapeutic exercises and activities, providing hands-on manual therapy techniques, and supervising therapeutic activities.
4. **Monitoring and Progress Evaluation**: Regularly monitor patients' progress throughout treatment, adjusting interventions as needed to optimize outcomes. Document patient responses to treatment and modify treatment plans accordingly.
5. **Patient Education**: Educate patients and their families or caregivers about their condition, treatment options, and strategies for managing symptoms and promoting optimal recovery. Guide home exercise programs and self-care techniques.
6. **Collaboration and Communication**: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for patients. Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members to exchange information and coordinate treatment plans.
7. **Prevention and Wellness Promotion**: Incorporate preventive strategies and wellness promotion into patient care, helping individuals reduce their risk of injury and improve their overall health and quality of life: guide ergonomics, body mechanics, and injury prevention techniques.
8. **Documentation and Recordkeeping**: Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
9. **Professional Development**: Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay abreast of advances in physical therapy, enhance clinical skills, and maintain licensure and certification requirements.
10. **Ethical and Legal Compliance**: Adhere to ethical principles and professional standards of practice outlined by relevant regulatory bodies, such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and state licensure boards. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy.
Physical therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and achieve optimal physical function and mobility. They work collaboratively with patients and interdisciplinary teams to provide personalized care that promotes independence, health, and well-being.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract
Pay: $35.52 - $39.12 per hour
Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Continuing education credits
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Travel reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Healthcare setting:
- Clinic
- Outpatient
- Rehabilitation center
Medical specialties:
- Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine
Schedule:
- 4 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Morning shift
License/Certification:
- Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60629 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60629: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Preferred)
Work Location: In person