Job Description

Job Title: Physical Therapist (PT)

 

Job Summary:

The Physical Therapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with physical injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions to restore, maintain, and improve their movement, manage pain, and prevent further disability. The PT develops and implements individualized treatment plans, educates patients and their families, and collaborates with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to achieve optimal patient outcomes and enhance their quality of life.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Patient Assessment and Diagnosis:

Review patient medical histories, referrals, and physician notes.

Conduct comprehensive physical examinations, including assessing movement, strength, balance, coordination, posture, gait, range of motion, and sensory perception.

Diagnose functional impairments and movement dysfunctions.

Utilize various diagnostic tools and techniques

Treatment Planning and Implementation:

Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans with measurable goals, tailored to each patient's specific needs and expected outcomes.

Administer a variety of physical therapy interventions, including:

Therapeutic exercises (strengthening, stretching, endurance, balance, coordination).

Manual therapy techniques (massage, mobilization, manipulation).

Modalities (e.g., ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, traction).

Gait and balance training, including the use of assistive devices (canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs).

Functional training to improve daily living activities.

Educate patients and their families/caregivers on their condition, prognosis, home exercise programs, injury prevention, and proper use of equipment.

Modify treatment plans as needed based on patient progress, response to treatment, and changing goals.

 

Documentation and Communication:

Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough patient records, including initial evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries, in compliance with professional, state, and federal regulations.

Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.

Provide clear and compassionate explanations of treatment procedures and results.

Collaboration and Professionalism:

Work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, consulting with physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and other specialists.

Supervise and direct Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and Physical Therapy Aides, ensuring adherence to treatment plans and professional standards.

Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices and advancements in the field.

Adhere to all ethical guidelines and professional standards of physical therapy practice.

Program Development (as applicable):

Contribute to the development and improvement of physical therapy programs and services.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research activities.

 

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapist education program.

 

Licensure: Current and valid state license as a Physical Therapist in Mississippi. 

 

Certifications:

CPR certification required.

Board certification in a specialty area (e.g., Orthopedics, Neurology, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Sports Physical Therapy) preferred.

Experience: 2 years of clinical experience in physical therapy, preferably in a healthcare environment.

Skills:

Excellent clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning skills.

Strong knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology.

Proficiency in various therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with patients, families, and colleagues.

Compassion, empathy, and patience when working with individuals facing pain or disability.

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to adapt treatment plans.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for documentation and caseload management.

Physical stamina and dexterity to perform manual therapy and assist patients with movement and exercises.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems and other relevant software.

 

Work Environment:

 

May involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, and physically assisting patients for extended periods.

Work settings can vary, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, patients' homes, or sports facilities.

Requires adherence to strict safety and infection control protocols.

 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

 

Patient Assessment and Diagnosis:

Review patient medical histories, referrals, and physician notes.

Conduct comprehensive physical examinations, including assessing movement, strength, balance, coordination, posture, gait, range of motion, and sensory perception.

Diagnose functional impairments and movement dysfunctions.

Utilize various diagnostic tools and techniques

Treatment Planning and Implementation:

Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans with measurable goals, tailored to each patient's specific needs and expected outcomes.

Administer a variety of physical therapy interventions, including:

Therapeutic exercises (strengthening, stretching, endurance, balance, coordination).

Manual therapy techniques (massage, mobilization, manipulation).

Modalities (e.g., ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, traction).

Gait and balance training, including the use of assistive devices (canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs).

Functional training to improve daily living activities.

Educate patients and their families/caregivers on their condition, prognosis, home exercise programs, injury prevention, and proper use of equipment.

Modify treatment plans as needed based on patient progress, response to treatment, and changing goals.

 

Documentation and Communication:

Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough patient records, including initial evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries, in compliance with professional, state, and federal regulations.

Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.

Provide clear and compassionate explanations of treatment procedures and results.

Collaboration and Professionalism:

Work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, consulting with physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and other specialists.

Supervise and direct Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and Physical Therapy Aides, ensuring adherence to treatment plans and professional standards.

Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices and advancements in the field.

Adhere to all ethical guidelines and professional standards of physical therapy practice.

Program Development (as applicable):

Contribute to the development and improvement of physical therapy programs and services.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research activities.

 

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapist education program.

 

Licensure: Current and valid state license as a Physical Therapist in Mississippi. 

 

Certifications:

CPR certification required.

Board certification in a specialty area (e.g., Orthopedics, Neurology, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Sports Physical Therapy) preferred.

Experience: 2 years of clinical experience in physical therapy, preferably in a healthcare environment.

Skills:

Excellent clinical assessment, diagnostic, and treatment planning skills.

Strong knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology.

Proficiency in various therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with patients, families, and colleagues.

Compassion, empathy, and patience when working with individuals facing pain or disability.

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to adapt treatment plans.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for documentation and caseload management.

Physical stamina and dexterity to perform manual therapy and assist patients with movement and exercises.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems and other relevant software.