Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Orthopedic Institute has been serving the region for over 40 years offering excellent orthopedic care across South Dakota, Western Minnesota, and Western Iowa.

Our history has been marked by partnerships built on shared values and vision. We have recently added physicians to strengthen our position as an independent practice.  We focus solely on exceptional orthopedic care to broaden the reach and impact in this region. Our provider team has grown to include 16 orthopedic surgeons, two pain medicine physicians, one physiatrist, and 19 physician assistants/nurse practitioners and over 215 employees. We currently have locations in Sioux Falls, Brookings, Mitchell and Yankton and numerous outreach locations in the region.

The primary responsibility for the PTA is to assist in the treatment of patients as directed by the Physical Therapist, and participate as an active member of Orthopedic Institute's Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine team.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Assists PT's in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from accident, injury, and/or surgery. 
• Helps PT's fulfill patient plans and procedures such as exercise, massages, hot and cold packs, tractions, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. 
• Records patients responses to treatment and reports outcomes of each treatment to physical therapist. Communicates with supervisor and other interdisciplinary team members regarding patient progress, problems, and plans.
• Assists PT in teaching patients how to use assistive and adaptive devices such as crutches, canes, prosthesis, and wheel chairs. 
• Participates in in-service training programs.
• Remains knowledgeable of state practice acts and ensures the level of supervision they receive meets standards. Does not provide treatment outside of practice act limits.
• Assists with cleaning and maintenance of treatment area and department.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to treatment location infection control policies and protocols and keeping information confidential per Orthopedic Institute and federal requirements. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with treatment location and department procedures, rules and regulations.
• Ensures proper operation of equipment by complying with Orthopedic Insititute procedures and following manufacturer’s instructions;

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate from a Physical Therapy Assistant program
• Current licensure as Physical Therapy Assistant in South Dakota 
• Current CPR certification, preferred