Physical Therapist

Summary

The Physical Therapist serves the outpatient, inpatient, and home settings within the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System with responsibility for the performing various tests (manual muscle testing, gait training, range of motion, etc.), evaluations, and education in the area of physical therapy. She/he may require rotation and are skilled in their ability to provide cross-coverage in all settings, works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need.

Duties

• VA Careers - Physical Therapy: https://youtube.com/embed/Gi2hoFqIoqY Duties to include but not limited to the following: Responsible for the examination and treatment of patients referred to the Physical Therapy Department Follows the orders detailed in consults from a physician or other approved provider, reviews the medical record independently, and evaluates each patient to determine functional deficits and the best method to accomplish rehabilitation goals. Evaluates patients, including medical history, interpretation of imaging results, administering and interpreting the results of measurements such as: range of motion, muscles testing, sensory deficits, coordination, functional mobility, pain scales, etc. Uses standard and non-standard methods for evaluation and interpretation of a wide variety of patient physical functional levels and providing progressive treatment. Develops therapy programs in accordance with the instructions of a physician or other approved provider through the use of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, postural training, heat, cryotherapy, ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and other appropriate methods/modalities. Demonstrates the teaching skills required to provide education to patients, family members, caregivers, employees, students, and coworkers. Deals tactfully and effectively with the physically and mentally disabled patients. Functions autonomously in carrying out patient education, specialized treatments, and applying physical therapy procedures for which competency has been established and in accordance with laws or regulations and APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) documents. Observes condition of patients during treatment and may modify the treatment plan if deemed injurious to the health of the patient; consults with referring provider to outline long range programs for a patient and reports progress or results. Modifies the treatment plan based on the changing needs, goals and performance of the patient. Demonstrates proper judgement on the appropriate length of time for a patient's episode of care based on the patient's functional progress. Provides supervision, guidance, instruction to SDPTs (Student Doctor of Physical Therapy), SPTAs (Student Physical Therapy Assistant), and other members of the healthcare team. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform home safety assessments, plans and develops comprehensive programs to meet patients' needs in the home-based setting, and provide specialized physical therapy interventions and treatment modalities used in the home-based setting. This may include, but is not limited to, evaluating Veterans' homes for structural modifications needed to make the home environment safe and accessible, determining needs for durable medical equipment (DME), training and monitoring safe use of DME, teaching body mechanics to patients and caregivers to minimize risk of injury and monitoring Veterans' functional status. Attends IDT meetings, regularly presents patients to physicians and other team member providing information regarding performance, current status, and continuing goals. Works effectively with treatment team members and other healthcare providers in coordinating the patient's care. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am - 4:00pm PST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 09082F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign physical therapy programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) is a non-Services (formerly INS) and U.S. state licensing authorities by evaluating the credentials of Foreign Educated Physical Therapists (FEPTs) who wish to immigrate and work in the U.S. Although the licensing of physical therapists in the U.S. is a right and responsibility of each jurisdiction, foreign educated individuals must undergo an educational credentials assessment for substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in the US. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is committed to protect the public and to provide leadership within the field and practice of physical therapy. FSBPT's Foreign Educated Standards Committee has developed standards that represent "best practices" in evaluation services. The Credentials Evaluation Standards were developed with input from the physical therapy credentialing agencies that are licensed to use FSBPT's Coursework Tool. Licensure: Holds a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or volunt…

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.