How to Be Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Managers are an important part of the healthcare team. They are responsible for providing leadership and guidance to physical therapists and other healthcare professionals, ensuring quality patient care and outcomes. By doing so, they are able to help improve the overall functioning and quality of life of patients.

Through their effective management skills, Rehabilitation Managers can also help reduce costs by increasing efficiency within the organization, while improving patient compliance, satisfaction, and safety. In addition, they are able to develop and implement rehabilitation plans that are tailored to the individual needs of each patient, as well as monitor progress to ensure a successful outcome. Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Managers play a key role in creating a positive outcome for patients, improving their quality of life, and ensuring the success of the healthcare organization.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a physical therapist rehabilitation manager, you need to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in physical therapy or related field. You should also have a good understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
Obtain Licensure. Most states require physical therapists to be licensed in order to practice. You will need to pass an exam administered by the state and complete any other requirements such as continuing education courses.
Get Clinical Experience. Having some clinical experience is important for becoming a physical therapist rehabilitation manager. You can gain this experience by working in a physical therapy clinic or hospital setting.
Pursue Advanced Training. It is beneficial to pursue additional training in the field of rehabilitation management. This could include taking courses in leadership, management, and business.
Get Certified. You can also become certified in rehabilitation management through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This certification requires you to have several years of clinical experience and pass an exam.
Obtain a Position. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can apply to be a physical therapist rehabilitation manager. You may need to have previous management experience in order to be hired.

The rehabilitation manager needs to be an ideal and competent leader to ensure that physical therapists are able to provide the highest quality of care to their patients. A successful rehabilitation manager should possess exceptional organizational and communication skills, be able to motivate and lead a team, and understand the legal and ethical standards of the physical therapy profession. Additionally, they should have an in-depth knowledge of billing and reporting requirements, as well as a thorough understanding of the latest technology and techniques used in physical therapy. With these qualities, a rehabilitation manager can ensure that physical therapists are able to provide the best possible care for their patients and achieve optimal outcomes.

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Job Description

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients with physical rehabilitation needs.
Monitor patient progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
Educate patients and their families on physical therapy exercises and lifestyle modifications to promote overall health and wellness.
Supervise physical therapy aides and other support staff in their clinical duties.
Act as a liaison between the physical therapy department, medical staff, and other departments within the healthcare facility.
Evaluate patient data to determine the effectiveness of treatment plans.
Participate in research studies, conference presentations, and continuing education courses related to physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Develop policies, procedures, and safety protocols that support high-quality patient care.
Manage department budgets, supplies, and staffing.
Address patient complaints and concerns in a professional manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and understanding of physical therapy techniques and procedures
Ability to assess and diagnose physical therapy issues
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Leadership and management skills
Ability to set goals and objectives
Ability to monitor and evaluate staff performance
Understanding of different rehabilitation programs
Knowledge of budgeting and accounting principles
Ability to create and maintain clinical records
Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans

Good communication is an essential skill for a physical therapist rehabilitation manager to possess. Effective communication is key to successful patient care, as it allows the physical therapist manager to understand the patient's needs and develop an effective treatment plan. Furthermore, good communication skills allow the physical therapist manager to effectively collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, such as physicians, nurses, and therapists.

having good communication skills allows the physical therapist manager to effectively educate patients and their families on the treatment plan, which can improve the patient's outcome and overall satisfaction with the care they receive. Lastly, strong communication skills play an important role in patient retention, as they ensure that the physical therapist manager is providing quality care that meets the patients needs. Thus, having strong communication skills is essential for a physical therapist rehabilitation manager to successfully provide quality care and positive outcomes for their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have managing physical therapy rehabilitation programs?
How did you develop and utilize strategies to improve patient outcomes?
What methods do you use to foster collaboration among therapists, physicians and other stakeholders in the rehabilitation process?
How do you ensure that your physical therapy program is in line with local, state, and federal regulations?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest research and advances in physical therapy?
Describe your experience in training and supervising physical therapy staff.
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients, their families, and other members of the health care team?
How do you prioritize competing demands on your time and resources?
What strategies do you use to ensure that the physical therapy program is successful and cost-effective?
What do you think sets you apart as a physical therapy rehabilitation manager?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Computerized record keeping system used to track patient information and progress over time. (eg: Epic)
Automated Documentation Software. Software that automates the process of creating and storing clinical notes and reports. (eg: MediData)
Clinical Decision Support Software. Software that assists healthcare professionals with medical decision making by providing information, data, and tools to support their decisions. (eg: UpToDate)
Outcome Tracking Software. Software used to track patient progress, outcomes, and satisfaction with treatment. (eg: CarePaths)
Telehealth Platforms. Online platforms used to facilitate remote patient consultations and treatment. (eg: Doxy. me)
Exercise Tracking Software. Software used to track exercise progression, helping physical therapists measure patient progress. (eg: FitTrack)
Patient Education Platforms. Online platforms used to provide patients with educational videos, articles, and other resources to help them better understand their treatment and condition. (eg: Physia)
Claim Management Software. Software used to manage the process of submitting and tracking insurance claims. (eg: AthenaHealth)
Scheduling Software. Software used to manage appointment scheduling and patient wait times. (eg: Appointy)
Payment Processing Platforms. Online platforms used to facilitate payments from patients and insurance providers. (eg: Stripe)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
National Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the Private Sector (NARPPS)
National Rehabilitation Association (NRA)
American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP)
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
National Organization of Human Services (NOHS)
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)

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Common Important Terms

Physical Therapy. A form of medical treatment that uses physical methods, such as massage, exercise, and manipulation, to treat and prevent disease and disability.
Rehabilitation. A process of restoring a person to their former physical, mental, or emotional condition.
Functional Capacity Evaluation. An assessment of a persons ability to perform activities of daily living.
Pain Management. Techniques used to reduce or manage pain in the body.
Adaptive Equipment. Specialized tools and equipment designed to help individuals with disabilities perform activities of daily living.
Physical Activity. Doing a form of physical exercise to improve the bodys health and fitness.
Musculoskeletal System. The system of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments that helps the body move.
Exercise Physiology. The study of how physical activity affects the bodys organs and tissues.
Gait Analysis. An assessment of a persons walking or running pattern to identify areas of strength or weakness.
Orthotics. Devices used to support, align, or correct a persons posture or movement patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager?

Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Managers are responsible for leading and managing a team of physical therapists and assistants to ensure effective patient care, develop rehab programs, and ensure compliance with regulations.

What qualifications are required to become a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager?

To become a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager, individuals must possess a master's degree in physical therapy or a related field, have at least 5 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist, and be licensed in the state in which they practice.

What duties does a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager perform?

Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Managers typically perform duties such as developing patient care plans, managing budgets, overseeing staff and services, ensuring quality of care, and maintaining compliance with local and federal regulations.

How much does a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager typically earn?

The average annual salary for a Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Manager is $104,000. Salary may vary depending on geographical location, experience, and other factors.

What is the job outlook for Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Managers?

The job outlook for Physical Therapist Rehabilitation Managers is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 13% growth in the field over the next decade.