License Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA) - Home Health

Advocate Health; Shelby (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health seeks a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to manage and advance patient care in home health settings. You will execute the plan of care, collect health data, and implement therapeutic modalities under physician and PT supervision.

The role requires PTA licensure, BLS certification, and a valid driver’s license. This full-time position involves travel to patient homes and working within Home Health guidelines and agency policies.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program (required).
• Current state licensure as a PTA (required).
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) from AHA (required).
• 1-year experience as a licensed PTA in a clinical care setting or home health (preferred).
• Driver’s license and auto insurance current at all times (required).

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned patient caseload daily with timely care and documentation per plan of care.
• Collect health data from home assessments and EMR.
• Implement care programs including modalities, procedures, exercise and education per PTA plan.

Skills

Critical thinking

Education

PTA program

PTA licensure

BLS HCP certification

Job description

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Manage assigned patient caseload daily, ensuring timely care and documentation per plan of care and MD orders.
• Collect health data from home assessments, telephonic contacts and EMR.
• Implement care programs including modalities, procedures, exercise and education per PT plan.
• Document and execute plan of care addressing patient/family needs, discharge planning and resource use.
• Apply clinical reasoning and skills for accurate assessments, therapy effectiveness and prioritization of needs.
• Provide and document patient/family education on deficits, goals, techniques and home program with equipment use.
• Observe, record and report treatment reactions or condition changes to physician/PT.
• Communicate updates on schedules, patient data and orders with multidisciplinary team.
• Incorporate short- and long-term goals into therapy, documented in visit notes.
• Support collaboration with physician and PT leadership for timely feedback on patient condition or care changes.
• Ensure clear, timely, complete documentation per policy and standards; meet productivity targets.
• Perform treatments per State PT Practice Act, Home Health Conditions, JCAHO, Medicare, OASIS and agency policy.
• Promote shared governance, decision-making and research to improve outcomes.
• Maintain current PT knowledge and competence; integrate evidence and research into practice.
• Contribute to quality PT practice; communicate effectively in all formats.
• Collaborate with patients, families and others in PT practice.
• Evaluate own practice against standards, regulations and accept constructive feedback.
• Use appropriate resources for safe, effective and cost-conscious PT services.

Physical Requirements

Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling. Must be able to lift and support the weight of 50 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment and supplies. Ability to travel extensively during all seasons to assigned patients place of residence. Works in a variety of home environments and conditions. Must speak English in good, understandable terms. Intact sense of sight, hearing, smell, touch. Finger dexterity. Critical thinking and ability to concentrate. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions. Ability to work flexible schedule to meet patients' needs. Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Graduate of an approved Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program (required).
• Current state licensure as a PTA (required).
• Maintain current state driver’s license and auto insurance at all times.
• Personal vehicle must be well maintained and in safe driving condition.
• 1-year experience as a licensed PT in a clinical care setting or home health (preferred).
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) from AHA (required).

Additional qualifications for special patient populations:

• Pediatrics: 1-year pediatric experience within the past 5 years (preferred) OR education and training provided by Healthy\@Home.

Patient Population Served:

• Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development principles.
• Demonstrates skills and competency appropriate to age, culture, developmental stage and special needs of patients served.

Protected Health Information (PHI):

• Limit access to PHI to information reasonably necessary to perform job duties.
• Share information only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes.