Physical Therapist Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Hazard (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Hazard, KY seeks a Certified Physical Therapist Assistant to deliver prescribed therapies and supervise PTA staff. Must hold PTA licensure in the state and have completed an accredited PTA program.

The role includes providing therapy in hospitals or home settings, guiding patients in mobility and assistive device use, and maintaining detailed treatment documentation. Relevant experience in a PT department is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have completed a two-year accredited PTA program.
• Current PTA licensure in the employed state.
• Experience in applying physical therapy techniques as part of a treatment plan.

Responsibilities

• Provide PT treatments in medical facilities or patient homes under supervision of a PT.
• Administer exercise, massage, heat, light, sound, water, electrical and infrared therapies.
• Instruct patients to improve walking and mobility between locations.
• Educate patients on use and care of assistive devices and prosthetic equipment.
• Observe and report patient progress to the Physical Therapist.
• Provide clinical direction to PTA staff.
• Document treatments and patient responses in the medical record.

Skills

PTA techniques

Treatment plans

Patient instruction

Observation skills

Documentation

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Safety and independence

Education

Associate degree in PTA

PTA licensure

Job description

Overview

The Physical Therapist's Assistant is responsible for performing prescribed physical therapy treatments to patients and for providing clinical direction to physical therapy workers.

Special Instructions

Must have certification in lymphedema managment.

Responsibilities

• Provides physical therapy treatments in a medical facility or in the patient's home under the supervision of a Physical Therapist and in accordance with a treatment plan established by a Physical Therapist.
• Administers exercise, massage, heat, light, sound, water, electrical, and infrared treatments and uses hot or cold packs to treat patients.
• Instructs and assists patients in learning to improve their ability to walk and move from one location to another.
• Instructs patients in the use and care of assistive equipment and prosthetic devices such as artificial limbs, braces, crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Observes patients during treatment and reports progress to the Physical Therapist.
• Provides clinical direction to Physical Therapy workers.
• Documents treatment provided and patient response to treatment in the medical record.
• Maintains necessary records and statistical reports as required.
• Assists in providing in-service education programs to other hospital personnel.
• Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of Physical Therapy equipment and department.
• May assist with patient transportation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Successful completion of a two-year accredited program leading to an Associate Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant studies.

Licenses & Certifications

• Current Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) licensure in the state where employed.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a Physical Therapy department preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of physical therapy techniques, procedures, and treatment interventions.
• Ability to carry out treatment plans established by a Physical Therapist.
• Ability to instruct patients in therapeutic exercises and the use of assistive devices.
• Strong observation skills to monitor patient progress and report findings.
• Ability to document treatments and patient responses accurately.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Ability to maintain patient safety and promote functional independence.