Physical Therapist Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Kentucky; On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) seeks a qualified Physical Therapist Assistant to deliver prescribed therapies under supervision and to support mobility and safety for patients. You will document responses, maintain records, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Licensure must be current in the employing state, and an associate PTA degree is required. Preferred candidates have at least one year of relevant experience and can participate in in-service education and equipment upkeep

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
• Current PTA licensure in the state of employment.
• Minimum one year experience in a physical therapy department preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide prescribed physical therapy treatments under a supervising Physical Therapist.
• Administer exercises and modalities per treatment plan.
• Instruct patients in mobility, assistive devices, and safety.
• Document treatments and patient responses in the medical record.
• Maintain necessary records and statistics for the department.
• Assist in patient transportation and equipment maintenance as needed.

Skills

PT techniques

Treatment planning

Patient instruction

Observation & reporting

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Safety & independence

Education

Associate degree PTA

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.

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.

Qualifications

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.