Physical Therapist Assistant PTA Transition Into Companion Animal

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

CE opportunities

Career growth

Job summary

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness in Fairfield, NJ, seeks a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant aiming to transition into veterinary rehabilitation. You’ll join a CCAT-led team and learn a new specialty while applying therapeutic exercise principles you already know.

You’ll help deliver individualized rehab programs, assist with gait training and neuromuscular therapies, educate pet owners, and maintain a safe, clean clinic environment as part of an evidence-based, collaborative practice.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited PTA program.
• Current PTA license (or license eligible).
• Strong understanding of therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering individualized rehabilitation programs.
• Support gait training and functional mobility activities.
• Collaborate with therapists and staff to ensure patient safety.
• Educate clients on home exercises and care.
• Maintain clean, organized treatment areas.

Skills

Licensed PTA

Compassionate care

Team collaboration

Education

Accredited PTA program

Job description

Take Your PTA Career in a New Direction. Help Animals Move Better. Change Lives.

Are you a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) looking for a unique and rewarding career path?

At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we're seeking an exceptional PTA who is passionate about movement, rehabilitation, exercise, and patient care—and excited to apply those skills to companion animal rehabilitation.

As one of New Jersey's premier canine and feline rehabilitation practices, we specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, sports medicine, pain management, senior mobility, fitness, and performance care.

You’ll work alongside experienced Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists (CCATs) in a collaborative environment where you’ll learn an entirely new specialty while utilizing the clinical reasoning, therapeutic exercise principles, and patient care skills you’ve already developed as a PTA.

If you're looking for a career that's physically active, intellectually stimulating, and deeply rewarding, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

This position is designed for a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who wants to transition into veterinary rehabilitation.

While animal rehabilitation experience is preferred, it is not required. We are committed to training the right candidate and providing mentorship to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this exciting specialty.

What You’ll Do

Working under the direction of our rehabilitation therapists, you’ll assist in delivering individualized rehabilitation programs that improve mobility, function, strength, endurance, and quality of life for our patients.

Responsibilities include:

Patient Care

• Assist with rehabilitation evaluations and treatment sessions.
• Perform and assist with therapeutic exercise programs.
• Facilitate gait training and functional mobility activities.
• Assist with balance, coordination, proprioception, and strengthening exercises.
• Support neurological rehabilitation, including assisted standing, weight shifting, and mobility training.
• Assist with orthopedic rehabilitation following surgery or injury.
• Monitor patient progress and communicate observations to supervising therapists.
• Maintain patient safety throughout all treatment sessions.

Rehabilitation Modalities

Assist with and learn the application of:

• Underwater Treadmill Therapy
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Manual Therapy Techniques
• Therapeutic Laser
• Focused Shockwave Therapy
• NMES & TENS
• PEMF Therapy
• Balance and Neuromuscular Re-education
• Therapeutic Stretching
• Functional Strengthening Programs
• Home Exercise Program Instruction

Training will be provided on all equipment and treatment protocols.

Client Education

Help clients become active participants in their pet’s recovery by:

• Demonstrating home exercise programs.
• Educating owners on safe handling techniques.
• Reinforcing therapist recommendations.
• Answering general rehabilitation questions.
• Providing compassionate support throughout the rehabilitation journey.

Clinical Operations

• Prepare treatment areas before appointments.
• Maintain rehabilitation equipment.
• Assist with patient handling and transfers.
• Help maintain an efficient treatment schedule.
• Collaborate closely with therapists and support staff.
• Participate in maintaining a clean, organized, and professional clinic environment.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re searching for someone who is:

• A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
• Passionate about rehabilitation and movement science.
• Compassionate toward both animals and their families.
• Energetic and enjoys an active workday.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments.
• A strong communicator and team player.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Adaptable and eager to learn.
• Committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
• Excited to grow within the field of companion animal rehabilitation.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Current PTA license (or license eligible).
• Strong understanding of therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, or aquatic therapy.
• Experience with therapeutic exercise progression.
• Manual therapy experience.
• Interest in animal rehabilitation or veterinary medicine.
• Previous experience working with animals.

Professional Growth & Career Development

At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we are committed to helping our team grow.

Opportunities include:

• Mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists (CCATs).
• Structured training in companion animal rehabilitation.
• Exposure to orthopedic, neurological, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Advanced training in rehabilitation modalities.
• Opportunities to pursue recognized certifications in companion animal rehabilitation.
• Career advancement within a rapidly expanding practice.

Why Join Alpha?

No two days are the same.

One patient may be recovering from a TPLO surgery.

The next may be learning to walk again after a spinal cord injury.

Another may simply be a senior dog hoping to enjoy a few more comfortable years with its family.

Every treatment session represents an opportunity to improve quality of life—not only for the pet, but also for the people who love them.

At Alpha, we pride ourselves on delivering evidence-informed rehabilitation in a supportive, collaborative, and positive environment.

We value:

• Compassion
• Clinical Excellence
• Innovation
• Lifelong Learning
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Exceptional Client Care

Position Details

Position: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Employment: Full-Time

Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness
Fairfield, New Jersey

Ready for a Career Unlike Any Other?

If you're ready to combine your rehabilitation expertise with your love of animals and build a meaningful career in one of the fastest-growing specialties in veterinary medicine, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness and help pets recover stronger, move better, and live happier, healthier lives.