PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

DeKalb Health; Clarinda (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) seeks a full-time Physical Therapist Assistant to join our Physical Therapy department. You will work in a facility committed to safety, quality, and exceptional patient care, with a schedule that may include weekends and holidays and shift differentials where applicable.

As part of CRHC, you’ll support compassionate care, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and participate in ongoing quality improvement while honoring the facility’s policies and

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited PTA program.
• Must pass the NPTE.
• Must possess current Iowa PTA License.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed PT.
• Implement therapeutic activities and modalities using clinical reasoning and physiological principles.
• Monitor patient response and modify plan as needed in consultation with supervising PT.
• Educate patients and caregivers on interventions and home exercise programs.
• Document all patient care and outcomes per policy and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and maintain compliance with licensure requirements.
• Assist with departmental operations, scheduling, and team communication.

Education

Graduate of an accredited PTA program

Must pass NPTE

Iowa PTA license

Job description

• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt

Clarinda Regional Health is looking for a full time Physical Therapist Assistant to work in our Physical Therapy department!

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Responsible for Advancing Exceptional Care by prioritizing Safety and Quality in every aspect of patient care. This role is committed to fulfilling essential duties that enhance patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and overall healthcare standards, ensuring all actions align with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC). By maintaining the highest level of care, this position supports CRHC’s dedication to fostering a safe, compassionate, and high-quality healthcare environment for our patients and community.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience

• Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Physical Therapy Assistant program
• Must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

Certificates, Licensure, Registrations

• Must possess current Iowa Physical Therapist Assistant License

The facility operates 24/7; however, work schedules may vary based on departmental needs to ensure the highest standard of patient care and operational efficiency. Flexibility will be expected.

• Weekend and Holiday rotation as needed
• Eligible for shift differentialswhere applicable
• Position is classified as non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with labor laws.

Summary

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position involves a combination of physical activities necessary to perform essential job functions effectively. The employee should be able to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for varying lengths of time throughout the workday.
• Lift, push, pull, or carry light to moderate loads, with assistance available for heavier items.
• Use fine motor skills , including grasping, reaching, and handling equipment or materials as needed.
• Perform routine movements , such as typing, writing, or handling supplies.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally for job-related tasks.
• See and hear well enough to read documents, operate equipment, and communicate effectively.
• Work in a dynamic environment , adapting to occasional changes in pace or setting.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support individuals in performing essential job functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

At CRHC, our core values—Compassion,Advancing,Relationships, andExceptional—are at the heart of everything we do. These values drive our commitment toAdvancing Exceptional Care, ensuring that we provide the highest quality care to our patients while supporting and empowering our team members. We believe in creating a compassionate environment where relationships are nurtured, collaboration is encouraged, and excellence is expected.

As a member of our team, you will embody these values in your daily work by:

• Compassion : Demonstrating empathy and kindness in every interaction, recognizing the unique needs of our patients and colleagues.
• Advancing : Embracing innovation, continuous learning, and striving for improvement in all aspects of patient care and team collaboration.
• Relationships : Building trust through open communication and teamwork, fostering a supportive atmosphere that prioritizes respect and understanding.
• Exceptional : Holding yourself to the highest standards, delivering superior care, and contributing to a culture of excellence that impacts both patients and colleagues.

Clinical Care & Patient Treatment

• Provide skilled physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) in accordance with the established plan of care.
• Implement therapeutic activities and modalities using appropriate clinical reasoning and physiologic principles.
• Monitor patient response to treatment and communicate changes in status or need for plan modification to the supervising PT.
• Ensure all treatments are delivered in compliance with ethical standards established by the APTA.
• Educate patients and caregivers on treatment interventions, home programs, and the benefits of physical therapy services.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document all patient care, interventions, and outcomes accurately and in a timely manner per facility policy and regulatory requirements.
• Record charges and maintain accurate billing documentation.
• Assist in data collection for quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with all licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements.
• Collaborate with the supervising PT to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.
• Communicate patient progress, concerns, and treatment plans with interdisciplinary team members and referring providers as appropriate.
• Report abnormal findings or changes in patient condition promptly and take appropriate action.
• Utilize standardized communication methods for handoff and patient reporting.

Department Operations & Support

• Perform clerical and administrative duties to support efficient department operations, including scheduling and answering phone calls as needed.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and organized therapy environment.
• Attend and participate in departmental and facility meetings.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and action plans.
• Assist with supervision of students and volunteers as appropriate.

Safety & Equipment Use

• Promote a culture of safety by adhering to all safety protocols and identifying potential hazards.
• Utilize proper body mechanics and safe patient handling techniques to prevent injury.
• Operate and maintain therapy equipment safely and effectively.
• Monitor patients during all interventions to ensure safety and appropriate response.

Professionalism & Development

• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct at all times.
• Demonstrate dependability, accountability, and efficient time management.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through continuing education, in-services, and current best practices.
• Support a positive work environment focused on quality, efficiency, and patient-centered care.

Quality Program Participation

• Actively participates in CRHC’s Quality Program, committees, performance improvement initiatives, and operational support activities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Quality Improvement (QI) practices.
• Regularly attends Department huddles.
• Completes tasks as outlined on the Department Huddle Board.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the strategic initiatives of CRHC.