Physical Therapy Assistant

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Kentucky; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant to deliver prescribed therapies under a PT's direction, in hospital or home settings. The role emphasizes patient mobility, precise documentation, and collaborative care with therapists and staff.

The candidate should have an associate degree in PTA studies, PTA licensure in the state, and ideally at least one year of prior PT department experience to support treatment plans and patient progress.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant studies completed.
• Minimum one year experience in a Physical Therapy Department preferred.
• Current PTA licensure in the state where employed required.

Responsibilities

• Provide PT treatments in medical settings or patient homes under a PT's supervision.
• Administer exercises, massage, heat, cold, electrical and other modalities per plan.
• Instruct patients to improve walking and mobility using assistive devices.
• Document treatments and patient responses in the medical record.
• Maintain records and statistical reports as required.
• Provide inservice education and assist with equipment maintenance.

Skills

PTA techniques

Treatment planning

Patient instruction

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Patient safety & mobility

Education

Associate Degree in PTA studies

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

Work locations include both Harlan ARH Hospital and Tri-City Medical Center (Cumberland, KY)

Responsibilities

• Provides physical therapy treatments in a medical facility or in 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 to learn 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 wheel chairs.
• Observes patients during treatment and reports progress to physical therapist.
• Provides clinical direction to physical therapy workers.
• Documents in the medical record treatment provided and patient response to treatment.
• Maintains necessary records and statistical reports as required.
• Assists in providing inservice education programs to other hospital personnel.
• Assists in 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.

Experience

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

Licenses & Certifications

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

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.
• Ability to observe, monitor, and report patient progress accurately.
• Ability to document treatments and patient responses appropriately.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Ability to promote patient safety, mobility, and functional independence.