Physical Therapy Assistant

UNC Health Care; Lenoir (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health Care in Lenoir, NC seeks a per diem Physical Therapist Assistant to support both acute care and outpatient settings. You will perform skilled PT treatments, progress goals, and assist with discharge planning in a flexible schedule with a manageable caseload.

Join a compassionate rehabilitation team focused on patient-centered care. Eligible candidates hold a two-year PTA degree, NC licensure, and BLS certification; prior experience is not required, and the role is onsite with daytime

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited two-year Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in North Carolina.
• BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to interdisciplinary team meetings to plan for patient needs and discharge plans.
• Precepts PT technicians or other physical therapist assistants and evaluates learner competency.
• Documents patient treatment and progress toward goals; completes department records for billing and statistics.
• Instructs physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students.
• Provides skilled physical therapy treatments to a wide variety of patients; designs and teaches exercise programs to meet PT goals.

Education

Two-year PTA program graduate

NC PTA licensure

BLS certification

Job description

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well‑being of the unique communities we serve.

Lenoir, NC is a welcoming foothills community nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering an excellent quality of life and abundant outdoor recreation! Residents enjoy easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with Pisgah National Forest and the mountain towns of Blowing Rock and Boone just a short drive away. Lenoir's affordable cost of living, minimal traffic, and short commutes support a strong work‑life balance, while its friendly, close-knit community provides a true small‑town feel. Conveniently located about 30 minutes from Hickory and within 90 minutes of Charlotte, Lenoir offers the perfect blend of peaceful living and access to larger‑city amenities-making it an ideal place for a physical therapist looking to grow professionally while enjoying a balanced, outdoor‑focused lifestyle.

Summary:

We are seeking a per diem Physical Therapist Assistant who is comfortable supporting both acute care and outpatient settings. This role may occasionally require coverage during the week as well as on weekends or holidays when team members are out sick or scheduled off, and we can offer flexibility in scheduling to support these needs. The PTA will perform a wide range of skilled physical therapy treatments based on evaluations and goals established by the physical therapist, progress patients' treatment plans in response to their clinical improvement, and assist with discharge planning.

Join a dynamic rehabilitation team that truly feels like family-an experienced, diverse group of therapists who love to learn, grow, and provide exceptional care to our community. Our per diem roles offer a flexible schedule and the opportunity to work with a wide range of diagnoses, from postsurgical and chronic pain to neurological and vestibular conditions. We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring a manageable caseload that allows you to focus on meaningful, patient-centered care. Opportunities are available in both our acute care setting and our outpatient clinic, which is uniquely located within a wellness center to support a seamless transition for patients graduating from therapy.

Responsibilities

1. Contributes to various interdisciplinary team meetings to plan for patient needs, discuss family education plans, and discharge plans.
2. Precepts PT technicians or other physical therapist assistants and evaluate the learner's competency per department guidelines.
3. Documents patient treatment and progress toward goals. Completes department records for billing and statistics.
4. Instructs physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students.
5. Provides skilled physical therapy treatments to a wide variety of patients. Designs and teach exercise program to meet PT goals. Fits and teaches patient to use ambulatory devices including braces, walkers, canes, crutches safely to negotiate stairs, curbs, and unlevel ground. Teaches patient airway clearance techniques and perform chest PT procedures. Instructs patient and family in home exercises, ambulation, and use of adaptive equipment for discharge.
6. Participation - Contributes to quality of clinical services through attendance and participation in departmental meetings and in‑services.
7. Quality - Contributes to quality of clinical services through maintenance of valid & reliable records of patient procedures & progress. Participates in quality improvement initiatives with the clinical specialist and other healthcare professionals. Participates in continuous quality improvement efforts in conjunction with the department director.

Other Information

• Education Requirements: Graduation from an accredited two‑year Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Licensure/Certification Requirements: Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the state of North Carolina.
• BLS
• Professional Experience Requirements: No prior experience required.
• Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:

Job Details

Legal Employer: NCHEALTH

Entity: Caldwell Memorial Hospital

Organization Unit: Physical Therapy

Work Type: Per Diem

Standard Hours Per Week: 10.00

Salary Range:$24.98 - $35.91 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Lenoir

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No

This position is employed by NC Health (Rex Healthcare, Inc., d/b/a NC Health), a private, fully‑owned subsidiary of UNC Heath Care System. This is not a State employed position.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.

UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities.