Physical Therapist Assistant

Dahl Memorial; Montana; On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided for 90 days

Sign-on bonus for a 2-year commitment

Job summary

A rural healthcare provider in Montana is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant to deliver compassionate care and assist in physical rehabilitation. Responsibilities include administering therapy modalities under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, maintaining patient records, and ensuring high standards of care. Successful candidates will have an AA degree and current licensure. This role supports the critical healthcare needs of the community while providing a collaborative work environment focused on excellence in patient care.

Qualifications

• Provide rehabilitative services to patients recovering from injuries.
• Administer therapy modalities as directed by the Physical Therapist.
• Maintain patient documentation accurately and meet safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients to regain maximum performance after injuries.
• Ensure adherence to treatment plans and monitor patient progress.
• Participate in infection control and educational training.

Skills

Knowledge of physical medicine

Ability to assess patient pain

Strong written and verbal communication

Education

AA degree from an approved school

Current certification as Physical Therapy Assistant

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

At DMHA each unit and department offers a wide range of interesting roles and responsibilities. Whether you’re on the front lines of patient care or supporting the operations behind the scenes, your work at DMHA will be meaningful and rewarding. Our employees are committed to delivering excellent and compassionate healthcare, going above and beyond to serve patients.

At DMHA, Inc., we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, and employee behavior. We believe that upholding these principles is essential for providing exceptional patient care, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining the trust and respect of our community. As such, we have outlined the qualifications and expectations for individuals seeking employment at our hospital:

Adherence to Ethical Codes: All DMHA, Inc. employees are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines and principles governing healthcare practice. This includes upholding patient confidentiality, respecting patient autonomy, maintaining professional boundaries, and always acting in the best interests of patients. We expect our employees to demonstrate integrity, honesty, and ethical decision‑making in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and the broader community.

Demonstration of Professionalism: Professionalism is a cornerstone of our hospital’s culture. We expect all employees to conduct themselves professionally in every aspect of their work. This includes dressing appropriately, communicating effectively, and treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. Professionalism also entails being punctual, reliable, and accountable for one’s actions and demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Positive Employee Behavior Perspective: Our hospital values a positive work environment where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. We expect employees to contribute to this environment by fostering collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect among colleagues. This includes demonstrating empathy, kindness, and understanding toward fellow employees and offering assistance and support when needed. Additionally, we expect employees to communicate constructively, resolve conflicts respectfully, and uphold a culture of inclusivity and diversity.

Commitment to Excellence: DMHA, Inc. is committed to delivering excellence in patient care and service. We seek individuals who share this commitment and strive for excellence in everything they do. This includes providing compassionate and patient‑centered care, seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation, and actively participating in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Continuous Professional Development: Healthcare is an ever‑evolving field, and we encourage our employees to engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices. We provide opportunities for training, education, and skill development to support our employees in their professional growth and advancement within their respective roles.

By upholding these qualifications and expectations, individuals can play a crucial role in DMHA, Inc.’s success and reputation as a trusted provider of healthcare services in our community. We value candidates who share our commitment to upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and positive employee behavior in their work, and we believe that their contributions are essential to our mission.

Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff
Physical Therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff Physical Therapist, after the Physical Therapist has evaluated the patient. The Physical Therapy Assistant assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The Physical Therapy Assistant participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy, and physiology.

Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.

Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease. Provides patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, and ultrasound, among other assigned duties.

Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff Physical Therapist. Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.

Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff Physical Therapist.

Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.

Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.

Responsible for the monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, staff Physical Therapist is apprised of conclusions.

Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.

Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety, and fire safety programs.

Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.

Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.

Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, hospital staff, and members of the department.

Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and hospital policy is followed.

Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the department.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations.

Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.

Documentation meets current standards and policies.

Participates in educational staff performance improvement in‑services. Assists with orientation and in‑service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance, and educational programs.

Assists in ordering supplies; maintains adequate PAR levels to ensure all supplies and equipment is readily available.

Participates in infection prevention and control, departmental training equipment training, and organizational CQI activities.

Regulatory Requirements:

• AA degree from a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Holds current certificate/licensure as Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Current BLS certification.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion, and environment, see following description.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.

• Housing will be provided by Dahl Memorial for 90 days
• Sign on bonus for 2‑year commitment

Ekalaka, Montana, is a small, tight‑knit community nestled in the southeastern part of the state, known for its picturesque landscapes and strong sense of camaraderie among its residents. With a population of just a few hundred people, Ekalaka embodies the essence of rural American life, where neighbors know each other by name and support one another through thick and thin. The town is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Montana plains, with the nearby Custer National Forest offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, hunting, and wildlife observation. Ekalaka is rich in history, with roots dating back to its founding in the late 19th century, and it proudly maintains its heritage through local museums and community events.

The critical access hospital in Ekalaka plays an indispensable role in this rural community. As a critical access hospital, it is specially designated to provide essential healthcare services to residents who might otherwise face significant barriers to receiving care due to geographic isolation. This hospital offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, laboratory testing, and radiology. It is staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals who are committed to delivering high‑quality, compassionate care. The hospital not only addresses the immediate health needs of the community but also focuses on preventative care and wellness programs, ensuring that residents have access to the necessary resources to maintain their health. In a region where the nearest urban medical center may be hours away, the Dahl Memorial Healthcare is a beacon of hope and stability, providing critical healthcare services that are vital to the well‑being and survival of this resilient community.

The Workplace Culture

Our Human Resources Department is dedicated to recruiting and hiring talented individuals for both clinical and non‑clinical positions. We believe in the power of meaningful work and the impact it can have on the lives of others.

As part of our growing rural healthcare system, each unit and department offers a wide range of interesting roles and responsibilities. Whether you’re on the front lines of patient care or supporting the operations behind the scenes, your work at Dahl Memorial will be meaningful and rewarding. Our employees are committed to delivering excellent and compassionate healthcare, going above and beyond to serve patients in our five‑county service area.

When you join our team, you become part of a caring community that values collaboration, empathy, and professionalism. We provide comprehensive training, competitive compensation, and a range of benefits to support your growth and well‑being. Our HR team is here to ensure that you have the resources you need to thrive in your role.

Explore the exciting opportunities available with us by checking out our open positions. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We invite you to experience why our employees choose Dahl Memorial as their employer of choice in the communities we serve. Join us in making a difference through meaningful work with people who care.