Physical Therapy Assistant - PRN

Community Health Systems; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems seeks a Physical Therapist Assistant to support therapy services for diverse patients. You will assist the supervising Physical Therapist, implement interventions, monitor progress, and educate patients to promote recovery and independence.

Planned duties include adapting plans to age and cultural needs, maintaining accurate documentation, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective discharge planning and ongoing care.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of experience in a physical therapy setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Physical Therapist in evaluating treatment plan effectiveness and adjust as needed.
• Implement therapeutic interventions addressing posture, balance, locomotion, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination.
• Administer treatment methods under the supervision of a Physical Therapist in line with best practice.
• Monitor patient progress and provide timely feedback on responses and outcomes.
• Educate patients on exercises, techniques, and self-management to support recovery.
• Tailor approaches to each patient’s age, development, culture, and goals.
• Document care clearly, thoroughly, and per policy, including plans, progress notes, and discharge recommendations.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and participate in discharge planning and referrals.

Skills

Therapeutic techniques

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Documentation

Communication

Infection control

Patient education

Clinical assessment

Education

PTA license

BLS certification

Job description

Job Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant administers therapeutic techniques and interventions designed to improve, maintain, or restore function for children and adults affected by age, injury, disease, or congenital conditions. This role focuses on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based therapy services to support patient recovery and independence.

Essential Functions

• Assists the Physical Therapist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment plans and collaborates on adjustments to achieve clinical outcomes across diverse patient populations.
• Implements therapeutic interventions that focus on posture, balance, locomotion, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, pain management, and daily functional abilities.
• Administers treatment methods and modalities under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist, ensuring they align with current physical therapy practices.
• Monitors patient progress and provides timely feedback to the supervising Physical Therapist regarding patient responses and treatment effectiveness.
• Provides patient education on therapeutic exercises, techniques, and self-management strategies that promote recovery and improve function.
• Ensures treatment approaches are tailored to the patient’s age, developmental level, cultural background, and individual goals.
• Completes clear, concise, and accurate documentation of patient care, including treatment plans, interventions, progress notes, and discharge recommendations, adhering to organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborates with an interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care, including participation in discharge planning and recommendations for ongoing therapy or supportive services.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment for patients and staff by adhering to infection control and safety protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of experience in a physical therapy setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of therapeutic techniques, modalities, and interventions used in physical therapy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a supervising Physical Therapist and interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and team members.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate documentation and treatment planning.
• Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to legal and regulatory standards.
• Physical stamina to assist patients with therapeutic activities and exercises.

Licenses and Certifications

• PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant license in state of employment required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required