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Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Template
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Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Template

Job Description Template

Physical Therapist Assistant Description Template

June 26, 2017

Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Template

Do you need to hire a Physical Therapist Assistant for your business? This is a Free Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Template that you can use to help find your perfect candidate.

The job template is easy to post to job posting sites and increases your ability to hire better and faster.

In addition, you can add other responsibilities, requirements, and aspects of the unique position to your business.

Writing a good job description is a valuable factor in hiring correctly and finding the best talent possible.

You can also use our VIVAHR software to post your job ad to 50+ job boards in minutes!

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What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?

A Physical Therapist Assistant is a licensed healthcare professional who works under a physical therapist’s supervision to help patients regain movement and manage pain.

Physical Therapist Assistants carry out treatment plans created by physical therapists, including exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

They monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatments to ensure the best outcomes.

Physical Therapist Assistants work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, and nursing homes, providing essential care that improves patients’ quality of life.

Related Job Titles for Physical Therapist Assistant

The Top Physical Therapist Assistant Skills

Skill Why it's important
Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential for PTAs to interact with patients, physical therapists, and other healthcare team members. Clear communication helps in understanding patient needs, explaining treatment plans, and providing instructions for exercises and home care.
Empathy and Compassion

Working with patients who are often in pain or recovering from serious injuries requires PTAs to be empathetic and compassionate. This helps in building trust and rapport with patients, making them more likely to adhere to treatment plans and stay motivated throughout their recovery.
Physical Stamina and Strength

PTAs frequently assist patients with exercises, transfers, and mobility, which requires physical endurance and strength. Being physically fit ensures that PTAs can perform their duties without injury and can provide the necessary support to patients safely.
Attention to Detail

Accurate documentation of patient progress and adherence to treatment protocols are critical for effective patient care. Attention to detail ensures that PTAs provide consistent and accurate reports, which are crucial for monitoring patient progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
Problem-Solving Skills

PTAs often encounter unexpected challenges during patient care, such as patients not responding well to a particular treatment or exercise. Strong problem-solving skills enable PTAs to think critically and adapt treatment plans to meet the individual needs of patients, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description Template (Free)

Are you passionate about helping others regain their mobility and improve their quality of life? As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you will play a crucial role in executing treatment plans designed by physical therapists. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with patients, guiding them through exercises and utilizing various therapies to manage pain and enhance functional movements.

In this role, you will monitor patient progress, document their responses, and adjust treatments as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes. Working in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, you will be an integral part of a healthcare team committed to patient care and rehabilitation.

Physical Therapist Assistant Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Assist in identifying patient’s needs, educating patients about their care issues, recommending options, and implementing physical therapy techniques.
  • Teach and guide patients in their exercises.
  • Thoroughly document the patient’s progress.
  • Treat patients with compassion and empathy while helping them with their physical needs.
  • Adhere to rules and regulations to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
  • Participate in educational opportunities and professional organizations to continue learning new techniques and advances in the field, and apply the latest research in working with patients.
  • Adhere to HIPAA laws and respect patients’ privacy.

Physical Therapist Assistant Requirements:

  • Previous work experience as a physical therapist assistant.
  • Associate or BS degree in PTA.
  • Effective communication and documentation skills.
  • State Licensure.
  • Exceptional knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
  • Can pass a background check and drug screening.

Accounting Specialist Interview Questrions

Sample Interview Questions for a Physical Therapist Assistant

The best way to find an ideal candidate for a job is to ask them questions that will allow you to gauge their ability and determine whether they are looking for a position that will push them in the right direction.

In addition, an interview gives employers the chance to establish whether the candidate has the skills needed for the position, use these sample interview questions for a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Personal
  1. What motivated you to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant?
  2. Can you describe a challenging situation you faced in your previous role and how you handled it?
  3. What do you enjoy most about working with patients in a rehabilitation setting?
Human Resources
  1. How do you ensure you maintain a professional and empathetic demeanor with patients who may be in pain or frustrated?
  2. Can you describe a time when you had to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for a patient?
  3. What strategies do you use to stay updated on the latest techniques and advancements in physical therapy?
Management
  1. How do you prioritize your tasks when dealing with multiple patients who need your attention simultaneously?
  2. Can you provide an example of how you have effectively managed your documentation and patient records in a busy clinic setting?
  3. Describe a time when you had to take the lead in a patient care situation. How did you handle it?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  1. What types of therapeutic exercises and modalities are you most experienced with? Can you provide examples of how you’ve used them effectively?
  2. How do you approach developing and adjusting a treatment plan based on a patient’s progress?
  3. Can you explain the process you follow to ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient progress and treatment sessions?

What are the Educational Requirements for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical therapist assistants must complete an accredited associate’s degree program and are required to be certified or licensed in all states.

How Much to Pay a Physical Therapist Assistant when Hiring

Physical Therapist Assistants earn between $46,464 and $84,000 per year.

Their median annual salary is $66,449.

Hourly rates go from $22 to $40.

The median hourly rate is $32.

Percentile 10% 25% 50%
(Median)		 75% 90%
Hourly Wage $22 $27 $32 $36 $40
Annual Wage $46,464 $56,000 $66,449 $74,000 $84,000

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Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Therapist Assistant

 

What are the primary responsibilities of a Physical Therapist Assistant?

The main duties of a Physical Therapist Assistant are to help physical therapists with treatment plans.

They assist patients with exercises and therapeutic activities, provide massages, and use tools like ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Physical Therapist Assistants also document patient progress and teach patients and their families about home exercise programs and recovery techniques.

What qualifications are required to become a Physical Therapist Assistant?

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant, one must complete an accredited PTA program, which typically awards an associate degree.

Additionally, PTAs must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs and obtain state licensure or certification where they plan to practice.

Continuing education may also be required to maintain licensure.

How does a Physical Therapist Assistant contribute to patient care and rehabilitation?

A Physical Therapist Assistant contributes to patient care and rehabilitation by providing hands-on assistance in the execution of treatment plans designed by physical therapists.

They help patients improve mobility, strength, and function, reduce pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

Their role is crucial in ensuring that patients adhere to prescribed exercise regimens and therapy protocols, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process.

What skills are essential for a successful Physical Therapist Assistant?

Key skills for a successful Physical Therapist Assistant include solid communication and interpersonal abilities to interact with patients and healthcare team members effectively.

Physical stamina and strength are needed to help patients with exercises and mobility.

Attention to detail is vital for accurate documentation and implementation of therapy plans.

Problem-solving skills are important to address patient needs and adjust treatments as required.

Empathy and patience are essential for providing supportive care to patients during their recovery.

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