Physical Therapist Assistant

General Purpose 

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides rehabilitative care to residents under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA helps implement treatment plans designed to improve residents’ mobility, strength, balance, and physical functioning, enhancing independence and quality of life in a skilled nursing setting.

Responsibilities

Therapy Services

·       Deliver physical therapy treatments as outlined in the plan of care developed by the PT.

·       Assist residents with therapeutic exercises, gait training, balance activities, and mobility tasks.

·       Monitor resident response to therapy and adjust activities based on safety and tolerance.

·       Teach proper techniques for mobility aids and safety practices.

Documentation & Reporting

·       Accurately document treatments, progress notes, and daily billing in accordance with facility and regulatory requirements.

·       Report resident status changes or concerns to the supervising PT.

·       Participate in discharge planning and communicate with the interdisciplinary care team as needed.

Collaboration & Communication

·       Work closely with the interdisciplinary team to support comprehensive care plans.

·       Provide education to residents, families, and caregivers on continued mobility, exercises, and safety at discharge.

·       Communicate therapy goals and resident progress clearly to residents, families, and team members.

Compliance & Safety

·       Ensure all treatments are provided in accordance with Medicare, Medicaid, and state/federal regulations.

·       Follow all infection control, HIPAA, and safety protocols.

·       Maintain therapy equipment in a clean, safe, and functional condition.

Qualifications

·       Completion of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.

·       Current state licensure or certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

·       Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or post-acute care preferred.

·       Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer documentation requirements.

·       Strong understanding of physical therapy techniques and rehabilitation principles.

·       Ability to follow treatment plans accurately and provide individualized care.

·       Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with residents, families, and care teams.

·       Competence in documenting therapy sessions according to regulatory and facility standards.

·       Commitment to resident-centered care, safety, and quality outcomes.

·       Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

·       Facility-based work in skilled nursing or post-acute care settings.

·       Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting residents during therapy sessions.

·       Ability to manage multiple residents and prioritize tasks in a clinical environment.

·       Exposure to resident care-related environmental conditions, including infection control protocols.

·       Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at a time. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Direct patient-facing work in resident rooms, therapy gyms, and common areas 

·       Frequent interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff in a collaborative care setting 

·       Occasional exposure to bodily fluids or medical materials while assisting patients 

·       Work may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, or guiding patients during therapy sessions 

·       Environment requires adherence to safety, infection control, and proper use of therapy equipment

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.