Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Acute Care

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Clarksville, TN

33d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant administers therapeutic techniques and interventions designed to improve, maintain, or restore function for individuals 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. Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital is seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our rehabilitation team. This position is approximately 80% Acute Care and 20% Inpatient Rehabilitation, providing the opportunity to work with a diverse adult patient population across multiple stages of recovery. Working under the direction of licensed Physical Therapists, you will help patients improve mobility, increase independence, and progress toward their rehabilitation goals while collaborating with an experienced interdisciplinary care team.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Current Tennessee PTA license or eligibility for licensure.
Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
Relevant Work Experience
Associate's degree

Nice To Haves

Acute Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, or hospital-based rehabilitation experience.
Strong communication, teamwork, and patient-centered care skills.

Responsibilities

Implement treatment plans developed by a licensed Physical Therapist.
Provide therapeutic exercise, gait training, transfer training, balance activities, and functional mobility interventions.
Monitor patient response to treatment and communicate progress to the supervising Physical Therapist.
Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation professionals, physicians, and care management teams.
Educate patients and caregivers on mobility, safety, and equipment use.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospital standards.
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.