Physical Therapist Assistant PTA - Companion Animal Rehab
About The Position
Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness is seeking a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to transition into companion animal rehabilitation. The practice provides rehabilitation and fitness services for dogs and cats, including orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, sports medicine, pain management, senior mobility, fitness, and performance care. Animal rehabilitation experience is preferred but not required; training and mentorship will be provided. Working under the direction of rehabilitation therapists, the PTA will assist with individualized programs to improve patients’ mobility, function, strength, endurance, and quality of life. The role includes patient treatment, use of rehabilitation modalities, client education, and clinic operations. The position is full-time at Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness in Fairfield, New Jersey, with compensation of $35.00–$50.00 per hour.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
- Current PTA license or eligibility for licensure.
- Strong understanding of therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation principles.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Comfort working with dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments.
- Ability to work actively, communicate and collaborate as a team member, stay organized and detail-oriented, adapt, and learn.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, or aquatic therapy.
- Experience with therapeutic exercise progression.
- Manual therapy experience.
- Interest in animal rehabilitation or veterinary medicine.
- Previous experience working with animals.
Responsibilities
- Assist with rehabilitation evaluations and treatment sessions.
- Perform and assist with therapeutic exercise programs.
- Facilitate gait training and functional mobility activities.
- Assist with balance, coordination, proprioception, and strengthening exercises.
- Support neurological rehabilitation, including assisted standing, weight shifting, and mobility training.
- Assist with orthopedic rehabilitation following surgery or injury.
- Monitor patient progress and communicate observations to supervising therapists.
- Maintain patient safety throughout treatment sessions.
- Assist with and learn the application of underwater treadmill therapy, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, therapeutic laser, focused shockwave therapy, NMES and TENS, PEMF therapy, balance and neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic stretching, and functional strengthening programs.
- Demonstrate home exercise programs and educate owners on safe handling techniques.
- Reinforce therapist recommendations, answer general rehabilitation questions, and provide compassionate support to clients.
- Prepare treatment areas before appointments and maintain rehabilitation equipment.
- Assist with patient handling and transfers.
- Help maintain an efficient treatment schedule.
- Collaborate with therapists and support staff and help maintain a clean, organized, professional clinic environment.
Benefits
- Mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists (CCATs).
- Structured training in companion animal rehabilitation.
- Continuing education opportunities.
- Advanced training in rehabilitation modalities.
- Opportunities to pursue recognized certifications in companion animal rehabilitation.
- Career advancement within a rapidly expanding practice.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
