Physical Therapist Assistant (Inpatient)
About The Position
The Physical Therapist Assistant I works under the general supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to deliver safe, competent, evidence-based physical therapy services. The role implements delegated components of established treatment plans, monitors patient responses, and supports discharge activities. Services aim to improve mobility, reduce pain, increase strength, and address functional limitations resulting from injury or disease. The assistant manages assigned patient-care activities while developing foundational clinical skills, technical proficiency, and clinical judgment. The role follows established protocols and standards of practice, seeks mentorship and feedback, and collaborates with the supervising Physical Therapist, interdisciplinary care teams, patients, families, and caregivers to support patient-centered treatment plans.
Requirements
- Associate's degree from a Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
- Less than 1 year of work experience required; new graduates are welcome to apply.
- Current BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- Physical Therapist Assistant license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
- Knowledge of physical therapy theory, principles, and practice.
- Knowledge of safety principles in the patient-care environment.
- Knowledge of Denver Health standards, policies, and procedures as they pertain to physical therapy.
- Ability to integrate facility and regulatory-agency requirements into clinical decisions and documentation.
- Skills in assisting and caring for others, education and training, problem solving, judgment and decision making, critical thinking, and active listening.
Responsibilities
- Provide safe, evidence-based physical therapy interventions under the general supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, implementing delegated parts of the established plan of care.
- Deliver therapeutic treatments to improve mobility, relieve pain, and address functional limitations resulting from injury or disease.
- Monitor patient responses, report changes in condition to the Physical Therapist, and adjust interventions within the established plan of care with occasional guidance.
- Reinforce patient and caregiver understanding of prescribed interventions, including risks, benefits, and basic home activities.
- Complete timely and accurate documentation of treatment, patient response, and progress; update medical records, databases, problem lists, and treatment goals according to applicable standards and the individualized plan of care.
- Submit patient charges accurately according to department guidelines.
- Coordinate care with the Physical Therapist and communicate relevant clinical information and patient status to internal and external care partners.
- Monitor and help ensure completion of regulatory, documentation, and payer-related processes, including treatment authorizations, plan-of-care updates, medical-necessity justification, and progress reports.
- Collaborate proactively to resolve barriers to care and support patient readiness for discharge.
- Educate patients, family members, and caregivers in therapy principles, methods, and techniques to achieve intended outcomes.
- Review research and seek mentorship to expand clinical reasoning.
Benefits
- Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, including vacation, personal/sick time, and 7 holidays.
- 100% paid parental leave for up to 6 weeks.
- Retirement plans with immediate eligibility and employer contributions up to 9.5%.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans, plus employer-paid disability and life insurance.
- Well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and the RESTORE Center.
- Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
- Childcare discount programs and discounts on brands, travel, and other perks.
- Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
- Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center, supporting internal career growth and advancement pathways.
- Professional clinical advancement program and shared governance.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness-eligible employer, with free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the program.
- National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps eligibility.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
