Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the emphasis on acute care physical therapy assistants has never been more critical.

As healthcare evolves, so does the need for skilled individuals who can manage, develop, and protect our acute care physical therapy processes.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an acute care physical therapy assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of acute care physical therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable acute care physical therapy assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistants work with physical therapists to help patients recover and improve from acute illnesses and injuries.

They are primarily responsible for directly assisting patients and physical therapists, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures
• Help patients with exercises, therapeutic treatments, and equipment as directed by the physical therapist
• Monitor and record patient’s progress, response to treatment, and any changes in patient’s status
• Prepare treatment areas and set up therapy equipment
• Assist in patient mobility, such as moving patients from bed to wheelchair
• Adhere to infection control procedures to ensure the safety of patients
• Communicate with patients, families, and the healthcare team about the patient’s progress and any concerns
• Perform clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and processing insurance paperwork

 

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will be responsible for assisting our Physical Therapists in providing rehabilitation services to patients in acute care settings.

You will carry out therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, assisting with mobility training, therapeutic exercises, and pain management techniques.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate professional with excellent interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of physical therapy principles and practices.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist Physical Therapists in implementing patient treatment plans
• Conduct therapeutic exercises with patients to improve mobility
• Help patients with their physical therapy exercises as instructed by the Physical Therapist
• Monitor patient progress and response to therapy
• Maintain patient records and document treatment activities and outcomes
• Ensure therapy equipment is clean and in proper working order
• Provide patient and family education related to physical therapy treatment
• Assist in patient transfer and positioning
• Adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations and standards

 

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Physical Therapy Assistant program
• Current licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Experience in an acute care setting is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of physical therapy principles and practices
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Physically fit and able to assist patients with physical movements
• First Aid and CPR certification

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Acute care hospital setting. Physical demands include standing for extended periods, lifting and moving patients, and performing a variety of physical tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Do?

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistants are integral members of the healthcare team who work in high-intensity settings like hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

They work under the direction and supervision of licensed Physical Therapists to help patients recover from serious injuries or illnesses.

Their primary responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and providing therapeutic exercises and treatments.

They also help patients with their mobility, help them learn to use assistive devices, and provide support during functional activities.

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistants also play a crucial role in educating patients and their families about the recovery process, helping them understand what to expect and how to manage physical limitations.

They may also be involved in coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, documenting patient progress, and ensuring that the treatment environment is safe and conducive to recovery.

In all their work, Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistants strive to improve their patients’ quality of life and help them regain their independence.

 

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant should possess a set of specialized skills and qualifications, including:

• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, practices, and their application in an acute care setting.
• Ability to assist physical therapists in implementing treatment plans for patients with various medical conditions and injuries.
• Strong interpersonal skills for establishing rapport with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining treatment procedures and providing instructions to patients and their families.
• Physical stamina and strength for assisting patients with movement exercises, lifting and transferring them when necessary.
• Observational skills for monitoring patient responses to treatment and reporting significant findings to the supervising physical therapist.
• Organizational skills for maintaining accurate records of patient treatments and progress.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to respond quickly and effectively.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics and standards of practice.
• Completion of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program and possession of a valid state license to practice.

 

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Physical Therapy Assistants aiming to specialize in acute care often need at least 1-2 years of experience in a general physical therapy setting.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, rehab centers, or private clinics.

In these roles, they garner experience in patient care, implementing treatment plans, and using therapeutic exercises and physical modalities to assist patients.

Those with more than 2 years of experience typically have a deeper understanding of medical terminologies, patient evaluation, and have developed hands-on skills in patient handling and care.

They may have also gained experience working with a diverse patient population, including those with various types of injuries or conditions.

Physical Therapy Assistants with more than 5 years of experience may have specialized knowledge and experience in acute care settings.

They may have experience in handling critical cases, working in multidisciplinary teams, and managing the acute care needs of patients.

These experienced assistants might also have leadership experience, which could qualify them for roles such as a senior physical therapy assistant or a team leader in an acute care setting.

 

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant, one must complete a two-year associate degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

This program includes both classroom and clinical learning.

Subjects studied typically include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, kinesiology, and therapeutic procedures.

Clinical experiences provide opportunities to work with patients under the supervision of experienced therapists in acute care settings.

Upon graduation, one must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapy assistant.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but all states require physical therapy assistants to be licensed or certified.

While not required, some physical therapy assistants choose to pursue advanced certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as acute care.

They may also participate in continuing education programs to stay updated with the latest practices in physical therapy.

These programs can also help assistants prepare for advancement opportunities within their field.

A strong understanding of patient care, compassion, and excellent communication skills are essential for this role.

Physical stamina is also a necessity as the role often involves standing for long periods and assisting patients with physical movements.

 

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

An Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $53,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate depending on factors such as the level of experience, the specific healthcare setting, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant need?

Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistants must have a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology.

They should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.

They must be physically fit as the job demands physical exertion, and they should have excellent problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans to individual patient needs.

 

What are the qualifications for an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant?

To become an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant, one must complete a Physical Therapist Assistant program from an accredited institution, which typically takes about two years.

After completing the program, they must pass a state licensing examination.

Some states may also require ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure.

 

What should you look for in an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant resume?

A resume for an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant should show a license to practice, as this is a legal requirement.

It should also show graduation from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Look for experience in acute care settings, as well as skills in patient care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy techniques.

 

What qualities make a good Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant?

A good Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant is patient and compassionate, as they often work with individuals in pain or distress.

They must have strong communication skills to effectively explain treatments to patients and their families.

Good assistants are also physically fit and have the stamina to handle the physical demands of the job.

They should also be detail-oriented to accurately follow treatment plans and record patient progress.

 

What is the career advancement potential for an Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistant?

With additional education and experience, Acute Care Physical Therapy Assistants can advance to become Physical Therapists.

They may also specialize in a certain area of physical therapy, such as geriatric or pediatric care.

Some may choose to move into administrative roles within healthcare facilities or seek opportunities in teaching or research.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve taken you behind the scenes of what it truly means to be an acute care physical therapy assistant.

But guess what?

It’s not just about performing physical therapies.

It’s about aiding in the recovery and enhancing the health of patients, one therapy session at a time.

With our reliable acute care physical therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop at just that?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your guide to creating precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Just remember:

Every therapy session is a piece of the larger healing journey.

Let’s create healthier futures. Together.

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