Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants is becoming increasingly vital.

As medical advancements progress, the demand for skilled individuals who can support, enhance, and safeguard our cardiovascular and pulmonary health is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants provide support to physical therapists to help patients recover from cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions or surgeries.

They assist in implementing treatment plans and monitor patients’ progress.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting with exercises and physical therapies designed to increase patient strength and endurance
• Maintaining patient records and documenting progress
• Setting up therapy equipment and ensuring it is used correctly and safely
• Assisting patients with mobility, including moving from beds to wheelchairs or walking aids
• Monitoring vital signs before, during, and after therapy sessions
• Educating patients and their families about the therapy process and home exercises
• Administering therapeutic interventions under the guidance of a physical therapist
• Communicating with the physical therapist about patients’ responses and progress
• Supporting patients’ emotional and psychological wellbeing, encouraging a positive attitude towards recovery
• Adhering to all professional standards, regulations, and laws related to physical therapy practices

 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will be assisting our physical therapists in providing treatments to patients who have undergone cardiovascular or pulmonary surgeries, or are suffering from cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of physical therapy techniques, be able to follow instructions well and have a passion for improving patients’ health and well-being.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist physical therapists in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions.
• Help patients perform specific exercises as part of the plan of care.
• Monitor patients’ progress and response to treatments.
• Report patient status and progress to the physical therapist regularly.
• Assist with the use of various therapy equipment and techniques.
• Document patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Contribute to a team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

 

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program
• Current state license or certification to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Experience in a cardiovascular or pulmonary setting preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Strong attention to detail
• Physical stamina and dexterity to handle patients safely and effectively

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: This position requires working in a medical facility, typically a hospital or physical therapy clinic. Some travel may be required for home health visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Physical Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $36,000 minimum to $57,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Do?

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants work in collaboration with physical therapists to provide treatment and rehabilitation to patients with heart and lung conditions or post-surgical conditions.

They mainly work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and sometimes provide home care services.

Their primary job is to assist in implementing treatment plans designed by physical therapists.

These may include therapeutic exercises, breathing strategies, manual therapy, and use of specialized equipment to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary functions.

The therapy assistant also monitors the patient’s vital signs during the therapy sessions, ensuring the patient is not stressed and the exercises are carried out safely.

They record the progress of the patient and provide this feedback to the physical therapist for further treatment planning.

In addition, they provide education and guidance to patients and their families about the disease condition, the importance of physical therapy, and home exercises that can accelerate recovery.

They may also help patients with mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.

Furthermore, they maintain a clean and organized therapy environment, ensuring the equipment is in good working condition and is sanitized after every use.

They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.

 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant should have the following skills and qualifications:

• Knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary anatomy and physiology to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Possessing strong physical endurance and manual dexterity to assist patients with their exercises and physical activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients, their families, and the rest of the healthcare team effectively.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions from the supervising physical therapist for patient care.
• Knowledge of therapeutic exercises and techniques specific to cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.
• Experience with electronic health record systems to document patient progress and treatment plans.
• Problem-solving skills to assess patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Empathy and patience to support patients who may be dealing with emotional or physical pain or discomfort.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple patients and treatment plans concurrently.
• CPR and first aid certification to respond to any emergency situations that may arise during therapy sessions.

 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants usually gain their foundational experience through an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program, which generally includes both classroom learning and clinical rotations.

The clinical rotations usually cover a wide range of therapy settings, including cardiovascular and pulmonary care.

Before being considered for an entry-level position, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for Physical Therapy Assistants.

This certifies that they have the basic knowledge and skills required to assist in physical therapy treatments.

For a specialized role like a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant, additional experience or training in cardiovascular and pulmonary care is often required.

This could be gained through on-the-job training, additional clinical rotations or specialized courses.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience often have had exposure to a variety of patient care scenarios, including those with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.

They are typically ready to assist in more complex treatments and interventions.

Those with more than 3 years of experience in the role would have likely developed a deep understanding and proficiency in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy treatments.

This level of experience may also open opportunities for supervisory or managerial roles in the therapy setting.

Furthermore, Physical Therapy Assistants who wish to advance in their career may also consider achieving advanced certifications like the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist (CCS) designation, which showcases their advanced knowledge and commitment in the field.

 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants typically require an associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.

These PTA programs generally take two years to complete and are often available at community colleges.

The courses include both theoretical and practical training in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and kinesiology.

After completing the PTA program, most states require Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapy assistants.

This test ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively.

In addition to the NPTE, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistants may also need to meet additional state requirements such as jurisprudence exams or background checks.

To specialize in the cardiovascular and pulmonary field, PTAs can complete additional education and clinical experience to earn a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist (CCS) certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Continuous professional development is crucial as it keeps the Physical Therapy Assistant updated on the latest techniques and research in their specialized field.

As such, many choose to engage in ongoing training and educational opportunities throughout their careers.

 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $58,720 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on the level of experience, certification, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing facility.

 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant need?

A Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant needs strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they work directly with patients and other healthcare professionals.

They also need physical stamina to assist in therapy sessions and knowledge of basic medical terminology and procedures.

Other skills include attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to work as part of a team.

 

What kind of education is needed to become a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant?

An associate degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program is typically required to become a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant.

After earning a degree, they also have to pass a national exam to become licensed.

Some states may require additional licensing or certification.

 

What qualities make a good Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant?

A good Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant is compassionate, patient, and has excellent interpersonal skills.

They should be able to explain treatment plans and exercises to patients in a clear, understandable manner.

A good assistant also has physical stamina to support and move patients, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a healthcare team.

 

What are the daily duties of a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant?

On a typical day, a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant might assist physical therapists in providing therapy sessions, help patients with exercises, and use medical equipment.

They also monitor patients’ responses to treatment and report their progress to the physical therapist.

Additionally, they may perform administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and updating patient records.

 

What should you look for in a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant’s resume?

When reviewing a resume, look for an associate degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program and a state license to practice.

Experience in a related healthcare setting, knowledge of cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy techniques, and familiarity with medical equipment are also valuable.

Check for soft skills like communication, compassion, and teamwork as well.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we peeled back the layers on what it really means to be a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting with therapies.

It’s about crafting healthier lives, one patient at a time.

With our go-to Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assistant (Complete Guide)

Make Every Day a Fun Day: Top Jobs That Pay Well and Spark Joy

Flex-First Careers: Jobs That Put Your Freedom First

Get Rich Quick: A Look at the Highest Paying Jobs in Today’s Economy!

The Ironclad: Recession-Proof Jobs for Ultimate Security