Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the importance of orthopedic physical therapy assistants is becoming increasingly clear.

As our understanding of physical health and rehabilitation deepens, the need for skilled professionals who can support, enhance, and manage our orthopedic recovery process grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an orthopedic physical therapy assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect job profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of orthopedic physical therapy,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants are responsible for assisting Physical Therapists in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

They perform a variety of duties to support the rehabilitation process and improve patient mobility.

The duties and responsibilities of an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant are as follows:

• Assist Physical Therapists in developing patient treatment plans.
• Perform various therapeutic exercises with patients under the guidance of a Physical Therapist.
• Monitor patient progress and response to therapy, reporting any changes or concerns to the Physical Therapist.
• Teach and demonstrate to patients the correct way of doing exercises and using orthopedic devices.
• Help patients with mobility, such as getting on and off treatment tables, and moving to different areas within the facility.
• Prepare and maintain therapy equipment and treatment areas.
• Record patient information including therapy session details, patient responses, and progress updates in patient records.
• Work closely with the Physical Therapist to adjust treatment plans if necessary.
• Communicate effectively with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
• Adhere to professional standards, healthcare facility policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local requirements.

 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant to join our team.

Your responsibilities will include assisting our physical therapists in providing treatment for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, tracking patient progress, and educating patients and their families about treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of orthopedic physical therapy principles and excellent interpersonal skills.

The goal is to contribute to patient recovery, pain management, and overall wellbeing by implementing and assisting in the execution of therapeutic programs.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures
• Help patients with exercises, treatments, and use of equipment
• Document patient responses to treatment and provide progress reports
• Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress
• Direct patient participation in selected tasks to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance
• Communicate patient progress and possible changes in functional status to the physical therapist
• Teach patients how to use physical therapy equipment safely and effectively
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Comply with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program
• Current licensure or certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant
• Experience working in an orthopedic setting
• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, standards, and practices
• Ability to handle sensitive patient information with confidentiality
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical stamina to assist and lift patients

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. The role may require working on evenings and weekends.
• 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: $47,000 minimum to $68,000 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 an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Do?

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants work under the direction of Orthopedic Physical Therapists.

They primarily work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private physical therapy clinics.

Their main responsibility is to assist patients in executing therapy plans designed by the Orthopedic Physical Therapist.

This often involves guiding patients through various exercises or movements aimed at improving mobility, strength, and coordination.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants may also use therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, and cold to treat patients.

They also educate patients and their families about the recovery process, including at-home exercises and methods to prevent further injury.

They are responsible for tracking and documenting a patient’s progress over the course of treatment.

They communicate this information to the supervising Orthopedic Physical Therapist to help in adjusting therapy plans as needed.

In addition to the above, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants may also assist in non-clinical tasks such as equipment maintenance, scheduling appointments, and billing.

 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant should possess a range of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and physical abilities, including:

• Technical knowledge of orthopedic conditions, including understanding of the musculoskeletal system and various treatment techniques.
• Strong manual dexterity and physical stamina to assist patients with physical exercises and treatments.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with patients, building trust and rapport to facilitate effective treatment.
• Communication skills to clearly explain treatment plans to patients, listen and respond to their concerns, and provide updates to the supervising therapist.
• Problem-solving skills to assess patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Organizational abilities to manage patient schedules and maintain accurate treatment records.
• Empathy and patience to work with patients who may be experiencing pain or emotional distress related to their condition.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and patient needs.

 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants typically require an associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

During this education, they receive a mix of classroom instruction and clinical experience related to the field of orthopedic physical therapy.

Entry-level Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants generally need around 1 to 2 years of practical experience, which can be gained through internships or part-time positions at physical therapy clinics or healthcare institutions.

This provides them with hands-on experience in patient care, exercise instruction, and the use of therapeutic equipment under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have had the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of orthopedics, such as sports injuries or post-surgical rehabilitation.

This advanced experience often increases their proficiency in orthopedic evaluation, treatment planning, and the application of therapeutic techniques.

Those with over 5 years of experience may be ready to take on supervisory roles, overseeing other Physical Therapy Assistants and support staff.

They may also have gained experience in administrative tasks such as billing, scheduling, and insurance processing.

This cumulative experience makes them valuable assets in any orthopedic physical therapy setting.

 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants typically require an Associate’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

These programs usually last two years and combine academic study with clinical experience.

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

Upon completing the program, Physical Therapy Assistants are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to obtain licensure.

In addition, some states may have their own exams and requirements for licensure.

Therefore, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants must be aware of their own state’s regulations.

While not necessary, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants may seek specialty certification through organizations like the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

This indicates a higher level of expertise in dealing with orthopedic conditions.

Ongoing education is important in this field as new treatments and techniques are continually developed.

Many states require Physical Therapy Assistants to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.

 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

An Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $57,620 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on the years of experience, specializations, geographical location, and the hiring healthcare institution.

 

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What are the key skills required for an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant?

Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistants need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and medical teams.

They should possess strong physical stamina to assist patients with exercises and movements.

Knowledge of therapeutic treatments, understanding of orthopedic conditions, and proficiency in using physical therapy equipment are also essential.

Additionally, they should have a caring and empathetic nature to support patients during their recovery process.

 

What qualifications are required to be an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant?

To become an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant, an individual must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

They must also pass a licensure or certification exam, which varies by state.

Some states may require further training in orthopedics or a specific number of clinical hours in the field.

 

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

Look for an associate degree in physical therapist assisting from an accredited program on an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant’s resume.

The resume should also indicate that the candidate has passed the state licensure or certification exam.

In addition, check for experience in orthopedic settings, knowledge of orthopedic treatments, and skills in using physical therapy equipment.

Strong interpersonal skills, physical stamina, and an empathetic nature are also valuable attributes.

 

What qualities make a good Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant?

A good Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant is compassionate, patient, and has a strong desire to help others.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

They need to be physically fit to assist patients and handle equipment.

They also need to have good problem-solving skills to adapt treatments to the individual needs of each patient.

 

Is it challenging to hire an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant?

Hiring an Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assistant can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

Furthermore, the demand for these professionals is increasing as the aging population grows and requires orthopedic care.

However, offering competitive salaries, ongoing training opportunities, and a supportive work environment can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexities of being an orthopedic physical therapy assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting with physical therapies.

It’s about helping shape the future of orthopedic rehabilitation, one patient at a time.

With our top-notch orthopedic physical therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to make your move.

But why limit your potential?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient you assist is a step towards a healthier world.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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