Physical Therapist Assistant
Gainesville, FL
HumanEdge Travel Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Days

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Job Overview

Contract Length: 13 weeks

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Physical Therapist in implementing treatment goals, plans, and programs.
• Support therapeutic interventions including:

  • Posture training
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Endurance/cardiac training
  • Balance and coordination exercises
  • Joint mobility and muscle lengthening
  • Pain relief
  • Functional skills and community re-entry training
• Train patients in locomotion using orthotics, prosthetics, and assistive devices (canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs).
• Demonstrate proper gait, safety awareness, and guarding techniques.
• Use and instruct patients on prescribed equipment.
• Apply therapeutic modalities such as whirlpools, hot/cold packs, paraffin baths, TENS, therapeutic pools, ultrasound, iontophoresis, fluidotherapy, and air splints.
• Monitor patient responses and intervene as necessary.
• Ensure safe use of equipment; report malfunctions and recommend new equipment.
• Document patient progress, education, and family participation weekly.
• Teach caregivers safe assistance techniques and proper body mechanics.
• Maintain professional and ethical relationships with patients and staff.
• Consult and collaborate with other healthcare disciplines.
• Participate in team conferences and special projects to improve patient care quality and efficiency.
• Attend continuing education and provide in-service training to peers and other health professionals.
• Comply with all safety, infection control, and hospital policies.
• Maintain a clean and safe treatment environment.
• Display a customer service attitude toward patients, visitors, and staff.

Safety and Compliance

• Emphasis on patient and employee safety, including safe patient handling, materials handling, infection control, and fall prevention.
• Adherence to hand-washing, use of gloves, goggles, gowns, and cleaning protocols.
• Follow guidelines for treating patients in isolation.
• Report symptoms of illness or contagious diseases promptly.

Required Qualifications

• Valid state Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Minimum 2 years of bedside experience

Additional Notes

• The role supports delivery of physical therapy services including transportation, therapeutic exercises, and functional activities as per treatment plans and state practice guidelines.
• Commitment to the organization's core values: quality, respect, results orientation, teamwork, and resourcefulness.