Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
Physical Therapy Assistant jobs are open across outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and schools, at every level from new-grad to senior, with specializations in orthopedics, pediatrics, and neurological rehabilitation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 3,916+ Physical Therapy Assistant jobs
Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Job Description
Location: Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Westmont, Willowbrook, Lombard area
Schedule: Full-time, day shift, 8a-5p
Major Responsibilities:
-
Patient Relationship: Develops and maintains a restorative relationship throughout the healthcare continuum, following Advocate's MVP of Compassion.
- Incorporates an individualized approach to the plan of care, within the parameters established by the supervising therapist. Identifies need for further patient assessment and alerts appropriate professional.
- Demonstrates adaptive communication styles based on individual patient and family needs.
- Incorporates AHHS Standards of Behavior into interactions with patients, other associates and physicians.
- Assesses patient and family readiness and involves them in treatment and care. Seeks consultation from supervising therapist as needed.
- Provides care that routinely exceeds patients and families expectations, as measured by survey instruments.
- Promotes patient/family knowledge and confidence to safely manage self care, disease process and infection control prevention.
-
Providing and Improving Quality Care: Facilitates the patient and family's right to receive quality cost effective care following Advocate's MVP of Stewardship.
- Adapts practice to the latest standards according to evidence based literature. Utilizes approved treatment interventions to achieve established patient outcomes.
- Participates in quality/process improvement initiatives.
- Utilizes appropriate resources to respond to situations that have the potential to negatively impact outcomes.
- Promotes efforts to reduce risk and improve patient safety.
- Consistently demonstrates the ability to thoroughly and decisively document to support reimbursement and regulatory requirements.
-
Professional Development: Demonstrates respect and understanding for peers and other clinical disciplines and participates as an effective member of the patient care team to provide an integrated approach to care following Advocate's MVP of Excellence.
- Participates in staff meetings, agency in-services, and educational activities to enhance development and support organizational initiatives.
- Utilizes available resources to maintain current knowledge base relevant to practice.
- Demonstrates effective communication, feedback and conflict resolution skills, promoting collaboration among healthcare team members.
- Seeks out opportunities to enhance knowledge, skill and competency of self.
-
Care and Service Coordination: Practices as an effective member of the patient care team. Works with the team to formulate an integrated approach to care following Advocate's MVP of Partnership
- Consistently makes sound clinical decisions, demonstrating the ability to care for all patients, including those with complex problems.
- Recognizes changes in clinical situations and need for reassessment and alerts appropriate clinicians and supervisor. Participates in discussion with supervising therapist prior to implementing changes to the plan of care.
- Prioritizes and organizes patient care, ensures clear communication with others to achieve optimal health outcomes for patients, utilizing excellent communication techniques like SBAR and 5P's. Actively works to establish supervisory visits and follow up communication.
- Supports discharge plan for assigned patients and actively works with supervising therapist to coordinate post discharge care. Assists in communication to the interdisciplinary team therapy status. (As appropriate based on employment status).
- Actively participates in interdisciplinary case conferences. (As appropriate based on employment status).
-
Business Development and Growth: Demonstrates behaviors that enhance productivity and an understanding of financial and economic conditions in the health care environment.
- Demonstrates adherence to personnel and operational policies.
- Supports patient care plans and coordinates with others in the organization to maximize efficiencies and conserve resources.
- Self monitors utilization of resources to achieve excellent health outcomes for patients.
-
Patient Education: Demonstrates a commitment to meet the learning needs of patients and their families. Application of an organized approach to care involving optimal level of self care for patients and optimal quality of life for patient, family, and significant others following Advocate's MVP of Equality.
- Assesses patient and family readiness to learn and modifies approach as necessary.
- Utilizes appropriate resource material to achieve patient education outcomes, incorporating health literacy and adult learning principles.
Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
- Physical Therapist Assistant. Licensed in State of Illinois (or eligible for licensure)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.
- A valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Education/Experience Required:
- Able to demonstrate compliance with state continuing education requirements 2 years of clinical experience or demonstration of strong spectrum of clinical affiliation experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Basic knowledge of computer use (i.e. Microsoft Word, email access and use) Ability to learn and use computer based scheduling and documentation system Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and through written reports with strong documentation skills Good interpersonal skills Good time management and self organization skills Proficient use of all home based therapy equipment and assistive devices (balls, bands, weights, Hoyer lifts, etc)
- Illinois State License. If incumbent is not certified, he/she will be required to become certified within 6 months of employment.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Extensive travel within geographical boundaries in all extremes of weather and on all types of roads including expressways. Must be able to provide/arrange own transportation to and from patients homes and branch office. Ability to work rotating weekends and holidays. Requires adherence to scheduled days and hours of work based on commitment to patient/client and work load assigned. Ability to attend mandatory informational/education/branch meetings. Work environment includes patient or family homes, or assisted living facilities Requires full range of body motion including: a. bending, sitting and standing b. climbing stairs while carrying objects c. pulling, pushing, reaching, carrying and lifting; (must be able to lift/carry at minimum 25 pounds) d. assisting and maintaining patient's safety with ambulation on flat surfaces and stairs; and transferring patients using standard pivot transfers or with use of transfer board or Hoyer lift e. providing treatment on standard beds in the home environment
- This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Job Description
Location: Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Westmont, Willowbrook, Lombard area
Schedule: Full-time, day shift, 8a-5p
Major Responsibilities:
-
Patient Relationship: Develops and maintains a restorative relationship throughout the healthcare continuum, following Advocate's MVP of Compassion.
- Incorporates an individualized approach to the plan of care, within the parameters established by the supervising therapist. Identifies need for further patient assessment and alerts appropriate professional.
- Demonstrates adaptive communication styles based on individual patient and family needs.
- Incorporates AHHS Standards of Behavior into interactions with patients, other associates and physicians.
- Assesses patient and family readiness and involves them in treatment and care. Seeks consultation from supervising therapist as needed.
- Provides care that routinely exceeds patients and families expectations, as measured by survey instruments.
- Promotes patient/family knowledge and confidence to safely manage self care, disease process and infection control prevention.
-
Providing and Improving Quality Care: Facilitates the patient and family's right to receive quality cost effective care following Advocate's MVP of Stewardship.
- Adapts practice to the latest standards according to evidence based literature. Utilizes approved treatment interventions to achieve established patient outcomes.
- Participates in quality/process improvement initiatives.
- Utilizes appropriate resources to respond to situations that have the potential to negatively impact outcomes.
- Promotes efforts to reduce risk and improve patient safety.
- Consistently demonstrates the ability to thoroughly and decisively document to support reimbursement and regulatory requirements.
-
Professional Development: Demonstrates respect and understanding for peers and other clinical disciplines and participates as an effective member of the patient care team to provide an integrated approach to care following Advocate's MVP of Excellence.
- Participates in staff meetings, agency in-services, and educational activities to enhance development and support organizational initiatives.
- Utilizes available resources to maintain current knowledge base relevant to practice.
- Demonstrates effective communication, feedback and conflict resolution skills, promoting collaboration among healthcare team members.
- Seeks out opportunities to enhance knowledge, skill and competency of self.
-
Care and Service Coordination: Practices as an effective member of the patient care team. Works with the team to formulate an integrated approach to care following Advocate's MVP of Partnership
- Consistently makes sound clinical decisions, demonstrating the ability to care for all patients, including those with complex problems.
- Recognizes changes in clinical situations and need for reassessment and alerts appropriate clinicians and supervisor. Participates in discussion with supervising therapist prior to implementing changes to the plan of care.
- Prioritizes and organizes patient care, ensures clear communication with others to achieve optimal health outcomes for patients, utilizing excellent communication techniques like SBAR and 5P's. Actively works to establish supervisory visits and follow up communication.
- Supports discharge plan for assigned patients and actively works with supervising therapist to coordinate post discharge care. Assists in communication to the interdisciplinary team therapy status. (As appropriate based on employment status).
- Actively participates in interdisciplinary case conferences. (As appropriate based on employment status).
-
Business Development and Growth: Demonstrates behaviors that enhance productivity and an understanding of financial and economic conditions in the health care environment.
- Demonstrates adherence to personnel and operational policies.
- Supports patient care plans and coordinates with others in the organization to maximize efficiencies and conserve resources.
- Self monitors utilization of resources to achieve excellent health outcomes for patients.
-
Patient Education: Demonstrates a commitment to meet the learning needs of patients and their families. Application of an organized approach to care involving optimal level of self care for patients and optimal quality of life for patient, family, and significant others following Advocate's MVP of Equality.
- Assesses patient and family readiness to learn and modifies approach as necessary.
- Utilizes appropriate resource material to achieve patient education outcomes, incorporating health literacy and adult learning principles.
Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
- Physical Therapist Assistant. Licensed in State of Illinois (or eligible for licensure)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.
- A valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Education/Experience Required:
- Able to demonstrate compliance with state continuing education requirements 2 years of clinical experience or demonstration of strong spectrum of clinical affiliation experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Basic knowledge of computer use (i.e. Microsoft Word, email access and use) Ability to learn and use computer based scheduling and documentation system Ability to communicate professionally both verbally and through written reports with strong documentation skills Good interpersonal skills Good time management and self organization skills Proficient use of all home based therapy equipment and assistive devices (balls, bands, weights, Hoyer lifts, etc)
- Illinois State License. If incumbent is not certified, he/she will be required to become certified within 6 months of employment.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Extensive travel within geographical boundaries in all extremes of weather and on all types of roads including expressways. Must be able to provide/arrange own transportation to and from patients homes and branch office. Ability to work rotating weekends and holidays. Requires adherence to scheduled days and hours of work based on commitment to patient/client and work load assigned. Ability to attend mandatory informational/education/branch meetings. Work environment includes patient or family homes, or assisted living facilities Requires full range of body motion including: a. bending, sitting and standing b. climbing stairs while carrying objects c. pulling, pushing, reaching, carrying and lifting; (must be able to lift/carry at minimum 25 pounds) d. assisting and maintaining patient's safety with ambulation on flat surfaces and stairs; and transferring patients using standard pivot transfers or with use of transfer board or Hoyer lift e. providing treatment on standard beds in the home environment
- This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs by Experience Level
Top Cities Hiring Physical Therapy Assistants
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Find JobsPhysical Therapy Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Vibra Travels196
- Athletico Physical Therapy110
- Ivy Health94
- Voyage Health86V
- Powerback Rehabilitation82
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services114
- Education16
- Insurance8
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical therapy assistant jobs.
- Associate degree from an accredited PTA program and current state licensure
- Valid PTA license or eligibility to obtain licensure in the posting state
- CPR and Basic Life Support certification
- Experience with electronic medical record documentation systems
- Ability to implement treatment plans under a supervising physical therapist
- Physical stamina to assist with patient transfers, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy
Tips for Your Physical Therapy Assistant Job Search
Tailor your resume to the setting
Outpatient orthopedics, acute care, and pediatric settings each prize different skills. Rewrite your resume's summary and bullet points to match the specific care setting in each posting, not just the job title.
List your APTA state licensure clearly
Employers screen for state licensure before reading anything else. Put your license number, issuing state, and expiration date in your resume header so a recruiter can verify eligibility in seconds without digging.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists physical therapy assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Ask about patient caseload in interviews
Asking how many patients you'd see per day signals clinical maturity and helps you evaluate burnout risk. Interviewers consistently respond well to candidates who demonstrate they understand productivity standards in outpatient versus inpatient settings.
Quantify your documentation experience
Most postings list EMR proficiency as a requirement but rarely specify which system. Name the platforms you've used and note how many daily progress notes you handled to show you can hit the ground running without a learning curve.
Negotiate schedule flexibility, not just pay
Per diem rates and weekend differentials vary widely between facility types. Once you have an offer, ask specifically about shift rotations, on-call expectations, and PRN opportunities before accepting, since those factors directly affect your actual take-home and sustainability.
Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most physical therapy assistants?
The most active employers for physical therapy assistants right now are Vibra Travels, Athletico Physical Therapy, and Ivy Health, and the most openings are in Florida, California, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be highest in skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient orthopedic settings.
How many physical therapy assistant jobs are remote?
About 7% of physical therapy assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most PTA work requires in-person patient contact. The roles most likely to have a remote component are telehealth follow-up sessions, patient education coordination, and administrative or case management positions within larger health systems.
How do you become a physical therapy assistant?
You earn an associate degree from an accredited PTA program, which includes both classroom coursework and supervised clinical rotations. After graduating, you pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. You then apply for licensure in your state, which may require additional jurisprudence exams or background checks before you can practice.
How do you get hired as a physical therapy assistant with little experience?
Emphasize your clinical rotation sites and the patient populations you treated, since those rotations are your direct work experience. Apply to per diem or PRN postings at skilled nursing facilities, which hire new grads more readily than competitive outpatient orthopedic clinics. Getting your BLS certification before applying and volunteering a willingness to work across multiple settings also strengthens entry-level applications significantly.
What does the physical therapy assistant interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone screen to confirm licensure status and availability, then invite you to an in-person or video interview with the supervising PT or clinic director. You'll typically be asked to walk through a patient scenario or describe how you'd handle a specific treatment situation. Some facilities include a brief facility tour and introduce you to the team before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to physical therapy assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to physical therapy assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your credentials, preferred setting, and location, then apply directly to each listing from the job page.
See All 3,916+ Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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