Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Physical Therapy Assistant jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where large health systems and rehabilitation networks drive consistent hiring at every level from new graduate to senior clinician. UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and Genesis Health System are among the most established employers in the state, regularly bringing on physical therapy assistants across inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, and skilled nursing settings. Demand is especially strong in geriatric rehab and orthopedic recovery, reflecting Iowa's aging rural population and the growth of outpatient clinics statewide. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Physical Therapy Assistant jobs
Position Summary:
The Rehabilitation Aide (equivalent to the rehabilitation technician and physical therapy aide positions) will assist the Patient Experience Coordinator and clinicians by performing requested administrative and clinical duties. They will greet patients as they arrive to the clinic and work alongside the physical therapists as well as the physical therapist assistants during patient treatment. These duties will be conducted in compliance with state practice act requirements.
Benefits offered with this part-time position:
- Bi-annual pay increase opportunity
- Commuter: Pre-Tax Transit & Parking
- Retirement 401(k) (for 21+) w/ Per-Pay Company Match
- SoFi Financial Wellness Tools & Loan Resources
- HUSK Fitness Resources & Gym Discounts
- KinderCare Discount
- Home, Auto, and Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Discount Program
- Bereavement Time Off & Resources (part-time and full-time employees)
- Learn more by checking out our 2026 Athletico's Benefits Summary.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The below is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organization and the overall business objectives of the organization.
- Prepares patients for physical therapy treatments to put on and remove supportive devices, assists physical therapists during administration of treatments, and provides routine treatment
- Safeguards, motivates, and assists patients practicing exercises and functional activities under the direction of professional staff
- Provides routine treatments, such as hot/cold packs, and other modalities such as Ultrasounds, Electrical stimulation, etc
- Cleans work area and equipment after treatment
- Washes linens/towels, folds and maintains linen cabinets
- Maintaining restrooms and other areas such as windows as needed. Restocks with paper towels, tissue paper, soap and supplies
- Assists patient experience coordinator with answering phones, scheduling appointments and filing paper work and charts
- Assist patient experience coordinator with keeping track of both non-medical and medical supplies for the clinic and may order inventory
- Work Experience: Previous Clinical Aide or Rehab Tech experience preferred
-
Knowledge and Technical Skills:
- Strong communication and presentation skills-written and verbal
- Ability to clearly document all projects and manage production
- Attention to detail and time management skills are required
- Patient/Client Satisfaction: Providing care/service that exceeds expectations
- Energetic and a team player
- Able to demonstrate compassion toward patients
- Complete tasks thoroughly
- Basic knowledge of office equipment preferred
- Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently
- Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear
- Possess the ability to fulfill any office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer based work, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.)
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel, and reach with hand and arms
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds
- Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)
- Internal office
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low
Salaried ranges listed are for full time (40 hour) employees. Additional pay such as incentive, GAP, overtime, and stipends are subject to the rules of each program and may not be available in all locations. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.
Position Summary:
The Rehabilitation Aide (equivalent to the rehabilitation technician and physical therapy aide positions) will assist the Patient Experience Coordinator and clinicians by performing requested administrative and clinical duties. They will greet patients as they arrive to the clinic and work alongside the physical therapists as well as the physical therapist assistants during patient treatment. These duties will be conducted in compliance with state practice act requirements.
Benefits offered with this part-time position:
- Bi-annual pay increase opportunity
- Commuter: Pre-Tax Transit & Parking
- Retirement 401(k) (for 21+) w/ Per-Pay Company Match
- SoFi Financial Wellness Tools & Loan Resources
- HUSK Fitness Resources & Gym Discounts
- KinderCare Discount
- Home, Auto, and Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Discount Program
- Bereavement Time Off & Resources (part-time and full-time employees)
- Learn more by checking out our 2026 Athletico's Benefits Summary.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The below is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organization and the overall business objectives of the organization.
- Prepares patients for physical therapy treatments to put on and remove supportive devices, assists physical therapists during administration of treatments, and provides routine treatment
- Safeguards, motivates, and assists patients practicing exercises and functional activities under the direction of professional staff
- Provides routine treatments, such as hot/cold packs, and other modalities such as Ultrasounds, Electrical stimulation, etc
- Cleans work area and equipment after treatment
- Washes linens/towels, folds and maintains linen cabinets
- Maintaining restrooms and other areas such as windows as needed. Restocks with paper towels, tissue paper, soap and supplies
- Assists patient experience coordinator with answering phones, scheduling appointments and filing paper work and charts
- Assist patient experience coordinator with keeping track of both non-medical and medical supplies for the clinic and may order inventory
- Work Experience: Previous Clinical Aide or Rehab Tech experience preferred
-
Knowledge and Technical Skills:
- Strong communication and presentation skills-written and verbal
- Ability to clearly document all projects and manage production
- Attention to detail and time management skills are required
- Patient/Client Satisfaction: Providing care/service that exceeds expectations
- Energetic and a team player
- Able to demonstrate compassion toward patients
- Complete tasks thoroughly
- Basic knowledge of office equipment preferred
- Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently
- Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear
- Possess the ability to fulfill any office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to: remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer based work, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper reams, mail, etc.)
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel, and reach with hand and arms
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds
- Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding)
- Internal office
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low
Salaried ranges listed are for full time (40 hour) employees. Additional pay such as incentive, GAP, overtime, and stipends are subject to the rules of each program and may not be available in all locations. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.
See All 26 Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Iowa
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Find JobsPhysical Therapy Assistant Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Physical Therapy Assistant Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in physical therapy assistant jobs across Iowa.
- Active Physical Therapist Assistant license issued by the Iowa Physical Therapy Board
- Associate degree in physical therapist assisting from an accredited program
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification required before start date
- Experience with electronic medical records systems such as Epic or Theraoffice
- Ability to assist patients with therapeutic exercises under licensed PT supervision
- Strong communication skills for working with interdisciplinary care teams
Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a physical therapy assistant in Iowa?
You become a physical therapy assistant in Iowa by completing an accredited associate degree program in physical therapist assisting, then passing the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. After passing, you apply for licensure through the Iowa Physical Therapy Board, which issues the state license required to practice. Iowa does not offer a temporary or provisional license, so the full exam and application process must be completed before you begin working.
Which companies hire physical therapy assistants in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring physical therapy assistants in Iowa include Athletico Physical Therapy, Azria Health, and Legacy Healthcare, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's largest health systems, long-term care networks, and outpatient rehabilitation groups account for the majority of ongoing openings across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most physical therapy assistant jobs?
Ames, Davenport, and Adel have the most physical therapy assistant openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors the market as the state's largest metro with the highest concentration of hospital systems and outpatient clinics, while Cedar Rapids and Davenport draw consistent hiring from regional health networks and skilled nursing facilities serving the Quad Cities corridor and eastern Iowa.
Are there remote physical therapy assistant jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they are rare. Physical therapy assisting is a hands-on clinical role that requires direct patient contact, so remote work is not typical for most positions. About 0% of physical therapy assistant openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those listings generally involve administrative, documentation, or care coordination functions rather than direct patient treatment.
How can I get hired as a physical therapy assistant in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for new graduate or entry-level PTA roles at Iowa's large health systems, where UnityPoint Health and MercyOne regularly bring on new graduates from accredited programs. Candidates who worked as physical therapy aides, rehabilitation technicians, or athletic training assistants during school have a clear advantage because that hands-on patient contact transfers directly. Completing your Iowa Physical Therapy Board license before applying and choosing clinical rotations at facilities where you want to work are the steps that move candidates to the top of the list fastest.
Where can I find and apply to physical therapy assistant jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to physical therapy assistant jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Iowa employers. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your license status, experience, and preferred setting, and apply directly to whichever positions fit your situation.
See All 26 Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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