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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Azria Health is building on the traditions of the past with a focus on the future. We take pride in delivering quality care to each of our residents. This begins and ends with our fantastic team. It is our belief that Happy Team Members make Happy Residents.
We strive to provide a path for personal and professional growth, a great atmosphere, an outstanding team and the tools to be a great employee.
Position Summary: The PTA Physical Therapy Assistant provides direct rehab care in physical therapy to patients upon physician referral under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards.
Education, Experience, and Licensure Requirements:
- Must be a graduate of an accredited program in physical therapy (ASPT)
- Must be currently registered/licensed in applicable State. Must maintain an active license in good standing throughout employment.
• One (1) year experience in post acute care or related setting preferred • Must have CPR certification upon hire or obtain during orientation. CPR certification must remain current during employment. Specific Job Requirements:
- Participates in community health matters/projects as appropriate
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and e mail
- Liaisons with patients, families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for patient needs
- Must demonstrate good body mechanics at all times
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
- Must be knowledgeable of practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing functions in the post acute care facility
- Must have the ability to implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the department
- Must perform proficiently in all competency areas including but not limited to: patient rights, and safety and sanitation
- Maintains professional working relationships with all associates, vendors, etc.
- Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
- Must understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
- Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Cares Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training Essential Functions:
- Must be able to follow physical therapy treatment plans for patients under direction of the supervising PT
- Must be able to chart appropriately and timely
- Must be able to utilize therapy software appropriately and accurately
- Must exhibit excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards patients
- Must be able to assist in the evacuation of patients
- Must demonstrate dependable, regular attendance
- Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
- Must be able to communicate and function productively on an interdisciplinary team
- Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, walk, reach, and move intermittently during working hours
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
An Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
See All 25 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 UnityPoint Health, Azria Health, and Aegis Therapies, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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 Fairfield 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.
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 25 Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in Iowa
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