Acute Care Physical Therapist Assistant

Mercy is seeking an Acute Physical Therapy Assistant to support licensed Physical Therapists in our hospital-based acute care units. In this role, you will assist with patient evaluations by gathering data, carry out established treatment plans, and guide patients through therapeutic exercises, mobility training, and functional activities. You will safely perform transfers, monitor vital signs, document care in the EHR, and educate patients and families on home programs. Collaborating closely with nurses and other clinicians, you will help promote early mobility, reduce complications, and support safe discharge planning while upholding Mercy’s values of compassion and excellence. Assist Physical Therapists in implementing treatment plans for acute care patients. Guide patients through therapeutic exercises, gait training, and functional mobility activities. Perform safe patient transfers and positioning using proper body mechanics and equipment. Monitor and record patient vital signs and responses to treatment. Document treatments, patient progress, and observations in the electronic health record (EHR). Educate patients and families on therapy goals, safety, and home exercise programs. Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other clinicians to support coordinated care and discharge planning. Maintain a safe, clean treatment environment and follow infection control protocols. Adhere to state practice regulations and Mercy policies for PTA scope of practice. Participate in ongoing professional development and quality improvement initiatives. Therapeutic exercise implementation Patient transfer and mobility techniques Functional mobility and gait training Vital signs monitoring and documentation Electronic health record (EHR) documentation Knowledge of acute care safety protocols Patient and family education Interdisciplinary care coordination Infection control practices Body mechanics and fall prevention Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance 401k Current Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in state of practice Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program Current BLS/CPR certification Acute care or hospital-based clinical rotation preferred