Physical Therapist Assistant / PTA

Job Description

Job Description

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Department: Health in Motion – Physical Therapy
Status: Full-Time | 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Manager: Health in Motion
Location: Pagosa Springs Medical Center – Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Position Highlight

Help patients restore movement, reduce pain, and regain independence while working alongside an experienced rehabilitation team in a collaborative outpatient setting.

Position Summary

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) is seeking a compassionate and motivated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our Health in Motion Physical Therapy team.

Working under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA provides hands-on treatment to patients of all ages recovering from injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, and other physical impairments. This role plays a vital part in helping patients improve mobility, restore function, reduce pain, and achieve their rehabilitation goals through individualized treatment plans and patient education.

Why Join PSMC?

• Make a meaningful difference in patients' recovery and quality of life
• Work one-on-one with patients throughout their rehabilitation journey
• Join a collaborative team of rehabilitation professionals
• Treat a diverse patient population with a wide variety of diagnoses
• Practice in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth
• Live in the beautiful San Juan Mountains with endless year-round outdoor recreation

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Deliver physical therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist
• Implement individualized treatment plans designed to improve strength, mobility, balance, endurance, and function
• Utilize therapeutic exercise, stretching, massage, heat, ice, and other treatment modalities
• Assist patients with transfers, gait training, balance training, and therapeutic activities
• Fit patients for braces, prosthetics, walkers, crutches, and other assistive devices
• Monitor patient response to treatment and report changes to the supervising Physical Therapist

Patient Assessment & Documentation

• Measure range of motion, vital signs, strength, balance, and functional mobility
• Accurately document patient progress in the electronic health record
• Assist with patient intake, medical history, medication reconciliation, and quality reporting
• Modify treatment interventions as directed by the supervising Physical Therapist
• Ensure documentation supports quality care and regulatory compliance

Patient Education

• Educate patients and families regarding:
• • Home exercise programs
  • Injury prevention
  • Recovery expectations
  • Safe use of assistive devices
  • Treatment goals
• Reinforce physician and Physical Therapist recommendations
• Encourage patient participation and independence throughout the rehabilitation process

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with Physical Therapists, providers, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals
• Coordinate patient appointments and follow-up care
• Review referrals, insurance authorizations, and treatment orders
• Respond to patient phone calls and portal messages appropriately
• Promote seamless communication throughout the continuum of care

Department Support

• Prepare treatment rooms and therapy equipment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe therapy environment
• Monitor and replenish therapy supplies
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and continuing education
• Support departmental workflows and patient-centered care

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program strongly preferred
• Associate degree preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field will also be considered
• Successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)

Experience

• Two (2) years of Physical Therapist Assistant experience preferred, but not required

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Colorado Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license
• Current AHA BLS certification for Healthcare Providers
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic health records

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent patient education abilities
• Critical thinking and clinical observation skills
• Ability to motivate and encourage patients throughout rehabilitation
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the rehabilitation team
• Experience with electronic medical records (Cerner experience preferred)

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate:

• Is passionate about helping patients regain mobility and independence
• Enjoys building lasting relationships with patients
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and accountability
• Is committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care
• Embodies PSMC's WISER values of Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Compensation Range: $28.50 - $38.27 hourly, based on 0-22 years of relevant experience. "Relevant experience" means relevant to the employee's responsibilities set forth in the job description as determined by the HR Manager, CAO, applicable department manager/director and applicable senior leader.
• Benefits: Benefits include generous paid time off, separate sick leave, health, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability and option for short-term disability, and retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Job Type: Full-time
• Shift Type: Weekdays
• Anticipated End Date for Posting: September 30, 2026. The deadline may close sooner due to an unanticipated business necessity, such as an incumbent vacating the role earlier than anticipated. You are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment health and drug screen and background check.

About Pagosa Springs Medical Center

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is a Critical Access Hospital proudly serving Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County in southwest Colorado. Our Health in Motion rehabilitation team is dedicated to helping patients achieve their highest level of function through compassionate, evidence-based therapy delivered close to home.

Located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs offers an unmatched quality of life with world-class hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, hunting, and the world's deepest geothermal hot springs. At PSMC, you'll join a collaborative team guided by our WISER values: Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect , where every team member plays an important role in improving the health of our community.

Apply Today

If you're a compassionate Physical Therapist Assistant who enjoys helping patients overcome challenges, restore function, and improve their quality of life, we'd love to hear from you. Join Pagosa Springs Medical Center and help our patients move toward healthier, more active lives.