Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Acute Care, PRN

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Organization:

Physical Therapy

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for administering and directing appropriate Physical Therapy interventions as prescribed by a qualified physician and directed by a licensed Physical Therapist. Responsible for effective communication and accurate documentation. Displays professional behavior in accordance with APTA Code of Ethics and CHS philosophy of service.

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Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Acute Care, PRN

Location: Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital | Tullahoma, TN

Looking for a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant role with flexibility and clinical quality?

Join Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital in Tullahoma, TN as a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) supporting acute care, inpatient physical therapy, and inpatient rehabilitation services in a collaborative hospital setting.

This hospital-based Physical Therapy Assistant opportunity offers flexible PRN scheduling, acute care hospital experience, and a manageable pace in a low-traffic, easy-commute environment. It is an excellent fit for PTAs seeking hospital-based experience without the volume and intensity often associated with larger metropolitan facilities.

Conveniently located in Southern Middle Tennessee, this role may also appeal to candidates in Manchester, Shelbyville, Winchester, Murfreesboro, and surrounding communities.

Schedule

• 8-hour shifts from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

• Flexible PRN coverage based on department needs

• Schedule provided approximately two weeks in advance

• Weekend coverage opportunities are available with higher demand

About the Role

As a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant in acute care, you will provide inpatient physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. You will treat adult patients experiencing acute medical conditions, post-surgical recovery needs, mobility limitations, and short-term rehabilitation goals focused on restoring independence and functional mobility.

This role is ideal for Physical Therapist Assistants with acute care or hospital experience, as well as those interested in expanding their clinical skills in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy interventions under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist, including mobility training, gait training, transfers, therapeutic exercise, and activities of daily living

• Support inpatient rehabilitation plans of care for adult patients with acute illness, injury, or post-operative recovery needs

• Deliver inpatient physical therapy treatments that promote improved function, mobility, and patient outcomes

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including therapists, nurses, physicians, and case management partners

• Document treatments, patient progress, and outcomes according to hospital and regulatory standards

• Deliver compassionate, patient-centered care during critical stages of recovery

• Provide PRN coverage, including weekend shifts as needed

Qualifications

• Active Tennessee Physical Therapist Assistant license required

• Experience in acute care, hospital-based physical therapy, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term acute care (LTAC), or relevant clinical rotations preferred

• Strong interest in acute care physical therapy and hospital-based patient care

• Ability to work a flexible PRN schedule, including weekend coverage

• Effective communication, teamwork, and documentation skills

Why Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital

• Part of Vanderbilt Health, a nationally recognized leader in patient care and rehabilitation services

• Supportive, team-oriented environment with close collaboration between therapists and interdisciplinary partners

• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in acute care, inpatient physical therapy, and inpatient rehabilitation within a respected health system

• Lower patient volume environment that supports quality care and work-life balance

• Convenient location with easy commute and minimal traffic

• Access to continuing education and professional development resources

Who Thrives in This Role

Successful candidates enjoy working in a collaborative hospital environment, value flexibility in their schedule, adapt well to a variety of patient conditions, and are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This position is especially well suited for PTAs seeking meaningful hospital experience while maintaining scheduling flexibility.

Apply Today

Apply to join Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital as a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and help patients regain mobility, independence, and confidence during critical stages of recovery. Become part of a dedicated rehabilitation team committed to delivering exceptional acute care and inpatient therapy services to the communities we serve.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

Core Accountabilities:

* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

LIC-Physical Therapy Assistant - Tennessee

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

Less than 1 year

Education:

Associate's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.