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