Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – Acute Care Hospital, PRN
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterAbout the role
Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
Physical TherapyJob Summary:
JOB SUMMARYResponsible 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 Hospital, PRN
Location:
Vanderbilt Tullahoma‑Harton Hospital – Tullahoma, TN
Schedule:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
8‑hour shifts
Flexible PRN coverage
Schedule provided two weeks in advance
Weekend coverage needed (higher demand)
Job Description
Vanderbilt Tullahoma‑Harton Hospital is seeking a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to support inpatient physical therapy and acute medical rehabilitation services in a community hospital setting. This PRN opportunity is ideal for PTAs with acute‑care or hospital‑based experience, as well as those interested in building or expanding acute‑care skills within a nationally recognized health system.
The Physical Therapist Assistant – Acute Care PRN works under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to deliver high‑quality inpatient rehabilitation services. This role supports adult patients with acute medical conditions, post‑surgical recovery needs, functional mobility limitations, and short‑term inpatient therapy plans of care.
This position offers flexible PRN scheduling with predictable shift planning, hands‑on patient care, and close collaboration with experienced Physical Therapists in a supportive community hospital environment.
Key Responsibilities
Provide acute care physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, including functional mobility training, gait training, transfers, therapeutic exercise, and activities of daily living.
Assist adult patients with acute illness, post‑operative recovery, medical complexity, and inpatient rehabilitation needs.
Collaborate with patients, families, nursing staff, physicians, and interdisciplinary care team members.
Document treatments, progress, goals, and outcomes accurately and in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
Demonstrate professional conduct aligned with Vanderbilt Health values and the APTA Code of Ethics.
Provide PRN and weekend coverage and adapt to fluctuating patient volumes and acute care staffing needs.
Qualifications
Active Tennessee Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license required.
Experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, hospital‑based physical therapy, skilled nursing, or acute‑care clinical rotations preferred.
Strong interest in acute care physical therapy and willingness to grow skills in a hospital environment.
Effective communication skills and ability to complete timely, accurate clinical documentation.
Ability to work a flexible PRN schedule, including weekend coverage as needed.
Why Vanderbilt Tullahoma‑Harton Hospital
Part of Vanderbilt Health, a nationally recognized leader in patient care and rehabilitation services.
Supportive, community‑focused hospital environment where your work has a visible impact on patient recovery.
Collaboration with experienced Physical Therapists and interdisciplinary teams.
Access to continuing education resources and professional development within a respected health system.
Mission‑driven organization committed to excellence in acute care rehabilitation and patient outcomes.
Ready to Apply
Apply today to join Vanderbilt Tullahoma‑Harton Hospital as a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and support
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