Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Pediatric Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

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:

MCJCHV Peds Rehab

Job Summary:

Provides physical therapy treatment to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes under the direction of a Physical Therapist. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

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Job Title: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – Pediatric Acute Care
Location: Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt | Nashville, TN
Schedule: Full-Time | Five 8-hour shifts/week | Weekend rotation (1x/month)

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has once again been recognized as a leader in pediatric health care, earning the title as the No. 1 children’s hospital in Tennessee and sharing the top spot in the Southeast, according to the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

Empower Young Lives Through Pediatric Physical Therapy

Are you a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) passionate about helping children thrive? Join the Pediatric Rehabilitation Team at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, recurring #1 Children’s Hospital in the Southeast and make a meaningful impact in acute care.

Our team specializes in treating children and adolescents admitted to the acute care hospital.  We focus on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and promoting independence through evidence-based therapy and compassionate care.

What You’ll Do:

• Deliver physical therapy treatments to pediatric patients under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist

• Implement individualized care plans to improve mobility, strength, coordination, and overall function

• Educate families and caregivers to support successful transitions to home, school, and community settings

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes

• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold the highest standards of care

What You Bring:

• Completion of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Physical Therapist Assisting

• Active and unrestricted PTA license in Tennessee (or eligibility to obtain before start date)

• Minimum 1 year of experience in pediatric or acute care physical therapy

• Strong communication, teamwork, and clinical reasoning skills

Why Vanderbilt Health?

• Work at a nationally recognized Level I Pediatric Trauma Center

• Being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to pediatric excellence

• Access continuing education, leadership development, and research opportunities

• Enjoy Day One benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans

• Named one of Forbes’ “Best Employers in Tennessee” and “America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals”

Apply Today

Help children reach their full potential. Join Vanderbilt Health and be a part of a team that’s transforming pediatric rehabilitation—one patient at a time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes based on the treatment plan of the primary clinician.

• Provides education and employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.

• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

• Treatment Implementation (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery in providing treatment consistent with physician prescription and established plan of care. Able to