Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) – Acute Care Hospital

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:

Acute Rehab PT/OT 3

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 with minimal guidance from a Physical Therapist. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

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Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) – Acute Care Hospital
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

Schedule: Full‑Time | Monday–Friday with one weekend day per month

Empower Recovery. Transform Lives. Join Vanderbilt Health.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is hiring a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to support acute care rehabilitation for hospitalized adult patients. In this role, you’ll partner closely with Physical Therapists, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to help patients regain mobility, function, and independence during their hospital stay.

This position offers a structured full‑time schedule, hands‑on patient care, and the opportunity to work in one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.

Why Vanderbilt Health

• Recognized among the Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report

• Day One Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement plans

• Team‑based, collaborative care model with strong PT support

• Opportunities for continued learning, skill development, and career growth

• Work with diverse patient populations across multiple acute care diagnoses

What You’ll Do

• Provide hands‑on acute care physical therapy interventions under the direction of a supervising Physical Therapist

• Assist patients with mobility, transfers, gait training, and functional activities

• Support early mobilization and safe progression toward discharge goals

• Educate patients and caregivers on mobility strategies and functional independence

• Document patient progress and treatment outcomes accurately in the medical record

• Collaborate with PTs, nurses, physicians, and care coordinators to support safe discharge planning

Qualifications

Required

• Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

• Experience in adult acute care or strong clinical experience in inpatient, rehab, or hospital‑based settings

• Strong communication, documentation, and teamwork skills

• Passion for patient‑centered rehabilitation

Preferred

• Prior hospital or acute care experience

• Comfort working with medically complex patients

• Interest in continued professional growth within acute care rehabilitation

Benefits

• Competitive pay with comprehensive benefits starting Day One

• Predictable full‑time schedule with limited weekend commitment

• Supportive, interdisciplinary team environment

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and join Vanderbilt Health in delivering exceptional acute care rehabilitation. Help patients move, recover, and return to independence—one step 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:

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