Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – Acute Care, PRN

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 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 PRN flexibility without sacrificing clinical quality?

At Vanderbilt Tullahoma‑Harton Hospital, you’ll practice high-quality acute care rehabilitation in a setting that offers something rare: low traffic, easy commutes, and small‑town livability—backed by the clinical standards, resources, and reputation of Vanderbilt Health. This is a less hectic alternative to larger, high-volume care settings, while still allowing you to work at the top of your license and make a meaningful impact with every patient interaction.

Schedule

• 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

• 8-hour shifts

• Flexible PRN coverage

• Schedule provided approximately two weeks in advance

• Weekend coverage available with higher demand opportunities

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 opportunity is ideal for PTAs with acute care or hospital-based experience, as well as those interested in building or expanding their acute care skillset within a nationally recognized health system.

The Physical Therapist Assistant works under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to deliver high-quality inpatient rehabilitation services. You will support adult patients experiencing acute medical conditions, post-surgical recovery needs, functional mobility limitations, and short-term therapy plans of

care designed to restore independence and improve outcomes.

This role offers flexible PRN scheduling, predictable shift planning, and the opportunity to collaborate closely with experienced Physical Therapists in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Candidates Who Succeed in This Role

We’ve found that the most successful PTAs in this role tend to:

• Enjoy working in a collaborative, team-oriented hospital environment

• Thrive in a setting that balances clinical quality with a more manageable pace

• Are adaptable and comfortable treating a variety of acute medical and post-surgical conditions

• Value flexibility and take ownership of their PRN schedule

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams

• Take pride in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care during critical recovery moments

• Are motivated to grow or strengthen their skills in acute care rehabilitation

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, nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary care team members

• Document treatments, patient progress, and outcomes accurately in accordance with hospital 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 volume