Physical Therapist Assistant – Outpatient – Ortho - PRN

Join the Cleveland Clinic team where you will work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-first healthcare. Here, you will receive endless support and appreciation while building a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.   

Physical Therapist Assistants work under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist to implement a patient's treatment. They teach patients or clients exercises to increase their mobility, strength, and coordination. They also train patients to use crutches, canes, and walkers. Some Physical Therapist Assistants are also trained in massage to help patients heal and relax. In this particular role, the Physical Therapist Assistant will be primarily working with inpatients but will also be cross trained in outpatient care. 

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Administer patient centered Physical Therapy treatment incorporating evidence-based practice and skilled techniques to achieve optimal functional outcomes under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. 

• Observe, communicate and document patient progress and response to treatment. 

• Plan, organize and implement individualized therapeutic programs with patient/family, incorporating evidence-based practice. 

• Provide education on Physical Therapy related subjects to patients, clients, caregivers, hospital personnel and the community. 

• Act as a clinical instructor or participate in the education and evaluation of students. 

• Act as a resource for volunteers and observers. 

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Associate's Degree or certificate 

• Graduate of a Physical Therapy Assistant Program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association 

• State licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) 

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross 

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Experience in a clinical area   
• Open to new grads

• Ability to walk and climb stairs without assistive device and to maintain balance despite sudden load in order to support patient from falling.
• Ability to meet physical demands characterized at the heavy level defined by 1993 Leonard Matheson and Ministry of Labor.
• Ability to lift and reach with arms sufficiently to lift patient's arm and leg during therapeutic treatment program.
• Sensation of touch and manual dexterity to be able to palpate muscle tension or to monitor patient pulse.
• Visual acuity to observe patient's gross and fine motor movements in order to analyze these movements and to read all patient monitors.
• Ability to speak clearly enough to instruct patients and families.
• Ability to hear at a conversational level to understand patient's description of symptoms and response to treatment.

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility. 

If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster. 

Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.