Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Pediatric Acute Care PRN
Quick Summary
Administer various therapeutic modalities according to departmental protocols and guidelines. These include ultrasound, whirlpool, T.E.N.S., biofeedback, hot/cold packs, paraffin baths,
Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department.
.
Are you a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) who is passionate about helping children regain mobility, independence, and confidence during hospitalization? Join the Pediatric Rehabilitation team at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Tennessee's top-ranked children's hospital and a national leader in pediatric healthcare.
As a PRN PTA, you'll provide skilled therapy services to infants, children, and adolescents in an acute care setting, working alongside expert therapists, physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams to support recovery during some of life's most challenging moments.
No two days are the same. You'll work with patients experiencing a wide range of medical and surgical conditions, including:
- Orthopedic injuries and post-surgical recovery
- Neurologic and neuromuscular disorders
- Trauma and critical illness
- Complex medical diagnoses
- Mobility impairments requiring acute rehabilitation intervention
Your work helps children safely return to the activities that matter most while supporting families throughout their healthcare journey.
Responsibilities
~1 min read- Deliver physical therapy interventions under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist
- Implement individualized treatment plans focused on mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence
- Assist patients with transfers, gait training, therapeutic exercise, and developmental mobility activities
- Educate caregivers on safe mobility techniques and discharge recommendations
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, child life specialists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other team members
- Document patient progress and treatment outcomes accurately and efficiently
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program
- Associate's degree in Physical Therapist Assisting
- Current Tennessee PTA license or eligibility to obtain prior to employment
- Previous pediatric, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, or hospital-based experience preferred
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
- Passion for family-centered pediatric care
- Practice at one of the nation's premier pediatric academic medical centers
- Work alongside highly specialized pediatric rehabilitation professionals
- Gain experience with diverse patient populations and complex diagnoses
- Flexible PRN scheduling opportunities
- Collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven culture
- Opportunity to contribute to exceptional outcomes for children and families across the region
If you're looking for a flexible PRN opportunity where your clinical skills can make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Vanderbilt Health and help children move, heal, and thrive.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide treatment as specified on the written treatment plan by the supervising Physical Therapist. Demonstrates ability to:
- Administer various therapeutic modalities according to departmental protocols and guidelines. These include ultrasound, whirlpool, T.E.N.S., biofeedback, hot/cold packs, paraffin baths, electric stimulation, weights, traction, massage and other as indicated.
- Supervise patients in the completion of their exercise and training program to maximize their functional independence.
- Progress the patient in treatment as indicated by the patient's progress in therapy and the treatment plan.
- Respect the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Provides education to patient, family, health care team and community.
- Assists the physical therapist in planning for the discharge needs of the patient.
- Adapt communication to needs/level of understanding of audience.
- Communicate treatment plan, use of intervention strategies and discharge needs to patient, family and health care team.
- Supervise PTA students.
- Completes timely documentation
- Provide the supervising physical therapist with written information regarding the patient's progress, or lack of progress, as it relates to the treatment plan or session.
- Consistently meet department and VUMC documentation and billing standards.
- Convey essential information in words easily understood by the audience.
- Integral member of the health care team.
- Provide patient updates, give feedback to the supervising physical therapist and other team members.
- Respect roles and professional boundaries of others.
- Contribute to the success of the Team assisting with projects as able
Requirements
~1 min readResponsibilities:
Certifications:
LIC-Physical Therapy Assistant - TennesseeWork Experience:
Relevant Work ExperienceExperience Level :
Less than 1 yearEducation:
Associate'sThis role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.
Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- First seen
- October 11, 2026
- Last seen
- October 11, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 51%
- Scored at
- October 11, 2026
Signal breakdown
Similar Physical Therapist Assistant jobs
View all →Browse Similar Jobs
Stay ahead of the market
Get the latest job openings, salary trends, and hiring insights delivered to your inbox every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.