Student-Physical Therapist Assistant
Listed compensation
$28-$40/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive while providing essential therapy for children at home and in school.
With over four decades of trusted service, our reach spans skilled nursing centers, assisted and independent living facilities, outpatient clinics, and home-based care. We're proud to deliver personalized care exactly where and when it's needed most.
Join an industry-leading team that restores hope and makes a lasting impact. If you're passionate about making a meaningful difference and want to be part of the future of rehabilitation and wellness, Powerback is the place for you.
Why Powerback?
Benefits
We offer Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to Full-Time team members. We offer Dental and Vision to Part-Time team members.
- Paid Time Off: We offer generous paid time off to Full-Time and Part-Time team members.
- Support for New Grads: Our Powerback Clinical Mentorship Program kicks off on day one, helping you learn from the best in the field.
- Continuing Education: Keep growing with free CEUs through Medbridge.
H-1B Visa & Relocation Assistance: We support Visa or Green Card sponsorships, plus our Journey Travel Program lets you work across the U.S. with the security of a full-time role.
Perks at Powerback: Enjoy exclusive discounts on Wireless/TV, Home/Auto/Renters and Pet Insurance, Childcare, Eldercare, and more. Earn rewards through our PowerZone Employee Recognition Program, and expand your expertise with our Clinicians in Action professional development program.
Responsibilities
The Physical Therapist Student assesses the need for, develops, and delivers physical therapy programs to facilitate rehabilitation under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. They implement individualized therapy programs[GC5] designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance with supervision.
In addition, the Physical Therapist Student instructs, educates and trains patients and caregivers in those skills and functions essential for promoting health, independence and productivity, in order to diminish or correct pathology.
1. The Physical Therapist Student will follow all Powerback Rehabilitation policy and procedures outlined in the on-boarding and orientation process.
2. The Physical Therapist Student will put patient service first and will ensure that patients and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights with guidance from their clinical instructor.
3. The Physical Therapist Student is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of rehab services; adherence to an established plan of care, department and patient(s)' schedule, and timely documentation of services with the supervision of their Clinical Instructor.
4. Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team to select the most appropriate therapeutic regimen consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient with the supervision of their Clinical Instructor.
5. Adapts program and/or plan of care according to the needs of individual patient with the supervision of their Clinical Instructor.
6. Attends and contributes to patient care, staffing conferences and other related meetings with the supervision of their Clinical Instructor.
7. Makes referrals to other disciplines, agencies in order to address the comprehensive needs of the patient with the supervision of their Clinical Instructor.
8. Promotes a safe environment and enforces the elimination of fire and safety hazards with the supervision of their Clinical Instructor.
9. Cleans, maintains, identifies, and reports the need for repair of equipment as necessary with assistance from their Clinical Instructor.
10. The Physical Therapist Student will be aware of state licensure requirements and professional standards related to supervising the Physical Therapist Assistant and other support personnel with the supervision of the Clinical Instructor.
11. Under the supervision of the Clinical Instructor, the Physical Therapist Student screens, examines and evaluates patients, including history, systems review, and application of appropriate tests and measures, synthesis information and interprets examination findings in order to establish a diagnosis, identify impairments, determine the predicted level of improvement and the me required to achieve it, identify precautions/contraindications and design and plan of care.
Develops appropriate treatment goals and methods in collaboration with the patient and caregivers, implements the physical therapy treatment plan, and completes all related documentation and record keeping regarding these services with the guidance of the Clinical Instructor. Services include but are not limited to application of therapeutic techniques in areas
Such As
a. Therapeutic exercise including aerobic capacity conditioning, balance coordination, agility training, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility exercises, gait and locomotion training, neuromotor development training, relaxation, strength, power, and endurance training b. Functional training c. Manual therapy d. Airway clearance techniques e. Integumentary repair and protection f. Use of electrotherapeutic, physical agent and mechanical modalities
12. Designs, fabricates, fits and/or applies adaptive devices, and trains patients in the use of adaptive devices included orthotics and prosthetics with the supervision of the Clinical Instructor.
13. Selects appropriate activities suited to the individual's physical and mental capacity, intelligence level and interest with the supervision of the Clinical Instructor.
14. Instructs patient in the skills and techniques required for participation in mobility activities and evaluates patient progress, attitudes, and behavior as related to rehabilitative potential with the supervision of the Clinical Instructor.
15. Performs routine reexamination as needed/required to modify/progress plan of treatment with the supervision of the Clinical Instructor.
16. Performs other related dues as required with the supervision of the Clinical Instructor
Qualifications
1. Good organizational and time management skills.
2. Good verbal and written communication skills.
Key Skills
Physical Therapist Career Context
In Pennsylvania, the Physical Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$92k (379 salary observations; 2,674 listings), vs ~$94k nationally (12,385 salary observations; 67,385 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-11-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for Pennsylvania is 97.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$71k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $72k in an average-cost state. 61.7% of Pennsylvania clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania vs national | $92k median in Pennsylvania | $94k nationally (−2%)379 state / 12,385 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$72k in purchasing power | Pennsylvania index 97.6 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Physical Therapy listings in Pennsylvania | 925 active | 22,013 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Pennsylvania physical therapist listings (all specialties): 22% state a sign-on bonus (median $10k) · 20% offer loan repayment983 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Physical Therapy listings | 7,906 in the last 30 days | 4,367 the 30 days before (+81%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Physical Therapy pay trend | +1.6% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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