Physical Therapist Assistant Certified - Program in Physical Therapy

Physical TherapistFull-Time

Listed compensation

$23.63-$35.49/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Posted 2mo ago

Job Description

Location: ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, assists with the implementation of the therapy plan of care.

Consistently communicates with supervising PT in regard to scheduled patients to ensure identification of need for assessment and reassessment of patients, modification of treatment plans, and other interventions requiring therapist direction. Participates in the education of patients, families, coworkers, and self.

Works to execute responsibilities within a team framework using open communication and a common treatment philosophy. Patient caseload is primarily outpatient orthopedic.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Implements treatment plans developed by the licensed physical therapist in a safe and effective manner. Performs therapeutic procedures by administering exercises and instructs and assists patients in performing functional activities.

Collaborates with the licensed physical therapist on an agreed upon frequency to assess and reassess patient's plan of care, treatment goals and interventions.

Progresses treatment techniques and procedures as patient’s status and functional potential changes in conjunction with the specific therapy plan of care designed by the supervising therapist.

Identifies, responds, and reports to supervising therapist any changes in the patient’s physical/mental status and/or tolerance to treatment.

Completes medical record documentation in a clear, concise, accurate, and timely manner and ensures accurate and timely charge entry using approved formats in conjunction with therapy supervisor, in compliance with state, federal and intermediary guidelines and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Ensures care is provided under valid physician orders and within insurance approval, as indicated and necessary for clinical care of the patient.

Attends related departmental meetings, conferences, and continuing education courses. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

Carries full patient caseload, ensuring management of patient schedule. Notifies supervisor of schedule openings and concerns with caseload management.

Demonstrates flexibility, team building, and active participation in departmental functions in order to promote an efficient and positive work environment.

Maintains communication with supervisor related to service needs such as necessary supplies, equipment, and clinical training in order to effectively complete assigned duties.

Adheres to discipline specific State Practice Act and other regulatory agencies. Performs duties in an ethical manner in accordance with discipline specific professional code of conduct.

Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Working Conditions
  • Direct patient care setting.
  • Normal office environment.
  • Exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
  • Office equipment.
  • Clinical/diagnostic equipment.
  • Requires protective devices (latex gloves/masks/personal protective equipment).
  • Ability to lift 10 pounds from floor to waist, carry 10 pounds for short distances, and push and pull occasionally with moderate force.
  • Ability to lift 25 - 50 lbs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education

Associate degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses

The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.

Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Red Cross, Physical Therapist Assistant - Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills

Not Applicable

Driver's License

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

  • Currently licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Missouri as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
  • Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within one month of hire date.

Basic Life Support certification (Online BLS certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the BLS requirements).

Preferred Qualifications

Education

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills

Adaptability, Caseload Management, Clinical Setting, Computer Literacy, Confidentiality, Critical Thinking, Effective Written Communication, Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), Fast-Paced Environments, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Organizing, Patient Counseling, Prioritization, Problem Solving, Professional Etiquette, Scientific Reasoning, Scientific Thinking, Teamwork

  • Grade
  • C09-H

Salary Range

$23.63 - $35.49 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position.

The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: hr.wustl.edu

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Key Responsibilities

The Physical Therapist Assistant implements treatment plans developed by a licensed therapist and assists patients with therapeutic exercises and functional activities. They also maintain accurate medical records and collaborate with the supervising therapist to reassess patient progress and treatment goals.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an associate degree and be licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of Missouri. Basic Life Support certification is also required within one month of the hire date.

Key Skills

Physical therapyOrthopedic therapyTreatment planningClinical documentation

Physical Therapist Career Context

In Missouri, the Physical Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$89k (235 salary observations; 969 listings), vs ~$94k nationally (14,655 salary observations; 55,733 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.

The cost-of-living index for Missouri is 90.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$61k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $68k in an average-cost state. 60.1% of Missouri clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Washington University in St. Louis holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 70/100, 72 active listings.

Top PTA Jobs

9 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution8 jobs

2
<$65k
4
$65k-80k
1
$80k
1
$101k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution9 jobs · 8 employers

0
1-2
0
3-4
5
5-6
2
7-8
2
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Physical Therapist Assistant

Infinity Rehab · Oakland, California

$40-$48.76/hr
#2

Physical Therapist Assistant

Phoenix Home Care and Hospice · Lake Ozark, Missouri

$65k-$80k
#3

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Millsboro Delaware

$27-$35/hr
#4

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Millville Delaware

$27-$35/hr
+ 7 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 4.8this job 4.5
Better work-life than 50% of Physical Therapist Assistant listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 4,946 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Washington University in St. Louis logo

About Washington University in St. Louis

Benefits & Perks

Up to 22 days of vacation
10 recognized holidays
Sick time
Competitive health insurance packages
Free Metro transit U-Pass
Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with university contributions starting at 7%
Wellness challenges, health screenings, mental health resources
Employee assistance program