Physical Therapist Assistant
Listed compensation
$21-$23/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process by assisting licensed physical therapists in implementing treatment plans for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
The PTA works closely with patients to help them regain mobility, strength, and overall physical function. This position requires a compassionate approach to patient care and a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology. This position is full time, dividing time between our Ashland and Ironton locations.
Duties
- Assist physical therapists in developing and executing individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Provide direct patient care, including exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities as directed by the physical therapist.
- Monitor patient progress and report any changes in condition to the supervising therapist.
- Educate patients and their families on treatment plans, exercises, and home care strategies.
- Participate in discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition for patients returning home or to other facilities.
- Maintain accurate documentation of patient treatments and progress in compliance with facility policies.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient settings to optimize patient outcomes.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology to effectively assist in patient care.
- Experience with acute care settings and discharge planning processes.
- Proficiency in trigger point therapy techniques to address specific pain points.
- Familiarity with geriatrics and the unique needs of older adults in rehabilitation.
- Ability to develop and implement effective care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Compassionate approach to patient care with a focus on improving quality of life.
- Experience in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient environments is preferred.
This role is essential for providing high-quality rehabilitation services that enhance the recovery journey of patients.
Key Responsibilities
The Physical Therapist Assistant assists licensed therapists in executing individualized treatment plans to help patients regain physical function. Responsibilities include providing direct patient care, monitoring progress, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology, along with experience in acute care or skilled nursing environments. Excellent communication skills and a compassionate approach to patient care are essential for this role.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Physical Therapist Career Context
In Kentucky, the Physical Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$84k (192 salary observations; 921 listings), vs ~$94k nationally (12,288 salary observations; 64,780 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 Kentucky is 90.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$46k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $51k in an average-cost state. 61.6% of Kentucky clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $44k–$48k | Physical Therapy median $64k (middle half $61k–$64k)15 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Kentucky vs national | $84k median in Kentucky | $94k nationally (−11%)192 state / 12,288 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$51k in purchasing power | Kentucky index 90.2 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Physical Therapy listings in Kentucky | 346 active | 22,065 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Kentucky physical therapist listings (all specialties): 31% state a sign-on bonus (median $10k) · 23% offer loan repayment358 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Physical Therapy listings | 7,998 in the last 30 days | 4,222 the 30 days before (+89%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Physical Therapy pay trend | +1.8% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Top PTA Jobs
10 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
9 jobs · 5 employersAnnual compensation range
Benefits & Perks
10 jobs · 5 employersShare of similar jobs offering each benefit
Physical Therapist Assistant
Quincy Medical Group · Quincy, Illinois
Physical Therapist Assistant
Banner Physical Therapy · Glendale, Arizona
Physical Therapist Assistant
$26-$34/hrPhysical Therapist Assistant-KORT-Brandenburg, KY
$25-$30/hr