Lab Assistant (TEMP) - PTA Program

Location: PTA Program
Hours: Part-Time, Hourly (Temporary) - Up to 19 hours/weekly

Job Summary: The Lab Assistant for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program supports faculty and students in delivering high-quality, hands-on education. This role involves preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment and materials, assisting with lab instruction, and ensuring a safe and organized learning environment. The Lab Assistant demonstrates physical therapy techniques, guides students during lab sessions, and collaborates with faculty to enhance student learning. The position also requires compliance with safety standards, assisting with administrative tasks, and contributing to the overall success of the PTA program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all PTA Program policies and procedures and all applicable university-wide policies and procedures.
• Determines clear skills expectations before clinical education; develops and updates Lab Skills Checks.
• Determines pass/fail grade on lab practical; assists DCE in determining readiness for clinical education.
• Assists faculty members in class preparation and/or class demonstrations as requested.
• Attends and participates in at least one PTA faculty meeting per semester.
• Performs all other reasonably business-related functions as assigned

• Clinical Experience:

• • 1 year of experience working as a PTA or PT in a clinical setting preferred.
  • Experience with patient care in a physical therapy environment, such as outpatient, inpatient, or rehabilitation facilities.

• Teaching or Educational Experience (Preferred):

• • Experience assisting or teaching in a PTA program or clinical education.
  • Familiarity with preparing lab equipment and assisting in hands-on skill training for students.

• Other Relevant Experience:

• • Supervisory experience in clinical or educational settings may be a plus.
  • Experience in documentation and adherence to regulatory and safety guidelines in a lab or clinic setting.

Experience Requirements: 

• Minimum Educational Qualification:

• • An associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant if applying as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
  • A degree in Physical Therapy (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) if applying as a Physical Therapist (PT).

• Certification:

• • Current, active US licensure as a PT or PTA is required.
  • Current CPR certification is preferred.

• Specialized Training:

• • Knowledge of physical therapy techniques, modalities, and lab procedures related to PTA education.

Skills and Aptitudes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal relationship skills are essential for working with faculty, staff, and students.
• Organizational skills to manage lab preparation and materials.
• Ability to demonstrate and explain technical skills and techniques accurately.
• Proficiency in using computer systems for documentation and educational software/tools (eClass).
• A safety conscious mindset.

• Effective time management skills to balance multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines efficiently.

• Willingness to adapt to varying job duties and support different aspects of the program as needed.

Typical Physical Demands: It requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching. It may require lifting to 60 pounds and functional/manual activities including but not limited to patient transfers. Manual dexterity is required to operate office/lab equipment such as goniometers, electrical stimulation machines, traction devices, exercise equipment, etc. Normal range of motion, hearing, and vision are also required.

Working Conditions: Essential tasks are performed under typical office and/or classroom/lab conditions with little or no noticeable discomfort. The work area is well-lit and ventilated.