Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

Position Overview
The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) administers physical therapy services under the direction of a supervising Physical Therapist, adhering to facility standards. Responsibilities include implementing and conducting physical therapy programs to aid in the development and rehabilitation of patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. The PTA performs tasks such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, patient and family education on home exercises, and the application of modalities.

The PTA practices ethical decision-making with compassion and respect for the dignity and unique attributes of each individual. They effectively communicate with patients, families, healthcare teams, and leadership while adhering to ARHS policies, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior. The PTA demonstrates ARHS Mission, Vision, and Values by approaching work with action, efficiency, and accountability.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $23.50 /hour.

The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.
• Professional development: We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our progressive Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful work: Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.
• Location perks: Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.
• Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience – range is $23.50 /hour or more (depending on education & experience). Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance options include short- and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, and legal insurance.
• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund, as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off – front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) – paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. A cash-out option is also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
• Paid parental leave – qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child, to be taken consecutively.
• Employee wellness program – Love Your Life – award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program – Caring for our own. A program solely funded by voluntary employee donations to assist co-workers experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
• Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).
• Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower by clicking here.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer physical therapy services under the direction of a Physical Therapist.
• Conduct therapy programs, including therapeutic exercises, functional mobility training, and modalities.
• Educate patients and families on home exercises and provide patient education.
• Maintain professional conduct and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Adhere to ARHS policies, regulatory standards, and ethical practices.
• Respond promptly to emergencies or changes in patient conditions.

Position Requirements

Minimum Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school for Physical Therapy Assistants.

Experience:

• One-year experience preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification:

• Must possess a current and valid PTA license to practice in North Carolina.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication skills to interact courteously and effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• Competence in delivering safe and effective patient care within the legal scope of license and certifications.
• Knowledge of the continuum of care provided within the patient care department.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills.

Physical Demands

• Continuous standing and walking for periods equal to or greater than 8 hours per shift.
• Speaking, reading, and writing for more than 8 hours per day.
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces for more than 1 hour per day.
• Frequently mobilizes patients for more than 4 hours per day.
• Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls over 50 lbs per shift.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching multiple times per hour.
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity.
• Frequently exposed to soft voices and close eye work.
• Infrequently exposed to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, including x-ray and microwave exposure.

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases.
• Exposed to hazards from electrical, mechanical, or power equipment.
• Exposed to unpleasant elements such as slippery or uneven surfaces.
• Handles emergencies or crisis situations.
• Subject to irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

About UNC Health Appalachian 
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health 
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
 

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

Salary : $24