Job Description

JOB TITLE: Physical Therapist Assistant

SUPERSEDES: 11/78, 03/86, 11/98 (Graduate Physical Therapy Assistant), 01/13, 06/15, 01/19, 09/20, 02/22, 09/22

FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB CODE: 4693

ISSUED: 11/1978

REVISED: 01/2026

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Physical Therapist Assistant will provide treatment to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients who have been injured or are ill.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Actively identify and participate in training, education, development activities, and/or supervise Physical Therapy Assistant Students to improve own knowledge and performance, including acquiring the CEUs needed to maintain state licensure in the State of Missouri.

Administer treatment that requires the advanced skills of a licensed clinician.

Assist a Registered Physical Therapist in carrying out the physical therapy plan of care.

Complete documentation according to MU Health Care and department guidelines and policies.

In accordance with physician orders, skillfully provide modalities including, but not limited to, use of heat/cold, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, manual therapy, casting, and spinal traction.

Maintain standards in accordance with the code of ethics of the APTA and the State of Missouri Practice Act to maintain eligibility for licensure.

May complete unit/department-specific duties and expectations as outlined in department documents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the Physical Therapist, Clinical Supervisor or Manager, Therapy Services or designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional supervision may be exercised over therapy technicians, physical therapy assistant students, and volunteers.

4693h-PhysicalTherapistAssistant01/29/2026

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) licensure or PTA Temporary License by the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts or PTA Compact multi-state privilege. When primary state of residency changes, compact state PTAs must apply under new state of residency within thirty (30) days. PTA Temporary License holders must be a graduate of a PTA program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs.

This role also routinely comes into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; however, completion of these duties is a measure of successful performance. Employees of this job classification are subject to performance reviews. Basic function, responsibilities and characteristics duties may change at any time with or without notice.

SAFETY SENSITIVE STATUS

This position is considered safety sensitive.

This document is a general description of typical job duties, responsibilities and qualifications of employees holding the associated job title. Additional duties, specific qualifications and work emphasis may vary between individual positions.

4693h-PhysicalTherapistAssistant01/29/2026