Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - Per Diem

Alexandria's healthcare sector shows steady growth, with physical therapy assistant roles in moderate demand. Facilities like Select Medical and Inova Specialty Hospital value certified PTAs who can adapt to per diem schedules. Local demand reflects aging populations and rehabilitation needs, making PTA positions viable but moderately competitive.

Virginia requires a valid state PTA license and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for physical therapy assistants. Local employers such as Select Medical prioritize candidates who maintain current licensure and demonstrate readiness for inpatient care, ensuring compliance with state regulations and hospital standards.

A per diem PTA in Alexandria assists with therapeutic exercises, patient mobility training, and supports physical therapists in inpatient rehab settings. Duties fluctuate with patient needs, emphasizing adaptability and hands-on care during recovery phases, especially in critical illness recovery facilities like Inova Specialty Hospital.

Select Medical often considers per diem PTAs for full-time roles based on performance and commitment. This flexible entry point allows assistants to demonstrate skills within a supportive environment, potentially unlocking career advancement in a large healthcare network focused on rehabilitation.

Select Medical provides an extensive orientation tailored for PTAs transitioning into per diem roles, ensuring smooth integration. This includes training on inpatient post-ICU care protocols and ongoing support, fostering confidence in delivering high-quality physical therapy assistance within variable shifts.

The offered $36 hourly rate aligns well with Alexandria's market for physical therapy assistants, especially for per diem roles. Considering local living costs and skill requirements, this compensation is competitive, reflecting the specialized nature of inpatient rehab and critical care environments.

A frequent misunderstanding is that per diem PTAs have less impact; however, they play a vital role in patient recovery, often handling complex therapeutic exercises without permanent schedules. Their flexibility complements inpatient care demands, particularly in specialized hospitals like Inova Specialty Hospital.

Beyond licensure, standout PTAs exhibit strong patient communication, adaptability to acute care settings, and proficiency in assistive device training. In Alexandria, these traits are prized for roles requiring hands-on support in critical illness recovery, enhancing both patient outcomes and team efficiency.

While direct inpatient post-ICU experience is advantageous, Select Medical values PTAs who show a willingness to learn and adapt through their orientation program. Essential competencies include executing therapeutic interventions and assisting with mobility training tailored to critically ill recovery.

This per diem role at Select Medical emphasizes flexible scheduling with a focus on acute, complex patient care in a critical illness recovery hospital. Unlike typical outpatient clinics, PTAs here engage deeply with post-ICU rehabilitation, requiring specialized skills and offering unique growth potential.