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Outpatient Physical Therapy Assistant
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Arroyo Grande, CA, 93420
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 32.38-48.17 HOUR
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary:
Assist Physical Therapist by effectively and safely performing, documenting, and providing feedback on portions of comprehensive physical therapy programs that enable patients to achieve maximum outcomes including functional abilities and quality of life following disease or injury and for injury prevention/wellness. Interacts with multidisciplinary teams for coordinated patient care. Participates actively in departmental activities such as programs, projects, and performance improvement. Offers input on departmental and rehabilitation services planning, development, policies and procedures. May precept students.
Job Duties:
Under the direction of the department manager and staff physical therapist, assists the physical therapist with direct patient care and related activities.
The physical therapist assistant will work in outpatient, inpatient and/or transitional care center as directed by the manager.
Scope of practice to be consistent with APTA and California Physical Therapy Act, as well as, departmental policy and procedure.
Reports directly to department manager for both administrative and patient care duties.
Coordinates patient care and support services with departmental staff and other health team members to optimize delivery of client services with available resources.
Performs procedures and modalities as directed by the supervising physical therapist.
Required:
- Associate Of Arts in Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Physical Therapy Assistant: CA (PTA:CA).
- Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR).
Preferred:
- Acute care, Rehab, SNF or OP experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Training:
- Knowledge of PT assessment and treatment techniques. Knowledge of PT and healthcare trends Clinical problem solving and analyses.
- Interpersonal and communication.
- Plan, develop, implement rehab tests and problems.
- Documentation.
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, located in Arroyo Grande, California, is rated a top Joint Replacement Center by Blue Shield and is among the Top 10% in the nation for Joint Replacement. Arroyo has achieved the prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the county and nationally recognized for superior patient satisfaction. The hospital also provides the only comprehensive hospital-based Acute Rehabilitation Center on the Central Coast. Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is a part of Dignity Health’s Southern California Division and is a member of CommonSpirit Health, the largest not-for-profit health care system in the nation, boasting an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety, and service. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Learn more here at www.dignityhealth.org/arroyo-grande.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
Arroyo Grande's healthcare sector shows a steady need for outpatient physical therapy assistants, especially within established hospital systems like Catholic Health Initiatives. With a growing aging population and top-rated facilities nearby, competition exists but opportunities are favorable for qualified PTA candidates seeking outpatient roles.
Beyond the basic PTA license and CPR/BLS certification, employers in California’s Central Coast often favor candidates with experience in acute care or outpatient rehab settings. Staying current with California Physical Therapy Act standards and obtaining additional certifications related to outpatient modalities can enhance local employability.
Outpatient physical therapy assistants primarily focus on rehabilitation programs where patients visit clinics for scheduled sessions, emphasizing wellness and functional recovery. In contrast, inpatient aides support hospitalized patients needing immediate care, requiring more acute intervention and coordination within multidisciplinary hospital teams.
Mastering patient assessment techniques, adept documentation, and effective communication with rehab teams are crucial. Additionally, knowledge of outpatient therapy modalities, safety protocols, and clinical problem-solving enable PTAs to deliver targeted rehabilitation that maximizes patient outcomes.
PTAs can progress into specialized outpatient roles, such as orthopedic or neurological rehabilitation, or pursue further education to become licensed physical therapists. Leadership positions in rehab departments or academic roles precepting students also represent viable advancement opportunities.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters a collaborative environment where PTAs engage in departmental projects and continuous education. The organization’s integration within CommonSpirit Health offers access to expansive resources, mentorship, and cross-facility learning enhancing career development.
Working at Catholic Health Initiatives means contributing to a highly rated joint replacement center and stroke-designated hospital. PTAs benefit from multidisciplinary teamwork, exposure to varied patient cases, and involvement in performance improvement initiatives that elevate clinical care standards.
Outpatient PTAs in Arroyo Grande typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. Given the hospital’s prestige and regional demand, compensation often aligns with or slightly exceeds the state average for physical therapy assistant roles.
Hospital-based PTAs engage with more complex cases including acute rehab and transitional care, requiring close coordination with inpatient teams. Conversely, standalone clinics focus on scheduled outpatient treatments emphasizing injury prevention and long-term wellness, with a more predictable patient flow.
Candidates often explore accredited PTA programs within California, such as community colleges offering associate degrees aligned with state licensure requirements. Proximity to Arroyo Grande allows for clinical placements in reputable hospitals like Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, enhancing hands-on experience.