PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Physical Therapy Assistant is a non-competitive state civil service title, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the stated education and experience.
Eligibility comes down to a valid NJ driver's license. The FY 2027 range lands between $52,696 and $76,518, and state payroll currently lists 7 people in the title, most of them at Human Services.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 2 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Physical Therapy Assistant appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Department of Human Services.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Human Services | 5 |
| Department of Health | 2 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 7 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $71,629. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (5)
- Health and Senior Services (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of a licensed physical therapist, assists in administering varied types of physical therapy treatments to patients to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach maximum performance; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Implements selected components of care and interventions in a technically competent manner. Instructs and counsels patients in exercises and proper body mechanics while providing patient-centered, compassionate, and empathetic care. With expertise in physiology and therapeutic techniques, contributes to treatment planning and documents patient progress. Administers various modalities such as heat, cryotherapy, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and electrical stimulation. Takes action to provide for patient personal care and environment throughout the treatment including safety and comfort, bowel and bladder functions, first aid procedures, application of supplies and equipment, transportation to and from treatment, and general assistance in preparation for, during, and at conclusion of the treatment. Performs positioning monitors to ensure safe and optimal positioning. Assists with the formulation of 24-hour positioning plans to aid in pressure relief while in bed or in a wheelchair. Assists clients to dress/undress or put on and remove supportive devices such as braces, splints, or slings when necessary. Provides therapeutic interventions by administering manual exercises and instructing/assisting patients in performing physical activities such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional tasks, and activities of daily living. Performs postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations and teaches deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions. Administers traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment. Measures patient's joint range of motion utilizing a goniometer and performs manual muscle testing. Prepares treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physical therapists. Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment. Fits patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers. Provides training for use of assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers. Measures and adjusts adaptive devices and makes minor repairs as needed. Observes, evaluates, records, and reports patient vital signs, condition, progress, and reactions and responses to the physical therapist and to treatment; such reporting is done orally and in writing for review by physical therapist. Uses records as privileged information, and attends and participates in staff, interdisciplinary team, and patient care meetings. Contributes to a physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues. Recommends options, courses of actions or modifications in selected treatments ensuring patient's progress, safety, and comfort. Assist in the development of treatment plans and participates in patient status judgments. Instructs patient's family, guardians, and/or direct care staff in the performance of a predetermined treatment or therapeutic activity. Participates in related clerical and reception activities such as assisting with scheduling of equipment and patients. Maintains inventory of supplies, and orders additional supplies as needed. Maintains equipment and recommends its needed replacement. Attends continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities. Ensures a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations and adhering to infection control policies and protocols. Complies with ethical and legal responsibilities and restrictions, and established lines of authority, supervision, and communication. May direct the activities of therapy program assistants, therapy aides, and/or volunteer workers. May assist in training therapy assistant students. Completes documentation to support the delivery of physical therapy services in both the patient's chart and departmental records/files. Maintains essential records, reports, and files. May be required to engage in lifting clients when working in a setting which provides direct services to clients who are non-ambulant, semi-ambulant, and/or have severe physical disabilities. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Applicants must possess a current, valid license as a Physical Therapist Assistant issued by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of standards, theory, principles, methods, and commonly used equipment of physical therapy treatments. Knowledge of potential hazards involved in physical therapy treatments and of precautionary measures to be taken. Knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology and the effects of therapeutic exercise and some familiarity with orthopedic clinical work. Knowledge of effects of physical therapy treatment procedures, indications, and contraindications for treatment and precautionary measures to observe when treating patients. Knowledge of the Code of Ethics, Guide for Professional Conduct, and Standards for Physical Therapy Services of the American Physical Therapy Association. Ability to acquire basic knowledge of the NJ Physical Therapy Practice Act and the legal aspects of the practice of physical therapy in New Jersey; in educational settings, and of legal requirements of P.L. 94-142. Ability to physically lift, move, and position clients as needed. Ability to carry out prescribed physical therapy work and treatment procedures with considerable skill. Ability to work effectively with associates and patients and to gain their cooperation. Ability to observe accurately, evaluate and record reactions and progress or lack of progress of patients. Ability to adjust and make minor repairs to physical therapy equipment and apparatus. Ability to construct or adapt simple assistive devices and equipment. Ability to recognize potential hazards and dangerous situations and to take those measures required to ensure their removal and/or correction. Ability to prepare reports and to maintain progress and other records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees will be required to complete CEUs to maintain licensure in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:39A-9.2. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.