Full Time PTA

Job post summary

Date posted: March 11, 2026

About McCook Therapy and Wellness

We're a locally-owned physical therapy and wellness practice serving Salem and the surrounding communities in South Dakota. Our reputation is built on exceptional hands-on care, genuine patient relationships, and a commitment to guiding people from injury recovery through lifelong wellness.

Unlike corporate PT chains, we're guided by treating therapists who understand what it takes to deliver quality care. Our therapy to wellness continuum means we're invested in our patients' long-term health—not just getting them out the door in 6 visits.

A Location That Makes Life Easier

• Ideally located between Mitchell and Sioux Falls - easy commute from either city
• Modern clinic with excellent equipment
• Small-town practice with big-city access
• Main Office: 511 South Nebraska Street, Salem, SD 57058 Satellite Office: 245 N Main St Canistota, SD 57012 (Conveniently located between Mitchell and Sioux Falls)

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Full-Time Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) preferred -Part Time or Per Diem accepted
Competitive Salary: $42,000-$54,000 (based on experience)

Job description:

Physical Therapist Assistant Who Values Real Relationships Over High Volume? Join Our Salem Team.

Manual Therapy Focused | Therapy to Wellness Philosophy | True Work-Life Balance

Ready to Practice as a PTA Without Burning Out?

What if you could work alongside skilled PTs who value hands-on care, with time to truly connect with patients and see real outcomes—while still having a life outside of work?

At McCook Therapy and Wellness, we're not another corporate mill. We're a locally-owned practice where treating therapists make the decisions, productivity is reasonable, and mentorship isn't just a buzzword—it's how we operate every single day.

Our mission is simple: Help people move from therapy to wellness naturally. No shortcuts. No 15-minute appointments. Just skilled, manual therapy-driven care that actually works—and extends into true wellness programming.

Why PTAs Choose McCook Therapy and Wellness Work-Life Balance That's Actually Real

• 52-55 visits per week maximum for full-time therapists (not 65+ like corporate clinics)
• Flexible scheduling available - PRN, Part-Time, or Full-Time options
• One-on-one treatment model - you see YOUR patients, build relationships, get results
• Dedicated documentation time built into your schedule
• No corporate mentality - because life happens and quality matters

A Culture Where Good People Matter

55% of candidates say they'd take less money to work with good people and supportive supervisors. Here's what that actually looks like at McCook Therapy and Wellness:

• Therapy to wellness continuum of care - you're not just treating injuries, you're empowering lifestyle transformation
• Team-based treatment approach - you're never figuring it out alone
• Work with seasoned manual therapists who value your skills and contributions
• Leadership that listens - treating therapists shape our culture
• Wholistic mind, body, wellness philosophy - we treat the whole person

"I never felt like I was 'just another number' with them like I have at other places in the past, and they never made me feel rushed while I was there." - What our patients tell us

Professional Growth & Real Mentorship

• Work alongside seasoned manual therapists committed to hands-on care
• Continuing education support - grow your skills with financial backing
• Certification support - we invest in your professional development
• Active mentorship from day one - whether you're a new grad or experienced PTA
• Evidence-based practice meets clinical artistry
• Learn advanced manual therapy techniques

What You'll Do Your Day-to-Day:

• Provide skilled, one-on-one manual therapy and exercise-based treatment under PT supervision
• Implement treatment plans designed by our physical therapists
• Manage a caseload appropriate to your schedule (PRN/PT/FT flexibility)
• Guide patients through the therapy to wellness continuum - from injury recovery to lifelong health
• Treat a diverse patient population: post-surgical rehab, sports injuries, chronic pain, and wellness clients
• Monitor patient progress and document treatment outcomes
• Collaborate with a tight-knit team that genuinely supports each other
• Build lasting relationships with patients who appreciate quality care
• Contribute to wellness programming and patient education initiatives

Your Patients:

You'll work with an engaged patient population seeking natural solutions - people who've chosen skilled PT and wellness over medications or surgery. From post-knee replacement rehab to helping active adults maintain their health as they age - you'll make a real difference every single day.

What We're Looking For Must-Haves:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program
• Licensed or license-eligible in South Dakota
• New grads welcome! We love mentoring emerging PTAs
• Commitment to evidence-based, hands-on manual therapy
• Embrace our therapy to wellness continuum of care philosophy
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Desire to grow clinically and be mentored
• Team player who values collaboration over ego

Bonus Points For:

• Private practice orthopedic experience
• Passion for wholistic mind, body, and wellness for patients
• Empowering patients through education and wellness programming
• Manual therapy training or certification interest
• Sports injury or orthopedic specialty interest
• Experience with or interest in wellness coaching

You'll Belong and Thrive Here If You:

• Believe quality care > volume productivity
• Want to actually KNOW your patients, not just treat them
• Value professional development and continuous learning
• Prefer autonomy with support (not micromanagement)
• Want to work somewhere that practices what they preach about work-life balance
• See yourself as a partner in your patients' long-term wellness journey
• Are drawn to a wholistic approach to health and healing
• Enjoy working collaboratively with PTs and contributing your expertise

Comprehensive - Full benefits available to full-time employees working 32+ hours per week

Time Off:

• PTO + Holidays (for full-time employees 32+ hours/week)
• Flexible scheduling to support your lifestyle

Professional Development:

• Continuing education reimbursement
• Certification support - we invest in your growth
• Active mentorship program with seasoned therapists
• Protected time for professional development

Financial & Insurance (Full-Time 32+ Hours):

• Competitive base salary ($42,000-$54,000 based on experience)
• 401(k) with 2% company match
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• HSA options

Additional Perks:

• AI documentation support (reduce charting time with modern technology)
• Modern clinic with excellent equipment
• Ideal location between Mitchell and Sioux Falls - easy commute
• Collaborative, non-competitive work environment
• Small-town warmth with professional excellence