Physical Therapist

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist I conducts comprehensive assessments of inpatients with physical and functional deficits, planning and implementing physical therapy treatments to promote mobility, reduce pain, restore function, prevent permanent disability, and restore independence using various treatment techniques. Collaborates with other disciplines to arrange appropriate follow‑up care and facilitates a successful return to home and work environments.

Position: Physical Therapist I

Department: Physical Therapy

Schedule: 40 Hours (Days)

• Completes evaluation and documentation.
• Reviews patient records, gathers necessary information, and clarifies any questions about the physician’s order prior to assessing the patient.
• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations with input from mentor/senior staff as needed.
• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests (including range of motion, manual muscle testing, balance, mobility); adapts evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients.
• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendations with input from mentor/senior staff as needed.
• Performs re‑evaluations according to departmental policies, change in patient’s status, or response to treatment.
• Educates patient and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations.

• Establishes measurable and attainable short‑ and long‑term goals in collaboration with the patient and/or caregiver.
• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in the patient’s status.
• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including insurance issues, equipment needs, follow‑up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.
• Communicates patient care and discharge needs to team members as needed and arranges for appropriate follow‑up.

• Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients.
• Recommends and/or issues appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring proper fit.
• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment, providing verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.
• Adheres to diagnosis‑related precautions.

• Completes patient care charges accurately.

• Stays current with advances in physical therapy treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature.
• Participates in the development and evaluation of physical therapy programs.
• Contributes to the development and updating of clinical service line programs and other pertinent resource material as appropriate.
• Collects data required to complete departmental quality improvement projects in compliance with established department standards.
• Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of physical therapy programs in collaboration with manager and peers.

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on assigned floors and instructs and assists ancillary and other personnel as necessary.
• Participates in department and hospital task forces and committees.
• Provides at least one evidence‑based area in‑service annually and other in‑services to hospital personnel as requested.

• Participates in pre‑affiliation, class‑related, or other observation experiences.
• Orients medical professional staff and students, as well as the community (e.g., volunteers, high school initiatives).
• If not eligible to take own students, assists with occasional supervision of other clinical instructor’s students.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required.)

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy required by start date.
• Master’s or higher education preferred.