Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist:
Job Description

Updated 10/1/2025

• Bachelor (or higher degree) of Science in Physical Therapy from an accredited program
• Successful completion of National Certification Examination for Registered Physical Therapist
• Current state licensure or license eligible
• Assumes responsibility for ongoing continuing education and professional development

Physical demand for this job is classified as “medium work” which includes:

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force constantly
• Occasional push and pull of up to 25 pounds
• Standing frequently
• Walking frequently
• Bending frequently
• Overhead reach infrequently
• Squatting occasionally
• Kneeling occasionally
• Standing rotation occasionally
• Gripping frequently
• Sitting occasionally
• Stair climbing occasionally
• Average work day is up to 8 hours
• Employee may be subject to unpredictable and hazardous patient/resident behavior

Northwoods Rehab will provide reasonable accommodation upon request from the employee.

Responsible to and reports to the Director of Therapy/Rehab.

• Provides and directs physical therapy services to patients, including the assessment, treatment, program planning and implementation, related documentation and communication. Functions under physician’s orders.
• Provides physical therapy services to patients and initiates referrals when appropriate and in accordance with Northwoods Rehab Policies and Procedures.
• Conducts screenings of patients at regular intervals to determine need for intervention and/or treatment.
• Evaluates patients to obtain data necessary for treatment planning and implementation and conducts assessments.
• Interprets and communicates evaluation findings to patients, family and other team members.
• Establishes individual patient schedules in conjunction with other team members.
• Develops treatment plans by identifying a target list, including short and long-term goals and methods to achieve identified goals.
• Coordinates treatment plan with patient, family and other team members.
• Implements and conducts treatment as outlined in treatment plan.
• Monitors patient’s response to intervention and modifies treatment as indicated to attain goals in accordance with physician orders.
• Develops appropriate home or community programming to maintain and enhance the performance of the patient in their own environment.
• Documents results of patient’s assessment, treatment, follow-up and termination of services.
• Adapts treatment to meet the individual needs of the patient.
• Provides, recommends, fabricates adaptive devices, orthotics or prosthetics. Trains patient, family and appropriate staff in the use or application of such equipment.
• Participates in discharge planning.
• Supervises and directs Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant in the implementation of the treatment plan.
• Supervises Physical Therapy Aides, Rehabilitation Techs/Aides, students and volunteers.
• Reviews the quality and appropriateness of the total services delivered and of individual physical therapy programs for effectiveness and efficiency, using predetermined criteria.
• Participates in patient, family and staff education.
• Confers formally and informally with other team members in coordinating the total rehabilitation program of the patient.
• Adheres to Northwoods Rehab procedures regarding documentation of physical therapy services.
• Attends in-service meetings and facility meetings as required.
• Provides in-service education to the members of the patients care team and education to the community.
• Provides treatment in accordance with established standards of practice and department procedures.
• Maintains a safe and clean work area and adheres to facility safety standards, as well as complying with all Infection Control, Universal Precautions and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.
• Consistently demonstrates sound judgment in the evaluation, planning implementation and follow up of patient therapy programs.
• Maintains positive relationships and rapport with coworkers, supervisors, patients, family members and facility personnel and administration.
• Reports to work on time and coordinates schedule for efficient patient treatments.
• Assists with and participates in Quality Assurance Program as required.
• Adheres to established confidentiality standards of the patient, as well as the organization.
• Projects a positive and professional image at all times.
• May be asked to travel to participate in home assessments within a reasonable distance from the facility.
• Maintains passwords for the software required for position and keeps all passwords secure.
• Performs such other duties as assigned and as required to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position and are in the best interest of Northwoods Rehab.