Physical Therapist

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employee Name:  Job Title: Physical Therapist 

Reports to: Rehab Director Department: IP and OP Rehab

FLSA Status: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Physical Therapist (PT) is a
licensed clinician responsible for evaluating, planning, and delivering evidence-based physical therapy services to patients across multiple care settings within a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). This position provides care in outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient acute care, and swing bed rehabilitation services, supporting patients through recovery, functional improvement, and safe discharge planning.

The PT works collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, and rehabilitation team members to improve mobility, restore function, and enhance patient quality of life. In a rural hospital environment, the PT practices with a high degree of clinical autonomy and flexibility while helping meet the rehabilitation needs of the community across the continuum of care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Clinical Care

Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and develop individualized plans of care for patients in outpatient, inpatient, and swing bed settings.

Deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions including therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, gait training, balance training, and manual therapy.

Provide rehabilitation services to patients recovering from surgery, illness, injury, or functional decline.

Reassess patients regularly and update treatment goals based on progress and clinical outcomes.

Provide patient and caregiver education and develop home exercise programs to support continued recovery after discharge.

Recommend, fit, and train patients in the use of assistive devices, mobility aids, and adaptive equipment.

Maintain appropriate patient scheduling and productivity while prioritizing safe and patient-centered care.

Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with hospital policy and CMS outpatient and inpatient therapy requirements.

Inpatient & Swing Bed Rehabilitation

Provide therapy services for acute inpatient and swing bed patients to support recovery, functional independence, and safe discharge planning.

Collaborate with nursing, providers, and case management to determine rehabilitation needs and discharge plans.

Assist with mobility assessments, fall prevention strategies, and functional safety evaluations.

Participate in swing bed interdisciplinary care planning meetings as needed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Communicate effectively with referring providers, nursing staff, case management, and other rehabilitation professionals.

Collaborate with occupational therapy, speech therapy, and rehabilitation support staff to coordinate patient care.

Participate in interdisciplinary discussions related to patient progress and discharge planning.

Compliance & Safety

Adhere to all applicable HIPAA regulations, CMS therapy billing requirements, CAH standards, and hospital policies.

Follow safe patient handling and mobility protocols including transferring, positioning, and assisting patients.

Ensure proper use and maintenance of therapy equipment and report equipment issues when identified.

Support infection prevention and patient safety practices within the hospital environment.

Professional Practice

Supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), rehabilitation technicians, and students in accordance with state law and professional standards.

Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives, performance improvement activities, and continuing education.

Maintain professional conduct consistent with professional practice standards and evidence-based therapy guidelines.

Support rehabilitation services across care settings based on hospital patient volume and departmental needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensure

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or equivalent from an accredited program.

Current Texas Physical Therapist license (or eligibility upon hire).

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification.

Experience

Outpatient or hospital-based physical therapy experience preferred.

Experience with inpatient rehabilitation, swing bed programs, or rural healthcare settings is beneficial.

New graduates may be considered based on clinical training and demonstrated competency.

Technical Skills

Strong clinical skills in patient evaluation, therapeutic exercise prescription, functional mobility training, and manual therapy techniques.

Ability to adapt treatment approaches for patients across multiple care settings.

Proficiency with electronic medical record documentation systems.

Ability to develop individualized rehabilitation plans and modify treatments based on patient progress.

Soft Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Strong critical thinking, organization, and clinical decision-making skills.

Ability to adapt to a dynamic rural healthcare environment and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned to meet the operational needs of the hospital.

Requirements

Education & Licensure

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree or equivalent from an accredited program.

Current Texas Physical Therapist license (or eligibility upon hire).

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during patient care.

Ability to assist patients with transfers, mobility training, and therapeutic activities.

Ability to lift, assist, and safely manage loads of 50+ pounds when required for patient care activities.

Manual dexterity to operate therapy equipment and assistive devices.

Visual and auditory ability to assess patient mobility and monitor patient response to treatment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hospital-based rehabilitation department serving outpatient, inpatient, and swing bed patients.

Exposure to infectious diseases and healthcare environments typical of a hospital setting.

Work in a collaborative rural healthcare team environment focused on patient-centered care.