Part-Time Inpatient Physical Therapist

• Part-Time Inpatient Physical Therapist
• Department: Inpatient & Swing Bed Rehabilitation
• Schedule: 16–24 hours/week; primarily Monday–Friday with some flexibility
• Reports to: Rehab Director
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Part-Time Inpatient Physical Therapist provides physical therapy services for acute care and swing bed patients within a rural Critical Access Hospital (CAH). The PT plays a key role in supporting patient recovery, functional independence, and safe discharge planning.

This position offers meaningful autonomy within a small, collaborative team and includes a caseload of post-operative, general medical, and mobility-related conditions. New graduates with strong clinical training are encouraged to apply. No on-call responsibilities; holiday coverage may be flexed collaboratively within the team.

Essential Job Functions

Clinical Care

Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations for acute care and swing bed patients.

Develop individualized treatment plans focused on functional mobility, strength, balance, gait, and safe discharge readiness.

Provide evidence-based interventions including therapeutic exercise, mobility training, gait training, and functional safety assessments.

• Reassess patient progress and update goals and interventions accordingly.
• Provide patient and caregiver education to support recovery and safe transitions of care.
• Recommend and train patients in the use of assistive devices and mobility aids.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospital and CMS inpatient therapy requirements.

Inpatient & Swing Bed Responsibilities

• Support acute and swing bed patients recovering from surgery, illness, injury, or functional decline.
• Collaborate with nursing, providers, and case management to determine rehabilitation needs and discharge plans.
• Assist with fall prevention strategies, mobility assessments, and functional safety evaluations.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning meetings as needed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, case management, and rehabilitation team members.
• Coordinate care with OT, ST, and support staff to ensure comprehensive patient management.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to HIPAA, CMS inpatient therapy regulations, CAH standards, and hospital policies.
• Follow safe patient handling and mobility protocols.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of therapy equipment.
• Support infection prevention and patient safety practices.

Professional Practice

• Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives and continuing education.
• Maintain professional conduct consistent with evidence-based practice and ethical standards.
• Provide support across care settings based on patient volume and departmental needs.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Licensure

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent from an accredited program.
• Current Texas Physical Therapist license (or eligibility upon hire).
• Current BLS/CPR certification.

Experience

• Acute care or hospital-based experience preferred.
• Experience with swing bed programs or rural healthcare beneficial.
• New graduates considered based on clinical competency.

Technical Skills

• Strong skills in evaluation, functional mobility training, gait training, and therapeutic exercise.
• Ability to adapt treatment approaches for medically complex and post-operative patients.
• Proficiency with electronic medical record systems.
• Soft Skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong clinical reasoning, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with autonomy while contributing to a small, collaborative team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to assist patients with transfers, mobility training, and therapeutic activities.
• Ability to lift or safely manage loads of 50+ pounds as needed.
• Manual dexterity to operate therapy equipment.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to assess patient mobility and response to treatment.

Work Environment

• Acute care and swing bed rehabilitation within a rural CAH setting.
• Exposure to infectious diseases and typical hospital environments.
• Collaborative, community-focused team environment.