Job Details

Physical Therapist

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Physical Therapist to provide preoperative education, early postoperative mobility training, and individualized rehabilitation for patients within a fast-paced orthopedic surgery center. This role focuses on promoting safe recovery, optimizing functional outcomes, and supporting smooth transitions across the continuum of care. The Physical Therapist collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other clinical team members to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care & Rehabilitation

• Deliver pre-surgical education, including patient expectations, therapeutic exercises, and discharge planning.
• Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and treatments in accordance with professional standards established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with surgical protocols, clinical guidelines, and patient goals.
• Provide safe and effective postoperative mobility training, including instruction in the use of assistive devices.
• Monitor patient responses to treatment and adjust interventions as appropriate.
• Maintain a calm, supportive, and patient-centered approach while assisting patients and families throughout the recovery process.
• Provide skilled physical therapy services while maintaining current knowledge of best practices and standards of care for diverse patient populations.

Patient Safety & Education

• Ensure patient safety by monitoring vital signs, identifying postoperative complications, and implementing syncope prevention strategies.
• Educate patients and caregivers regarding postoperative precautions, safe mobility techniques, pain management considerations, and home exercise programs.
• Assess, identify, and mitigate fall risks to support safe discharge planning and recovery.
• Communicate patient progress, treatment outcomes, and clinical concerns to physicians and interdisciplinary team members.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and facility policies.
• Complete equipment billing and related documentation accurately and promptly.
• Adhere to ambulatory surgery center policies, infection prevention standards, and evidence-based clinical practices.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient outcome tracking, and performance improvement activities.

Professional Development & Team Collaboration

• Promote and uphold the Mission, Vision, Values, and Service Standards of Surgery Partners.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities and maintain licensure requirements.
• Support staff education and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary care teams to ensure high-quality patient outcomes.

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Qualifications

Required

• Current State Physical Therapist License in good standing.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation techniques, treatment planning, and rehabilitation protocols.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, time-sensitive surgical environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in orthopedic and acute care rehabilitation.
• Experience treating patients undergoing orthopedic procedures, including joint replacement and sports medicine surgeries.
• Familiarity with ambulatory surgery center operations and same-day surgical recovery pathways.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical decision-making and orthopedic assessment skills.
• Excellent patient education, coaching, and motivational abilities.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing patient needs and surgical schedules.
• Strong interpersonal and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to identify, manage, and distribute supplies and equipment as needed.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient safety, customer service, and quality outcomes.

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Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Fast-paced, team-oriented orthopedic surgery center environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting patients with mobility throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely navigate crowded clinical areas and treatment rooms with medical equipment present.
• Exposure to patients recovering from same-day and short-stay orthopedic surgical procedures.
• Ability to move and position patients and equipment in accordance with safe patient handling guidelines.

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Behavioral Competencies

Preferred

• Enthusiastic: Demonstrates a positive attitude and genuine interest in patient care and team success.

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Motivational Factors

Preferred

• Self-Starter: Takes initiative and performs effectively with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility: Thrives in an environment that requires adaptability and the ability to manage changing priorities and schedules.

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Experience

Preferred

• Two (2) years of orthopedic and acute care rehabilitation experience.
• Experience with total joint replacement, sports medicine, and postoperative recovery programs.