Acute Care Physical Therapist Jobs
Acute Care Physical Therapist jobs are open across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and health systems, at every level from new-grad to senior and lead clinician, with specializations in orthopedics, neurological rehab, and cardiopulmonary therapy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 404+ Acute Care Physical Therapist jobs
Job Description
Harborview Rehab Therapies has an outstanding opportunity for a Physical Therapist 2 - Acute Care .
WORK SCHEDULE
- 100% FTE Day Shift
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
UW Medicine Rehabilitation - Our multidisciplinary team is centered around compassion and innovation. We work closely with many types of specialists to give each patient the best possible path to recovery. Our passion and dedication to our purpose has allowed us to be recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top rehabilitation programs in the nation. Become part of our team and join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- This individual will assess, plan, administer, evaluate and provide safe physical therapy for a patient caseload ranging from routine to patient problems and situations.
- Provide skilled, timely and effective patient care. This individual will also be responsible for progression of treatment goals and patient and family education and collaboration with other disciplines to coordinate continuity of patient care from admission to discharge.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Demonstrate working knowledge of the disease process, precautions, typical medical treatment and diagnostic procedures, functional, abilities, complications and implications of long term deficits related to primary diagnoses treated in service area.
- Plan treatment programs with the patient and treatment team.
- Document intervention and strategies for treatment in required organizational systems. Documentation is to include assessment, measurable criteria, goals method of treatment, home programs and adapting plan according to patient’s response to intervention.
- Participate in team rounds and other educational information to patient and support systems prior to termination of therapy intervention.
- Provide home programs and other educational information to patient and support systems prior to termination of therapy intervention.
- Provide recommendations and justification for equipment needs of patients.
- Work effectively with PTA. Assigns appropriate patients, supervises treatment plan, provides PTA with necessary information. Provide education training to other physical therapy staff and health care professionals in areas of expertise within the physical therapy field.
REQUIREMENTS
- Current Washington State license to practice as a Physical Therapist.
- Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ABOUT HARBORVIEW MEDICAL CENTER
As the region's only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine. It is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County. It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.
Harborview Medical Center is proud to be recognized with Magnet Hospital status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. As a teaching hospital and research center, we're deeply committed to the enhancement of care for our patients-as well as the professional growth of our staff.
Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region.
Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$50.97 hourlyPay Range Maximum:
$72.93 hourlyOther Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER
UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
Job Description
Harborview Rehab Therapies has an outstanding opportunity for a Physical Therapist 2 - Acute Care .
WORK SCHEDULE
- 100% FTE Day Shift
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
UW Medicine Rehabilitation - Our multidisciplinary team is centered around compassion and innovation. We work closely with many types of specialists to give each patient the best possible path to recovery. Our passion and dedication to our purpose has allowed us to be recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top rehabilitation programs in the nation. Become part of our team and join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- This individual will assess, plan, administer, evaluate and provide safe physical therapy for a patient caseload ranging from routine to patient problems and situations.
- Provide skilled, timely and effective patient care. This individual will also be responsible for progression of treatment goals and patient and family education and collaboration with other disciplines to coordinate continuity of patient care from admission to discharge.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Demonstrate working knowledge of the disease process, precautions, typical medical treatment and diagnostic procedures, functional, abilities, complications and implications of long term deficits related to primary diagnoses treated in service area.
- Plan treatment programs with the patient and treatment team.
- Document intervention and strategies for treatment in required organizational systems. Documentation is to include assessment, measurable criteria, goals method of treatment, home programs and adapting plan according to patient’s response to intervention.
- Participate in team rounds and other educational information to patient and support systems prior to termination of therapy intervention.
- Provide home programs and other educational information to patient and support systems prior to termination of therapy intervention.
- Provide recommendations and justification for equipment needs of patients.
- Work effectively with PTA. Assigns appropriate patients, supervises treatment plan, provides PTA with necessary information. Provide education training to other physical therapy staff and health care professionals in areas of expertise within the physical therapy field.
REQUIREMENTS
- Current Washington State license to practice as a Physical Therapist.
- Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ABOUT HARBORVIEW MEDICAL CENTER
As the region's only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine. It is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County. It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.
Harborview Medical Center is proud to be recognized with Magnet Hospital status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. As a teaching hospital and research center, we're deeply committed to the enhancement of care for our patients-as well as the professional growth of our staff.
Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region.
Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$50.97 hourlyPay Range Maximum:
$72.93 hourlyOther Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER
UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
See All 404+ Acute Care Physical Therapist Jobs
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Find JobsAcute Care Physical Therapist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- American Traveler26
- PT Solutions Physical Therapy25
- Ochsner Health12
- Advocate Aurora Health12
- Sentara10
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services44
- Education1
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in acute care physical therapist jobs.
- Active state physical therapy license or eligibility for licensure in the posting state
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Current Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association
- Experience in inpatient acute care, ICU, or medically complex hospital settings
- Proficiency in functional mobility assessment, early mobilization, and discharge planning
- Familiarity with electronic health records systems used in hospital environments
Tips for Your Acute Care Physical Therapist Job Search
Tailor your resume to acute care settings
Highlight inpatient experience by unit type, such as ICU, step-down, or med-surg, rather than listing general PT duties. Hiring managers in acute care want to see that you've worked with medically complex patients and understand discharge planning timelines.
List every relevant certification clearly
Your state license, BCLS, and any specialty certifications like NCS or CCS belong in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume. Recruiters screening acute care applicants often filter by certification before reading anything else.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists acute care physical therapist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name patient acuity levels
Job listings that specify ICU, trauma, or high-acuity patient populations are signaling what they need most. If your experience matches those environments, lead with that alignment in your cover letter and application materials.
Prepare for clinical scenario questions in interviews
Acute care interviews often include scenario-based questions about fall risk assessment, discharge readiness, or early mobilization protocols. Walk through your clinical reasoning out loud, referencing specific patient cases or outcome measures you've used before.
Negotiate start dates around license transfer timelines
If you're relocating or awaiting a new state license, clarify the expected processing window before accepting an offer. Proposing a confirmed start date tied to your license issuance shows professionalism and prevents onboarding delays from becoming a problem for either side.
Acute Care Physical Therapist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most acute care physical therapists?
The companies hiring the most acute care physical therapists right now include American Traveler, PT Solutions Physical Therapy, and Ochsner Health, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Health systems with large inpatient volumes and trauma centers tend to post the most consistently throughout the year.
How many acute care physical therapist jobs are remote?
About 12% of acute care physical therapist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most inpatient PT work. Telehealth-based roles are more common in outpatient follow-up, care coordination, and home health consultation than in traditional acute care hospital settings.
How do you become an acute care physical therapist?
You need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a program accredited by CAPTE, complete all required clinical rotations including inpatient placements, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, and obtain a state license in the state where you plan to practice. Pursuing additional clinical hours in hospital or ICU settings during your rotations strengthens your candidacy for acute care positions significantly.
Can you get an acute care physical therapist job with little experience?
Yes, many hospitals hire new graduates for acute care PT roles, particularly those who completed at least one inpatient clinical rotation during their DPT program. Emphasizing your ICU or med-surg rotation experience, your comfort with medically complex patients, and any residency or mentorship programs you pursued will help you stand out against more experienced candidates.
What does the acute care physical therapist interview process look like?
Most acute care PT interviews include a phone or video screen with HR, followed by an in-person or virtual interview with the rehab department manager or lead therapist. You should expect clinical scenario questions about patient prioritization, early mobilization decisions, and interdisciplinary team communication. Some hospitals add a brief tour of the unit or a panel interview with other clinicians before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to acute care physical therapist jobs?
You can find and apply to acute care physical therapist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your license state, preferred setting, and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
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