Status: Exempt
The Part-Time Outpatient Physical Therapist provides evidence-based physical therapy services within a rural Critical Access Hospital (CAH) outpatient clinic including the Post Texas area. This role offers broad clinical variety, with a caseload primarily consisting of orthopedic conditions but also including neurologic, post-operative, chronic pain, and general mobility patients typical of rural health. The PT practices with a high level of autonomy and collaborates closely with a small, supportive rehabilitation team to meet the needs of the community.
This position includes supervision of the outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). New graduates with strong clinical training are welcome to apply. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Clinical Care Perform comprehensive outpatient physical therapy evaluations and develop individualized plans of care.
Deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based interventions including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, gait and balance training, and functional mobility training. Reassess patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Provide patient and caregiver education and develop home exercise programs to support continued recovery.
Recommend and train patients in the use of assistive devices and adaptive equipment as needed. Maintain appropriate scheduling, productivity, and patient-centered care standards. Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with hospital and CMS requirements.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Communicate effectively with referring providers, nursing staff, and rehabilitation team members. Coordinate care with occupational therapy, speech therapy, and support staff as needed. Participate in discussions related to patient progress and discharge planning.
Compliance & Safety Adhere to HIPAA, CMS outpatient therapy regulations, CAH standards, and hospital policies. Follow safe patient handling and mobility protocols. Ensure proper use and maintenance of therapy equipment and report issues promptly.
Support infection prevention and patient safety practices. Professional Practice Supervise the outpatient PTA and rehabilitation technicians in accordance with state law. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and continuing education.
Maintain professional conduct consistent with evidence-based practice and ethical standards. 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 Outpatient experience preferred; rural health experience beneficial. New graduates considered based on clinical competency.
Technical Skills Strong skills in evaluation, therapeutic exercise prescription, manual therapy, and functional mobility training. Ability to adapt treatment approaches for a diverse rural caseload. Proficiency with electronic medical record systems.
Soft Skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong critical thinking, organization, and clinical decision-making 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 Outpatient rehabilitation clinic within a rural CAH setting.
Exposure to typical healthcare environments and infectious diseases. Collaborative, community-focused team environment.