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Physical Therapist job description template

Physical therapists evaluate and treat people with injuries, surgeries, or conditions that limit movement. They design exercise and treatment plans that reduce pain and help patients regain strength and function. Copy this template, replace the bracketed parts, then run it through the free JD Analyzer.

Check it for bias

Physical Therapist

About the role

[Company Name] is seeking a Physical Therapist to help our patients recover movement and get back to the activities they love. You will evaluate patients, create individualized treatment plans, provide hands-on care and exercise, and track progress over time. We value therapists who combine strong clinical reasoning with genuine care for each patient.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct initial evaluations, including history, screening, and objective testing
  • Develop individualized plans of care with measurable functional goals
  • Provide therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and patient education
  • Create and update home exercise programs
  • Document evaluations, daily notes, and progress reports accurately and on time
  • Supervise physical therapist assistants and aides in line with state rules
  • Communicate with referring physicians and other providers
  • Use outcome measures to track progress and adjust treatment
  • Support compliance with payer and documentation requirements

Requirements

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy or other degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
  • Active physical therapist license in [State] or eligibility to obtain before start date
  • Current BLS certification
  • Strong evaluation and clinical reasoning skills
  • Clear communication and patient education skills
  • Experience with electronic medical records and timed billing codes, or willingness to learn
  • Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation

Nice to have

  • Specialty certification such as OCS, NCS, or GCS
  • Manual therapy or dry needling training, where permitted
  • Experience in [outpatient orthopedics, home health, or acute care]
  • Bilingual skills matching our patient population

Pay

[Pay range] · [Benefits summary]

Pay transparency

Many states, including CA, CO, NY, WA, and IL, require a good-faith pay range in job postings, so check your state's rules and include one before posting.

See the rules for your state in HR laws by state.

Write a more inclusive posting

  • State physical demands specifically, such as assisting patient transfers, and note that reasonable accommodations are available
  • Avoid 'athletic' or 'fit' language that implies appearance or age preferences
  • Welcome new graduates and experienced therapists alike by describing the mentorship available rather than requiring years of experience you do not need

Hiring a physical therapist?

Prepare the interview too: 15 questions, red flags and questions to avoid.

Physical Therapist interview questions

Frequently asked questions

What case-based questions work best in a physical therapist interview?

Present a short patient case and ask the candidate to walk through evaluation, goals, and first-week treatment. Listen for red flag screening, use of outcome measures, and patient-centered goals.

Should I include productivity expectations in a physical therapist job description?

Being transparent about patient volume and documentation time helps candidates judge fit and reduces turnover. Describe expectations clearly and the support available, like aides or scribes.

How do I verify a physical therapist's license?

Use your state physical therapy board's online license lookup before the start date. If the candidate will practice under the PT Compact, confirm their compact privilege as well.

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