How to Write a Physical Therapist Job Description | Recruit Smarter

Recruiting the right physical therapist is crucial to ensuring quality patient care and maintaining a positive workplace environment. With the demand for physical therapists continuing to grow, competition among healthcare organizations to secure the best professionals is fierce. Crafting an effective job description is the first step in catching the eye of the right candidates. Use our physical therapist job description below to start attracting top talent.

What is a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist, within the context of recruitment and HR, is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, developing treatment plans, and implementing rehabilitation programs to help patients improve their physical mobility and function due to injury, illness, or surgery. In hiring, recruiters seek candidates with a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the appropriate licensure and certifications. They play a crucial role in patient recovery, working closely alongside other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and effective treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs.

Physical Therapist Job Description Template

As a physical therapist, you will play an important role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for patients through the assessment, planning, and implementation of individually tailored therapy programs. Working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, you will help patients recover, improve their physical functionality, manage pain, and prevent further injury, thereby promoting an active and healthier lifestyle. Join our dedicated team in fostering an environment of healing and empowerment.

Responsibilities:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Conduct detailed patient evaluations using various methods to test and measure physical capabilities, and diagnose movement dysfunctions through thorough examinations of patient history and physical tests.
• Treatment Planning: Develop personalized treatment plans that include therapy objectives, treatment methods, and expected outcomes. Set specific and measurable goals to help patients track their progress effectively.
• Implementation of Treatment: Administer physiotherapy treatments such as exercises, manual therapy, massage, equipment-based techniques, and other interventions. Educate patients about treatment methods and encourage their active participation in the recovery process.
• Monitoring and Adjustment: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results. Maintain detailed progress notes and reports to communicate patient status to other healthcare professionals.
• Patient Education: Provide guidance and advice to patients and their families about exercises, lifestyle changes, and preventive strategies to support recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in accordance with legal and organizational requirements. Ensure all practices comply with healthcare regulations, professional ethics, and established standards.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care. Communicate effectively with patients to understand their needs and preferences.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about the latest advances in physical therapy by attending workshops, training sessions, and conferences. Participate in research and continuous learning to enhance skills and expertise.

Required Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with patients.
• In-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing effective treatment plans.
• Analytical skills to assess patient conditions accurately.
• Patience, empathy, and motivation to support patients through recovery.
• Ability to multitask and manage time efficiently in a clinical setting.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current state license to practice as a Physical Therapist.
• Certification from a recognized board (e.g., American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties) is preferred.
• Proven experience working as a Physical Therapist is desirable.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

Physical Therapist Education and Experience

Candidates for the Physical Therapist role should hold a foundational Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, typically completed over three years following a bachelor’s degree, and must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination to earn licensure. Admission to DPT programs generally requires prerequisite coursework in sciences like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics, plus hands-on clinical internship experience. Employers often value additional experience, such as clinical residencies, fellowships, or prior direct-care roles, particularly for senior or leadership positions.

Contract Duration of a Physical Therapist

The contract duration for Physical Therapists typically falls into two categories: indefinite/at-will employment. Common for permanent roles, allowing termination by either party with appropriate notice, and fixed-term or contractual engagements, which specify a set timeframe (e.g., 6–12 months or per-diem agreements) that may be renewed or renegotiated upon expiration. Contract roles offer flexibility and often command higher hourly rates, while fixed-term employment provides defined commitment periods suited for project-based or locum coverage needs.

How to Customize This Template

When adapting this Physical Therapist Job Description Template, recruitment professionals should tailor the content to align with the organization’s specific needs, work environment, and hiring priorities:

• Highlight Organizational Focus – Emphasize your facility’s specialization, such as orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, geriatrics, or pediatric care, to attract candidates with relevant expertise.
• Adjust Role Scope – Refine the listed responsibilities based on the size and structure of your healthcare setting; for example, larger hospitals may require multidisciplinary collaboration, while smaller clinics may expect broader patient care coverage.
• Specify Desired Experience – Update the required qualifications to reflect the level of experience needed, such as entry-level therapists for high-volume outpatient clinics or senior therapists for specialized inpatient programs.
• Include Unique Perks and Benefits – Showcase organizational advantages like continuing education support, flexible scheduling, relocation packages, or mentorship opportunities to differentiate your offering.
• Align Compliance Requirements – Adapt licensing, certification, and documentation expectations according to local regulations and organizational standards to ensure legal and clinical compliance.

Conclusion

An effective physical therapist job description is more than just a list of duties—it’s a strategic tool for attracting qualified professionals who align with your organization’s values and patient care standards. By clearly defining role expectations, required skills, and growth opportunities, recruiters can stand out in a highly competitive market and connect with top talent. Customizing this template to reflect your facility’s unique needs and culture ensures that you not only attract the right candidates but also build a strong foundation for long-term employee engagement and retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to hire a physical therapist for a private practice?

A: The best way to hire a physical therapist for a private practice involves carefully defining the role and desired qualifications, using multiple recruitment channels, conducting thorough interviews focused on both technical and soft skills, and verifying references. Offering competitive compensation, professional development, and a supportive work environment can also help attract and retain top talent.

Q: What qualifications and licenses should I verify before hiring a physical therapist?

A: When hiring a physical therapist, ensure they have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution, have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and hold an active state license. Specialized certifications in areas like sports rehabilitation or orthopedics can also be beneficial. Membership in organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) indicates a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to industry standards.

Q: What key skills and traits should I look for in a physical therapist candidate?

A: When hiring a physical therapist, it's important to look for candidates who have strong interpersonal skills, technical expertise, and empathy. They should have a solid understanding of human anatomy and rehabilitation principles to create effective treatment plans. Good communication skills are necessary to explain complex information clearly and collaborate with healthcare professionals. Empathy and patience help in dealing with patients in pain, and adaptability is crucial for tailoring therapy plans to individual needs. Commitment to ongoing learning ensures they remain updated with the latest practices, providing excellent patient care.

Q: How should salary expectations be handled during the hiring of a physical therapist?

A: When hiring a physical therapist, it's important to understand local market rates and consider factors like experience and specialization. During interviews, discuss salary ranges openly and encourage candidates to share their expectations to prevent misunderstandings. Besides salary, consider offering benefits such as professional development, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment. Transparent communication throughout the process helps achieve a mutually beneficial agreement.

Q: How long does it typically take to onboard a new physical therapist effectively?

A: Onboarding a new physical therapist typically takes three to six months, allowing them to adapt to the healthcare facility's culture and procedures, connect with the team, and become proficient in their role. Continuous feedback and support are essential during this period to ensure their confidence and enhance patient care and job satisfaction.