Physical Therapist – Acute Care
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterAbout the role
Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization:
Acute Rehab PT/OT 3Job Summary:
JOB SUMMARYProvides physical therapy services to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes under occasional guidance. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.
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Physical Therapist – Acute Care
Location: Vanderbilt Health | Nashville, TN
Schedule: Full-Time | Includes 2 weekend days per month
Advance Your Acute Care Physical Therapy Career at Vanderbilt Health!
Are you a Physical Therapist passionate about acute care and ready to grow your skills in a dynamic hospital setting? Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Full-Time Physical Therapist – Acute Care to join our highly respected rehabilitation team in Nashville, Tennessee.
Whether you’re an experienced clinician or a newer graduate eager to build your foundation, this is an opportunity to practice at a Level 1 Trauma Center known for clinical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Why Choose Vanderbilt Health?
Day-One Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, PTO, and retirement
Clinical Career Ladder: Structured growth from PT Level 1–4
Free Continuing Education: Department-hosted CE opportunities
Comprehensive Onboarding: 10–12 week orientation across hospital units
Formal Mentorship Program: Supported by a dedicated committee
Team-Based Culture: Collaborate across disciplines and lead initiatives
Nationally Recognized Health System: Excellence in care, research, and innovation
Your Impact as an Acute Care Physical Therapist
Provide evidence-based evaluations and treatment for hospitalized patients
Deliver care across diverse settings, including ICU and emergency department
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered care plans
Educate patients and families on mobility, safety, and discharge planning
Document care in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards
Contribute to mentorship, quality improvement, and departmental initiatives
Qualifications
Licensed Physical Therapist (or eligible) in the state of Tennessee
Acute care or hospital experience preferred, but not required
Strong communication skills and commitment to team-based, patient-centered care
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join a team where you’ll gain unmatched clinical experience, grow your career, and make a meaningful impact every day.
Apply today to become a Physical Therapist – Acute Care at Vanderbilt Health.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Analyzes comprehensive information from formal and informal assessment that is pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine a rehabilitation treatment diagnosis.
• Collaborates with stakeholders in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the rehabilitation continuum.
• Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes and re-evaluates performance to assess patient's progress towards goals.
• Employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
• Treatment Planning & Goal Setting (Novice): Demonstrates sufficient proficiency in developing a plan of care that incorporates treatment interventions focused on meeting objective goals. Develops and documents patient focused short and long term
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