Physical Therapist – Sports Medicine

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:

Physical Medicine & Rehab Dept

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Provides 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 with some guidance. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

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Physical Therapist – Sports Medicine

Job Type: Full-Time, Variable Hours Including Weekends
 

Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center– Sports Medicine

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is seeking an experienced and motivated Physical Therapist to join our Sports Medicine team. This role supports athletes competing at the highest levels and is well-suited to clinicians who thrive in a fast‑paced, performance‑driven environment and value interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive, evidence‑based physical therapy care to competitive and high‑performing athletes

• Implement injury prevention strategies, emergency action plans, and return‑to‑play protocols

• Conduct advanced evaluations and analyze functional and clinical data to assess readiness and safe participation

• Serve as a trusted clinical partner to athletes, coaches, and sports medicine stakeholders

• Provide direct patient care in the clinic approximately 50% of the time, with the remaining responsibilities supporting on‑site and programmatic needs

• Contribute to program development, operational support, and continuous improvement of Sports Medicine services

• Promote athlete health, safety, and long‑term performance through education and evidence‑based practice

• Operate motor vehicles to provide on‑site support as needed

• Uphold Vanderbilt Medical Center’s standards for professionalism, teamwork, and clinical excellence

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Physical Therapist

• Strong clinical judgment, communication, and organizational skills

• Demonstrated commitment to athlete safety and evidence‑based care

• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in sports medicine, athletic performance, or high‑level orthopedic rehabilitation

• Comfort working in dynamic, fast‑paced, athlete‑focused environments

Why Vanderbilt Health?

• Nationally recognized leader in healthcare, education, and research

• Collaborative, high‑performance sports medicine environment

• Opportunities for professional growth, continuing education, and interdisciplinary work

• Comprehensive day‑one benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and mileage reimbursement

• Meaningful impact on athletes and the broader community

Apply Today

Join a team dedicated to advancing sports medicine and supporting athlete performance at the highest level.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Analyzes comprehensive information from formal and informal assessments 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 the 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