Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Physical Therapist at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play an essential role in helping patients restore movement, function, and independence. You’ll use your clinical expertise to make a real difference in the lives of patients across the High Country while working alongside a dedicated interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.

This is an opportunity to elevate your physical therapy career while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation: Starting at $36.64 /hour , based on education and experience

Schedule: Full-time; Monday–Friday with weekend rotation; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Benefits: Applicable benefits includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You’ll Do as a Physical Therapist

• Evaluate, plan, and implement individualized treatment programs for patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary dysfunction
• Use evidence-based practice and critical thinking to guide assessment and therapy interventions
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams to optimize outcomes
• Educate patients and caregivers on exercises, safety, and self-management techniques
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives within the Rehabilitation Department
• Demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and adherence to UNC Health Appalachian’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Respond quickly and appropriately to changes in patient condition or emergencies

Qualifications/Licenses

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from a CAPTE-accredited program
• Experience: Completion of clinical rotations
• Licensure: Current North Carolina Physical Therapy license (or eligibility for licensure)
• Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master’s or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy
  • One year of experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage patients of all backgrounds
• Commitment to safety, quality, and patient-centered care
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment

Physical & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and patient mobilization (more than 8 hours per shift)
• Routinely lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls over 50 lbs
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment and potential infectious materials
• May encounter occasional cramped spaces or radiologic exposure

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Opportunities for continuing education, professional development, and advancement within a mission-driven health system, including tuition reimbursement and certification bonuses.
• Impactful Work: Be part of a team dedicated to improving mobility and quality of life for patients across our hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
• Community & Lifestyle: Located in Boone, North Carolina , UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to hiking, skiing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and a workplace where every team member is respected and valued.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact View email address on click.appcast.io .

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