Physical Therapist | Acute

Avera Health, a regional health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, is seeking a compassionate and patient-focused Physical Therapist | Acute to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this acute care role, you will provide evidence-based physical therapy services to patients admitted to our hospital, helping them restore mobility, improve function, and safely transition to the next level of care.

Working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, occupational and speech therapists, case managers, and other healthcare professionals, you will perform comprehensive evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, and deliver therapeutic interventions tailored to each patient’s medical condition and goals. Typical patient populations include those recovering from surgery, orthopedic injuries, neurological events such as stroke or brain injury, cardiopulmonary conditions, and complex medical issues requiring close monitoring in an acute hospital setting.

Responsibilities include conducting detailed physical and functional assessments, interpreting medical histories and physician orders, and applying clinical judgment to establish realistic, measurable goals for mobility, strength, balance, and endurance. You will implement treatment interventions such as gait training, transfer training, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, balance and coordination activities, and patient and family education on safe mobility, use of assistive devices, and discharge recommendations. You will carefully monitor patients’ responses to therapy, modify treatment plans as needed, and communicate progress and concerns promptly to the healthcare team.

Accurate, timely documentation of evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries within the electronic medical record is a key component of this role. You will actively participate in care conferences and discharge planning, providing clear recommendations regarding post-acute rehabilitation needs such as home health, outpatient therapy, or inpatient rehabilitation. As part of Avera Health’s commitment to high-quality care, you will follow established clinical pathways and hospital policies while applying current best practices and clinical guidelines in acute physical therapy.

Avera Health’s culture is grounded in compassion, hospitality, and stewardship. In this position, you will have the opportunity to support patients and families at some of their most vulnerable moments, delivering care with respect, dignity, and empathy. You will be encouraged to collaborate closely with colleagues, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and participate in professional development opportunities within Avera’s extensive healthcare network. New graduates with strong acute care clinical rotations and a passion for hospital-based practice are welcome to apply, and experienced acute care therapists will find a supportive environment in which to advance their skills and take on clinical mentorship or leadership responsibilities.

This is a full-time, hospital-based role with a primarily field/on-site work environment in an acute care setting. Schedules may include weekdays, weekends, and holiday rotations based on patient and department needs. In joining Avera Health, you become part of a mission-driven organization focused on improving patient outcomes and strengthening the health of the communities we serve across the Upper Midwest.