Physical Therapist - Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic

Pediatric Physical Therapist - Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is seeking a skilled Pediatric Physical Therapist to join our multidisciplinary Pediatric Rehabilitation team. This role primarily supports specialty outpatient clinics in the Doctors' Office Tower, with occasional inpatient coverage opportunities at the children's hospital.

This position is ideal for a clinician who enjoys managing medically complex patients, collaborating across specialties, and serving as a trusted resource for children and families navigating lifelong conditions.

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a traditional pediatric therapy position. You'll work with children, adolescents, and young adults across a wide range of diagnoses while developing advanced expertise in pediatric neuromuscular care.

Highlights include:

• Specialty outpatient practice with occasional inpatient support
• Collaboration with pediatric neurologists, physiatrists, orthopedic specialists, and rehabilitation teams
• Exposure to complex neurological, developmental, orthopedic, and genetic conditions
• Opportunities to develop expertise in rare and progressive neuromuscular disorders
• Strong interdisciplinary partnerships focused on family-centered care
• A dynamic environment where clinical reasoning and advanced skills are valued

What You'll Do

As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, you will:

• Perform comprehensive evaluations and develop individualized plans of care
• Provide evidence-based interventions to improve mobility, strength, endurance, balance, gait, and functional independence
• Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary care teams to optimize outcomes
• Educate patients and caregivers regarding treatment strategies and home programs
• Recommend adaptive equipment, orthotics, and mobility devices
• Maintain timely clinical documentation
• Support care across multiple outpatient specialty clinics and occasional inpatient settings

Preferred Experience

We are particularly interested in experienced Pediatric Physical Therapists with clinical exposure to:

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
• Other neuromuscular disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Developmental delay
• Genetic and congenital conditions
• Medically complex pediatric populations
• Mobility, gait, and balance disorders
• Seating, positioning, and adaptive equipment recommendations

Experience administering specialized assessments is strongly preferred, including:

• North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA)
• Performance of Upper Limb (PUL)
• Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMS)
• Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (INTEND)

Therapists with related pediatric experience and a strong interest in learning specialized neuromuscular assessments are encouraged to apply.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate:

• Demonstrates advanced pediatric clinical reasoning skills
• Functions independently in complex clinical environments
• Enjoys collaborating with specialty teams
• Builds strong therapeutic relationships with patients and families
• Is adaptable, curious, and committed to lifelong learning
• Thrives in a fast-paced academic medical center

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program
• Tennessee Physical Therapist licensure or eligibility
• Current BLS certification or ability to obtain within established timeframe
• Strong communication, collaboration, and patient education skills
• Commitment to evidence-based, family-centered care

Why Vanderbilt Health?

At Vanderbilt Health, therapists are empowered to make a meaningful impact every day. You'll join a nationally recognized pediatric healthcare organization known for clinical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care.

If you're looking for a Pediatric Physical Therapist opportunity that combines advanced clinical practice, neuromuscular specialization, and the chance to care for some of the region's most complex pediatric patients, we'd love to meet you.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center