Physical Therapist - Full-time

Physical Therapist (PT) – Full-Time Rutherfordton, NC | $81,203–$93,288 | Full-Time | On-Site Good physical therapy is measured in progress patients can actually feel. Walking farther. Moving with less pain. Regaining strength. Returning home safely. Getting back to parts of life an injury or illness interrupted. A community-based acute care hospital in western North Carolina is looking for a Physical Therapist who wants to remain close to the profession. This is a full-time opportunity with a salary range of $81,203–$93,288 for a North Carolina-licensed PT interested in hands‑on patient care, clinical autonomy, and working as part of a broader healthcare team. And if you built your career before the DPT became the standard entry point into the profession, keep reading. A DPT is preferred, not required. Your Practice, Patient by Patient You’ll evaluate each patient's functional status and determine what needs to happen next. Some patients will need help restoring mobility. Others will be working through pain, weakness, injury, illness, or functional limitations. Your job is to understand where they are today, establish realistic goals, and develop a clinical plan to move them forward. You’ll have responsibility for the full therapy process, including: Performing initial and ongoing functional assessments Developing individualized plans of care based on patient needs, abilities, and goals Providing evidence‑based therapeutic interventions Using therapeutic exercise and manual therapy techniques Applying appropriate physical therapy modalities Helping patients improve mobility, strength, function, and independence Addressing pain and helping prevent further dysfunction Evaluating, fitting, and adjusting prosthetic and orthotic devices when appropriate Establishing measurable goals and anticipated recovery timelines Reassessing progress and modifying treatment plans when necessary Planning for discharge and the patient's next stage of recovery Educating patients and families throughout treatment You’ll also direct and supervise Physical Therapist Assistants, students, and support personnel when appropriate. Experience Matters More Than the Letters After Your Name You’ll need to meet the clinical and licensing requirements for the position: Bachelor's Degree or higher in Physical Therapy Current, active Physical Therapist license in North Carolina Basic Life Support (BLS) certification A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is preferred but not required. Experienced PTs who entered the profession through an accredited bachelor's or master's pathway and maintain current North Carolina licensure are encouraged to apply. The Kind of PT Who Fits Here This position will appeal to someone who enjoys being responsible for more than an isolated piece of a patient's therapy. You should be comfortable evaluating the full clinical picture, establishing the plan, providing treatment, measuring progress, adjusting course as needed, and determining when the patient is ready for the next stage. You’ll also need to communicate effectively with patients, families, PTAs, physicians, nurses, and other members of the care team. Sound clinical judgment matters. So does documentation. But the ultimate goal is straightforward: help patients achieve meaningful functional improvement. Compensation The base salary range is: $81,203–$93,288 Compensation within the range is based on experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, on-site position in Rutherfordton, North Carolina . Supporting a Career, Not Just Filling a Schedule Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive benefits program that includes: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and paid family leave Life insurance Short- and long-term disability coverage Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance 401(k) retirement plan with company match Higher education and certification tuition assistance Loan assistance programs Mental, physical, and financial wellness resources Professional development and continuing education Career advancement opportunities A Community-Based Clinical Environment You’ll practice within an established community acute care hospital serving Rutherfordton and surrounding western North Carolina communities. The setting offers the working relationships and patient connection of a community hospital along with the resources and professional support of a broader healthcare network. For a Physical Therapist, that means being part of the patient's larger care team while maintaining direct responsibility for helping restore function and independence. Maybe It's Time for a Different PT Environment You don’t need a DPT to bring years of experience, strong clinical judgment, and excellent patient care to this team. If you’re a North Carolina-licensed Physical Therapist seeking a full‑time opportunity to remain directly involved in patient recovery, we’d like to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr