Physical Therapist, Inpatient (Acute Care)

Position Title

Physical Therapist, Inpatient (Acute Care)

Job Description Summary

We are looking to add another dynamic Physical Therapist to join our team! At VHC Health, the Physical Therapists are embedded in the hospital units, which allows each therapist to focus on specific patient populations/service lines and deepen their knowledge base and skill set tailored to their units' needs. While embedded, the inpatient therapists are part of one team, receiving opportunities to treat a variety of patient populations including orthopedic, oncology, cardiac, medical/surgical, neurology, ICU, and trauma, in order to meet the day-to-day needs of the hospital.

VHC Health offers a comprehensive onboarding process, with a designated mentorship program and ongoing coaching from the Senior Physical Therapist that extends well beyond the first 90 days. We have a high level of collaboration across all disciplines within the Rehabilitation Department and with other departments, actively involved in daily interdisciplinary care coordination. Our inpatient therapists are also involved in numerous hospital-wide initiatives, including activity/mobility promotion, fall prevention, delirium prevention, hospital-acquired pressure injury prevention, and steering committees for the trauma, post-operative, and stroke service lines working to uphold a high standard of care and clinical excellence.

The department boasts a supportive team culture, with flexible schedules to facilitate a positive and individualized work-life balance. There are opportunities for professional growth and career advancement, including a comprehensive clinical ladder. As VHC Health is constantly advancing and expanding its inpatient services, there are ample opportunities to effect change and impact the direction and scope of growth as pertains to rehabilitation.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, VHC Health is a 548-bed, independent, not-for-profit health system and nationally recognized teaching hospital. We have proudly served the Washington, DC metropolitan community for more than 75 years. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Virginia and the region, VHC Health has earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Employer and a 2025 Newsweek World's Best Hospital. We also hold the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. As a Level II Trauma Center, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care when it matters most.

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

"An individual physical therapist's scope of practice is influenced by professional, jurisdictional, and personal scopes of practice.
Over the course of the physical therapist's career, scope of practice evolves based on considerations including, but not limited to, societal needs; progressive professional development activities of the physical therapist; modifications to jurisdictional laws and regulations; advancements in knowledge, research, clinical skills, and technology; and the evolving health delivery system.
The professional scope of physical therapist practice is grounded in basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences. It is supported by education, based on a body of evidence, and linked to existing and emerging practice frameworks. The professional scope of practice evolves in response to innovation, research, collaboration, and changes in societal needs.
The professional scope of practice consists of patient and client management, which includes diagnosis and prognosis, to optimize physical function, movement, performance, health, quality of life, and well-being across the lifespan. In addition, the professional scope of practice includes contributions to public health services aimed at improving population health and the human experience.
The jurisdictional scope of physical therapist practice is established by the practice act governing the specific physical therapist's license and the rules adopted pursuant to that act.
The personal scope of physical therapist practice consists of activities for which an individual physical therapist is educated, trained, and is competent to perform."

Reference: American Physical Therapy Association
PHYSICAL THERAPIST'S SCOPE OF PRACTICE HOD P06-17-09-16/HOD P06-17-08-07 Last Updated 9/13/17

Education:

Bachelor's degree in physical therapy is required.

Master's degree or doctorate in physical therapy is preferred.

Experience:

One year of experience in physical therapy is preferred.

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed as a Physical Therapist by the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required.

BLS certification is required.

Additional Job Description

Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice.

• Employee-Led Engagement and Wellness Committee dedicated to make work a fun and healthy place to work
• Annual Employee Survey - Your Voice is Heard at VHC!
• Paid Major Holidays
• Generous Paid Time Off / Vacation / Sick Time
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment
• Career Counseling, Leadership Development and Training
• Clinical and Research Pathways Eligible
• Annual Merit Review and Merit Increases
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health Fitness & Education Class Discounts
• Employee Wellness Benefits
• Hospital Discount for Employees and Family
• VHC Health Outpatient Pharmacy
• VHC Retirement Program
• Workforce Enhancement Program
• Work/Life Discounts Program
• Free onsite parking
• Commuter Benefits
• Family Leave
• 401(k) + Match
• and much more!