Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Orthopedic Physical Therapist Leadership Opportunity | Dubuque, IA

Heartline Staffing, in partnership with Purple Cow Recruiting, is seeking an experienced Orthopedic Physical Therapist for a unique opportunity in Dubuque, Iowa. This role is designed for a motivated PT who wants more than a traditional clinical position and is excited about the opportunity to help develop and lead a growing orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation program. This privately owned, patient-focused practice provides extended one-on-one treatment sessions in a cash-based environment, allowing clinicians to focus on patient outcomes rather than insurance limitations.

The ideal candidate is passionate about orthopedics, enjoys treating active adults, and wants the autonomy to help shape a specialty rehabilitation program from the ground up.

Position Overview

The Orthopedic Physical Therapist will evaluate and treat orthopedic patients while helping develop the practice's orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation service line. The position combines direct patient care with program development, clinical leadership, community outreach, and implementation of innovative rehabilitation techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation service line
• Evaluate and treat patients with orthopedic conditions
• Utilize evidence-based orthopedic rehabilitation techniques
• Provide hands-on manual therapy
• Develop individualized therapeutic exercise programs
• Create return-to-activity and return-to-sport rehabilitation programs
• Establish clinical protocols and best practices
• Help integrate regenerative rehabilitation techniques into patient care
• Participate in the development of shockwave treatment protocols
• Mentor support staff and collaborate with the clinical team
• Maintain accurate electronic clinical documentation
• Build relationships with healthcare providers and community referral sources
• Participate in educational events, networking, and referral development
• Help grow the orthopedic rehabilitation program and patient base
• Maintain a high-quality, patient-centered clinical experience

A Different Approach to Patient Care

This practice is structured around quality rather than volume. Clinicians provide extended one-on-one treatment sessions and typically see approximately 78 patients per day. The cash-based model minimizes traditional insurance-driven administrative requirements and allows the therapist greater autonomy in determining appropriate treatment plans and progression based on individual patient needs.

Orthopedic & Sports Rehabilitation

Strong candidates should be comfortable treating orthopedic conditions and helping active patients safely progress toward their functional goals. Relevant experience may include:

• Orthopedic Evaluation and Treatment
• Manual Therapy
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Functional Rehabilitation
• Return-to-Activity Programming
• Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
• Strength and Mobility Progression
• Patient Education
• Individualized Home Exercise Programs
• Outcome Tracking

Regenerative Rehabilitation

The practice is developing regenerative rehabilitation services, including the use of emerging treatment technologies such as shockwave therapy. Prior shockwave experience is not required. Candidates should have an interest in regenerative therapies and a willingness to learn; training will be provided.

Program Development & Leadership

This opportunity is particularly well suited for a Physical Therapist who wants ownership and influence over the growth of a specialty service line. The therapist will help establish clinical protocols, contribute to best practices, support program development, mentor team members, and participate in community outreach and referral development.

Schedule

Full-Time preferred, 45 days per week. Flexible scheduling available for the right candidate. Occasional evening or weekend community events.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

True one-on-one patient care, approximately 78 patients per day, cash-based practice model, high degree of clinical autonomy, opportunity to build and lead a specialty program, innovative regenerative rehabilitation focus, shockwave therapy training provided, collaborative and supportive clinical team, professional development and mentorship, performance-based bonus opportunities, limited relocation assistance available.

Requirements:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Degree REQUIRED
• Current Iowa Physical Therapy License OR Eligibility to Obtain Iowa Licensure REQUIRED
• Strong Orthopedic Physical Therapy Background REQUIRED
• Experience Evaluating and Treating Orthopedic Conditions REQUIRED
• Confidence with Return-to-Activity and/or Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation REQUIRED
• Evidence-Based Orthopedic Treatment Experience REQUIRED
• Manual Therapy Experience REQUIRED
• Therapeutic Exercise Programming Experience REQUIRED
• Strong Patient Education and Communication Skills REQUIRED
• Ability to Provide High-Quality One-on-One Patient Care REQUIRED
• Interest in Regenerative Rehabilitation Techniques, Including Shockwave Treatment REQUIRED
• Ability to Work On-Site in Dubuque, IA REQUIRED
• Approximately 3 Years of Clinical Experience Preferred
• Program Development or Clinical Leadership Experience Preferred
• Experience Treating Active Adult or Athletic Populations Preferred
• Community Outreach / Referral Development Experience Preferred