Physical Therapist (Outpatient) - Per Diem

About the Role

As a Per Diem Outpatient Physical Therapist at Howard University Hospital, you will evaluate and treat referred patients, building and carrying out individualized treatment plans that help people regain mobility, strength, and independence. You will work as scheduled, providing flexible, as‑needed coverage within our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation team.

What You'll Do

• Perform complete initial physical therapy evaluations on patients referred by physicians or by departmental protocol.
• Develop and implement treatment plans and programs based on diagnostic and prognostic neuro‑muscular assessment, including long‑ and short‑term goals, obtaining physician approval prior to commencing treatment.
• Provide information to medical staff and other health personnel that may inform modifications to treatment prescriptions, plans, and goals.
• Coordinate home programs and referrals for community services through social services and/or the Physical Therapy Manager.
• Participate in the clinical aspects of the teaching program as required.
• Maintain accurate records on all patients, documenting therapy prescriptions, patient problems, reactions to treatment, treatment plans, goals, and related clinical observations.
• Administer and monitor a variety of treatment modalities (e.g., whirlpools, diathermy, hydrocollators, ultrasound, manual and electrical muscle and nerve testing and stimulation).
• Evaluate and treat patients receiving total joints in the PACU to assess disposition and treatment protocol under the Total Joint of Excellence Program.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), American Physical Therapy Association. A Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy obtained prior to January 2016 will be accepted.
• Licensure to practice physical therapy in the District of Columbia.
• Active American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Completion of a clinical internship in Physical Therapy.
• Ability to adapt standard physical therapy techniques to the needs of special populations and assess patients with a variety of conditions.
• Ability to establish treatment priorities and exercise independent, ethical judgment in carrying out therapeutic programs and plans of care.
• Knowledge of clinical and fiscal data collection and reporting.
• Demonstrated leadership and problem‑solving skills, with physical health and manual dexterity sufficient to perform standard physical therapy procedures and handle equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an outpatient orthopedic or neurological rehabilitation setting.
• Prior acute‑care clinical rotation or experience.

Position Details

• Job Title: Physical Therapist - Outpatient | Per Diem
• Department: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Reports To: Physical Therapy Manager
• Employment Type: Per Diem
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay & Schedule

Pay: $60.00 per hour (fixed per diem rate)
Schedule: Per diem / as‑needed

About Howard University Hospital

Founded in 1862 as Freedmen's Hospital, Howard University Hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. As a designated Level 1 Trauma Center in the District of Columbia, we deliver patient‑centered, culturally responsive care while training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Joining HUH means becoming part of a legacy of excellence, equity, and service to our community.

What We Offer

• A mission‑driven environment at a nationally recognized academic medical center.
• Tuition remission up to two courses per semester.
• The opportunity to teach, mentor, and shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Culture of Care: In an effort to improve patient safety, Howard University Hospital (HUH) supports a Just Culture. This atmosphere of accountability promotes the identification of human error, at‑risk behavior, and reckless behavior, with the goal of maintaining a culture for learning, safe systems, and well‑managed behavioral choices.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

Pay Transparency: In accordance with District of Columbia law, the pay for this position is $60.00 per hour (fixed per diem rate).

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.