Hospital | PT

Acute Care Physical Therapist (PT) – Travel Contract in Mission Viejo, CA

Apply now for an Acute Care Physical Therapist travel contract in Mission Viejo, California, providing inpatient rehabilitation for adult and geriatric patients in a Level II trauma hospital.

Join an experienced rehabilitation team as an Acute Care Physical Therapist in Mission Viejo, California. This on-site opportunity offers the chance to provide meaningful inpatient physical therapy care in a Level II trauma hospital serving adult and geriatric patients. Mission Viejo is a scenic Orange County community known for its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and convenient access to Southern California’s coastal and metropolitan destinations.

Travel Physical Therapist Job Details

• Specialty: Acute Care Inpatient Physical Therapy
• Location: Mission Viejo, California, Orange County
• Assignment Type: 13-week travel physical therapy contract
• Start Date: November 17, 2026
• End Date: February 16, 2027
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $1,930–$2,070
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Shift Duration: 8-hour day shifts
• Weekend Requirement: Three weekend shifts every six weeks; a weekend shift may be scheduled on Saturday or Sunday
• Healthcare Setting: Acute care hospital and Level II trauma environment with stroke certification
• Patient Population: Adult and geriatric inpatients
• Documentation: Epic
• Call: Not required
• Orientation: Limited orientation provided

Acute Care Physical Therapist Job Requirements

• At least 1 year of professional physical therapy experience required; 2 years of experience highly preferred
• Recent acute care inpatient physical therapy experience required
• Current California Physical Therapist license required; candidates with a license pending may be considered with proof of submission
• Current BLS certification required
• Level II trauma experience is highly preferred. Candidates without prior Level II trauma experience may be considered if they are comfortable working independently in this environment
• Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and functional mobility skills
• Ability to work independently with patients experiencing complex medical, neurological, orthopedic, cardiac, oncology, and post-surgical conditions
• ICU, trauma, stroke, sepsis, and open-heart experience highly preferred
• First-time travel physical therapists are welcome with qualifying acute care experience
• Ability to float to a nearby sister facility if assignment needs require

Acute Care Physical Therapist Responsibilities

• Evaluate adult and geriatric inpatients and develop individualized plans of care
• Provide physical therapy interventions for acute medical, cardiac, neurological, orthopedic, spine, oncology, trauma, and post-operative patients
• Assess and improve strength, balance, gait, endurance, transfers, functional mobility, and safety awareness
• Support rehabilitation for patients recovering from stroke, multiple trauma, open-heart procedures, total joint replacement, spinal conditions, and other complex diagnoses
• Use assistive devices, gait belts, walkers, wheelchairs, lifts, specialty beds, and other mobility equipment safely
• Educate patients and families regarding mobility, home exercise programs, discharge planning, precautions, and injury prevention
• Collaborate with nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team
• Document evaluations, interventions, progress, reassessments, and discharge recommendations accurately in Epic
• Promote safe patient handling and mobility practices while following hospital standards and national patient safety goals
• Manage a varied inpatient caseload while maintaining high-quality, patient-centered care

Apply now for this California physical therapy travel opportunity and join the acute care rehabilitation team in Mission Viejo.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.