Physical Therapist - Pediatric Cardiac Acute Care

Pediatric Physical Therapist - Acute Care Cardiology

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is seeking a Pediatric Physical Therapist to join our Acute Care Rehabilitation Team. This role provides inpatient physical therapy services to infants, children, and adolescents with complex medical and cardiac conditions within one of the nation's leading pediatric heart programs.

As a member of the multidisciplinary care team, you will help patients maximize mobility, functional independence, developmental progress, and recovery throughout hospitalization while supporting families and caregivers every step of the way.

Why Join This Team?

• Specialized practice in pediatric cardiac acute care
• Work across both the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) and Pediatric Cardiology inpatient unit
• Care for medically complex patients, including post-operative cardiac surgery and transplant populations
• Collaborate with nationally recognized pediatric cardiac and rehabilitation specialists
• Access ongoing professional development, mentorship, and clinical advancement opportunities
• Practice within a leading academic medical center and children's hospital

About the Pediatric Heart Institute

The Vanderbilt Pediatric Heart Institute is one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric cardiac programs in the country. The program provides advanced care for congenital and acquired heart disease, including cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure management, ECMO, and heart transplantation.

The cardiac service line includes:

• Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU)
• Pediatric Cardiology Inpatient Unit

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and treat pediatric patients with cardiac, developmental, neurological, orthopedic, post-surgical, and medically complex diagnoses
• Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans to improve mobility, function, and developmental outcomes
• Provide acute care physical therapy interventions that support recovery and safe progression of activity
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers to promote successful transitions of care
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, speech-language pathologists, child life specialists, social workers, and care managers
• Contribute to discharge planning and continuity of care
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program
• Current Tennessee Physical Therapist license or eligibility to obtain licensure
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Acute care experience required
• Pediatric rehabilitation or pediatric acute care experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pediatric cardiac care
• Experience working in a pediatric ICU, cardiac ICU, or acute care hospital setting
• Experience treating medically complex pediatric populations

Why Vanderbilt Health?

At Vanderbilt Health, you'll join a mission-driven organization committed to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Our therapists are valued members of the care team and enjoy opportunities to grow professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across the region