Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency

Location: Lee Health

Department: Rehab Services Centralized Positions

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: 1/8:00:00 AM to 4:30:00 PM

Hiring Range: $76,024.00 - $123,884.80 annually

Be Valued for Being You at Lee Health its all about you!

Our mission for the Lee Health Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Program is to provide structured, advanced clinical education that develops compassionate physical therapists with advanced competence in acute care practice.

Thinking about applying but have a few questions first? Click the link to schedule a time to chat with our Rehabilitation Services Recruiter, Chloe!

What We Offer You:

Because the work you do matters, we make sure that you are supported both personally and professionally. We provide:

• Up to $22,000 in Hiring Incentives (if eligible)
• Exceptional Benefits medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Well-Being Support holistic health resources and mental wellness programs
• Professional Development Annual CEU reimbursement, free MedBridge subscription, and career advancement pathways
• Retirement Match up to 5%
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• Generous Paid Time Off and flexible scheduling options
• Expense-paid on-site interviews for eligible candidates

At Lee Health, we care for you so that you can care for others.

About Our Acute Care Residency Program:

As one of only four Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency programs in Florida, the Lee Health Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Program offers an exceptional opportunity for physical therapists to advance their knowledge and develop specialized clinical expertise in the acute care setting.

This 13-month, full-time residency is designed to prepare physical therapists for advanced clinical practice through a combination of mentored patient care experiences, structured didactic education, and professional development. Residents build advanced skills in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, communication, and patient management.

As part of Lee Healths comprehensive rehabilitation program, residents gain experience across four adult hospitals and one pediatric hospital, working alongside experienced clinicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams in a variety of acute care environments. Exposure to diverse patient populations and complex medical conditions provides a unique and well-rounded clinical experience.

Through progressive clinical rotations, dedicated mentorship, and targeted educational opportunities, the program prepares residents to become highly skilled acute care physical therapists committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care and improving outcomes for hospitalized patients.

Hospital Locations:

Cape Coral Hospital: Cape Coral Hospital is a 303-bed nationally recognized acute care hospital serving Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, and Pine Island, offering advanced emergency, surgical, and womens health services. As a Primary Stroke Center, DNV Hip and Knee Center of Excellence, and Leapfrog A-rated hospital, it is known for its patient-centered approach, strong clinical quality, and community wellness focus.

Gulf Coast Medical Center: Gulf Coast Medical Center stands as our largest campus and is designated both a Level II Trauma Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center. With 699 beds, Gulf Coast Medical Center delivers advanced, specialized care across Critical Care, Oncology, Orthopedic, Colorectal, Vascular, and General Surgery service lines. Deeply involved in each step of the patient journey, our Acute Care Therapy Services team plays a key role in delivering programs like Animal-Assisted Therapy, the Early Activity Initiative, Why Not Home, and our In-House Rehabilitation Programs, all designed to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Golisano Childrens Hospital of SWFL: Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida is the regions premier pediatric medical center and the only dedicated childrens hospital between Tampa and Miami, serving families across five Southwest Florida counties. It provides comprehensive pediatric and neonatal care, including a Level III NICU, emergency services, transport, and specialties such as cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology. The hospital includes 135 beds and is nationally recognized for its quality, safety, and family-centered, child-focused approach to care.

Healthpark Medical Center: HealthPark Medical Center is an approximately 400-bed acute care hospital and a leading Lee Health facility providing specialized cardiovascular care, comprehensive womens and childrens services, and advanced rehabilitation programs. It is home to the Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, a regional leader in heart and lung care, and is highly recognized for excellence in stroke care, orthopedics, and intensive care services. Located on the same HealthPark campus and physically connected to Golisano Childrens Hospital of Southwest Florida, it supports seamless pediatric-to-adult care across the continuum.

Lee Memorial Hospital: Lee Memorial Hospital is a 290-bed acute care facility and the original cornerstone of Lee Health. It is a nationally recognized, nonprofit hospital offering advanced services including a Primary Stroke Center designation and a DNV-accredited Orthopedic Center of Excellence. It is no longer a trauma-designated hospital but continues to provide comprehensive emergency, medical, and surgical care. With a proud history of delivering award-winning, patient-centered care, it has served the Fort Myers community for over a century. In 2028, Lee Memorial Hospital will transition services to the newly opened Lee Health Fort Myers campus, which will serve as a hub for the Musculoskeletal Institute, featuring cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to advance orthopedic and rehabilitative care.

What are the benefits of an Acute Care Residency at Lee Health?
At Lee Health, residents will be part of the ExceptionalLee team, with a focus on encouraging communication, empathy, and teamwork. Lee Health regularly celebrates service and recognizes what makes each of us unique. ExceptionalLee is just one way Lee Health strives to develop attentive leaders who believe in inspiring the people around them.

Additionally, Residents are employed by Lee Health as full-time physical therapists and receive 100% of the salary of a comparable physical therapist within the organization, along with benefits in accordance with Lee Health Human Resources policies for full-time employees.

The residency program does not charge tuition or program fees. Residents may be eligible to apply for institutional continuing education funding in accordance with Lee Health policies and funding availability.

What Do I Need to Apply?
Applicants to the Lee Health Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency Program must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Eligibility for Physical Therapist licensure in the state of Florida and possession of an active Florida PT license prior to the program start date.
• Active membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), including membership in the Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy.
• Demonstrated professional behaviors, strong written and verbal communication skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning and clinical excellence.
• Preferred prior exposure to acute care physical therapy through clinical internships or work experience.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation:

• One (1) academic reference
• Two (2) clinical references

Application Process : Eligible candidates must apply through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (RF-PTCAS) RF-PTCAS as well as through Lee Healths employment application system.The residency is a 13-month, full-time program with employment beginning each year in September.

For more information please visit our residency website at:

Ready to Make A Difference?

Apply today and join a team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and celebrates your impact.

US:FL:Fort Myers