Medical Surgical Acute Care Physical Therapist
UT Southwestern Medical Center · Dallas, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $75,000 / year
- Dallas, TX
Job highlights
- Provide acute care physical therapy services.
- Work with diverse patient populations.
- Benefit from competitive compensation and benefits.
- Opportunities for career growth and development.
- Be part of a renowned medical center.
About the role
About UT Southwestern
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
Benefits
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
Job Summary
Seeking an Acute Care Physical Therapist to join our dynamic team. This role involves providing therapeutic services across various clinical specializations including Acute Care, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Pediatrics, and Women's Health.
Schedule and Training
Work Schedule: Full-time: 5 days/week, 8 hours/day (40 hours total).
- During training: Follow your trainer’s start time, including weekends.
- Post-training: Start at 10 AM.
Non-exempt Employees: Full-time OT/PT staff qualify for overtime pay if working over 40 hours/week. Paid at 1.5 times your hourly rate for hours beyond 40/week. No double pay for overtime and holiday premium.
Weekend Shifts: 3 weekend shifts/month for the first 2 years. 2 weekend shifts/month after 2 years.
Flex Days: Mandatory to ensure a 40-hour workweek. Flexible weekend shift design, subject to approval.
Holiday Work Expectations: Mandatory work on Thanksgiving and Christmas as part of a rotating schedule.
Shift Differentials: Available for Second Shift (Evening) and Third Shift (Night), and Weekend Shifts.
Experience and Education
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
- Eligible for licensure in the State of Texas.
- Active cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire.
- Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) eligible for licensure in the State of Texas upon hire.
Preferred:
- 1 year of experience.
Job Duties
New graduates are welcome, though 1 year of experience is preferred. The role involves:
- Applying knowledge of therapeutic principles and practices good clinical judgment.
- Ensuring patient safety while maximizing treatment potential.
- Identifying problem areas, recording them, and setting realistic goals with time frames.
- Analyzing and designing treatment plans based on patient problems and goals, and assessing treatment effectiveness.
- Preparing patients for discharge in an organized manner, including equipment needs.
- Displaying good knowledge of patient's resources and needs.
- Fostering teamwork through fair treatment, two-way communication, and a collaborative attitude.
- Organizing patient treatment time efficiently.
- Recording patient progress concisely, accurately, and in a timely fashion.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Security and EEO Statement
Security: This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO: UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
Key skills/competency
- Physical Therapy
- Acute Care
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Rehabilitation
- Clinical Judgment
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Patient Safety
- Texas Licensure
Skills & topics
- Physical Therapist
- Acute Care
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy
- Healthcare
- Medical
- Patient Care
- Physical Therapy Program
- Texas
- Dallas
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your physical therapy education, licensure, and any relevant clinical experience, especially in acute care settings. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Address requirements directly: Ensure your application clearly states your eligibility for Texas licensure and your CPR/BLS certification. Mention any specialized clinical knowledge (e.g., Geriatrics, Oncology) if applicable.
- Showcase soft skills: Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and patient-centered approach in your resume and cover letter, aligning with UT Southwestern's values.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your clinical judgment, patient safety practices, and how you design and implement treatment plans. Demonstrate your understanding of the hospital's mission and culture.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of an Acute Care Physical Therapist at UT Southwestern Medical Center?
- As an Acute Care Physical Therapist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, your primary responsibilities will include assessing patients, designing and implementing individualized treatment plans, ensuring patient safety, documenting progress, and preparing patients for discharge. You will work within various clinical specializations such as Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Geriatrics, Neurology, Oncology, Pediatrics, and Women's Health.
- Is prior experience required for the Acute Care Physical Therapist position at UT Southwestern?
- No, prior experience is not strictly required for this Acute Care Physical Therapist position, as new graduates are welcome. However, one year of experience is preferred, and strong clinical judgment and therapeutic principles are essential.
- What qualifications are essential for the Acute Care Physical Therapist role?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited physical therapy program, eligibility for licensure in Texas, and active CPR/BLS certification upon hire. Being eligible for a Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) license in Texas is also required.
- What is the work schedule like for an Acute Care Physical Therapist at UT Southwestern?
- The standard work schedule is full-time, 5 days a week, 8 hours a day (40 hours total). Post-training, the typical start time is 10 AM. There are mandatory weekend shifts (2-3 per month) and holiday work expectations as part of a rotating schedule. Shift differentials are available for evening and night shifts.
- What benefits does UT Southwestern Medical Center offer its employees?
- UT Southwestern offers a competitive benefits package including PPO medical plan (no cost for employee-only coverage), 100% preventive healthcare coverage, Paid Time Off, retirement programs (TRS), paid parental leave, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement. They are also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer.
- How does UT Southwestern handle overtime for Physical Therapists?
- Full-time OT/PT staff at UT Southwestern qualify for overtime pay if they work over 40 hours per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate. There is no double pay for overtime or holiday premiums.
- Can I apply for the Acute Care Physical Therapist job if I am not yet licensed in Texas?