Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the demand for physical rehabilitation therapists is steadily increasing.

As society becomes more health-conscious and the population ages, the need for skilled professionals who can help restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health continues to grow.

But what exactly does a physical rehabilitation therapist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of physical rehabilitation therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable physical rehabilitation therapist job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists work with patients recovering from injury, illness, or surgery to restore physical functionality and manage pain.

They implement a variety of physical techniques and therapies to help patients regain or improve their mobility.

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate the patient’s medical history and physical condition
• Design and implement individualized treatment plans to enhance physical functionality and mobility
• Teach patients exercises designed for their specific needs and conditions
• Monitor patients’ progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed
• Utilize equipment, such as weights, resistance bands, exercise balls, and other tools to aid in patient rehabilitation
• Use manual therapy techniques, such as massage and mobilization, to assist in patient recovery
• Educate patients and their families on how to manage their condition and prevent further injury
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to provide comprehensive patient care
• Document patient progress, treatment plans, and any changes in patient’s physical condition
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in physical rehabilitation therapy techniques and technologies

 

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Physical Rehabilitation Therapist to join our healthcare team.

In this role, your responsibilities will include assessing patient conditions, creating treatment plans, and conducting therapeutic exercises to help improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit physical disabilities.

Our ideal candidate is compassionate, patient, and has a deep understanding of the best practices in physical rehabilitation therapy.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients’ physical abilities through diagnostic tests
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and capabilities
• Conduct therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques to improve mobility and relieve pain
• Provide education and advice to patients and families about how to manage and improve conditions
• Maintain detailed patient records to track progress
• Communicate with a team of healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care
• Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in physical rehabilitation therapy

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist
• Knowledge of best practices and therapeutic techniques in physical rehabilitation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Compassionate and patient-centric approach
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform job responsibilities
• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy; Master’s degree preferred
• Valid state Physical Therapist license

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physical Rehabilitation Therapist
• Work Environment: Hospital, Rehabilitation Center or Clinic. Some travel may be required for home visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Physical Rehabilitation.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $78,000 minimum to $105,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Do?

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists, also known as physiotherapists, work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and in patients’ homes.

Their primary role is to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses that have caused physical impairment or loss of function.

To do this, they assess each patient’s individual needs and abilities, and then create a customized treatment plan.

This could include exercises to improve strength and flexibility, pain relief techniques, and education about how to prevent further injury.

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists use a variety of techniques and equipment in their work, such as massage, hydrotherapy, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.

They regularly monitor the patient’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

In some cases, they may work with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors or occupational therapists, to ensure the patient receives comprehensive care.

The ultimate goal of a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist is to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

This could mean helping a patient to walk again after a stroke, assisting a child with a physical disability to participate in school activities, or helping an athlete recover from a sports injury.

 

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Physical Rehabilitation Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• An extensive knowledge of physiology and anatomy, to understand the patients’ physical condition and develop appropriate therapy plans.
• Strong communication skills to converse with patients, understand their physical condition, and explain treatment protocols.
• Physical strength and endurance to assist patients with their physical rehabilitation exercises.
• Patience and empathy to deal with patients who might be in pain or have physical limitations, providing emotional support when necessary.
• Ability to design and implement individualized treatment plans based on the unique needs and goals of each patient.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate with other healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists to ensure the comprehensive care of the patient.
• Problem-solving skills to assess patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Good record-keeping skills to accurately track each patient’s progress and response to therapy.
• Updated knowledge of the latest developments and trends in physical rehabilitation therapy.

 

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Experience Requirements

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists, often referred to as Physical Therapists, typically need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which usually takes about 3 years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Prior to pursuing their DPT, students often gain experience by volunteering or working as an aide in a physical therapy clinic.

This allows them to gain hands-on experience with patients and a better understanding of the field before they start their formal education.

Upon completion of their DPT, Physical Therapists are required to complete a clinical internship, which provides real-world experience under the supervision of experienced therapists.

This can take anywhere from a few months to a year.

After the internship, those looking to specialize in a particular area of physical therapy may choose to complete a residency program, which could last up to 3 years.

This will provide advanced training and experience in their chosen specialty.

Physical Therapists with more than 5 years of experience may have gained extensive knowledge in a specialty area or have experience managing a clinic or a team of therapists.

Those with more than 10 years of experience are often seen as experts in their field and may hold senior or leadership roles in their workplace.

 

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists, also known as Physical Therapists, typically require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Most DPT programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree with specific pre-requisite coursework such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.

Furthermore, all states require Physical Rehabilitation Therapists to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state but usually include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Some states may have additional requirements such as law exams, criminal background checks, and continuing education.

After gaining some experience, Physical Rehabilitation Therapists can pursue board-certified specializations in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, or sports physical therapy.

These certifications, although not mandatory, can improve career prospects and show a commitment to the profession and ongoing learning.

 

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Salary Expectations

A Physical Rehabilitation Therapist earns an average salary of $84,403 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing healthcare facility.

 

Physical Rehabilitation Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist need?

Physical Rehabilitation Therapists need strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with patients and their families.

They must be empathetic, patient, and encouraging, as rehabilitation can often be a long and challenging process.

They should also have a strong understanding of body mechanics and physical conditioning, as well as a knowledge of various therapeutic techniques and treatments.

 

Do Physical Rehabilitation Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Physical Rehabilitation Therapists typically need a degree in physical therapy or a related field.

Additionally, they must be licensed to practice in their state, which generally involves passing a national examination.

Some therapists may also choose to obtain specialty certifications to further their expertise in a specific area of rehabilitation therapy.

 

What should you look for in a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist’s resume?

In addition to a degree and a valid license, look for experience in a clinical setting.

This might include internships or residency programs.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience working with patients with conditions similar to those typically treated at your facility.

Finally, any specialty certifications or additional training should be noted, as these can indicate a higher level of skill or expertise in a certain area.

 

What qualities make a good Physical Rehabilitation Therapist?

A good Physical Rehabilitation Therapist is compassionate, patient, and has a genuine desire to help others.

They are able to motivate their patients and promote a positive, encouraging environment.

They also have the ability to assess a patient’s progress and adapt treatment plans as necessary.

 

What are the daily duties of a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist?

On a typical day, a Physical Rehabilitation Therapist may assess new patients, create or adjust treatment plans, and work with patients on various exercises or activities.

They might also document a patient’s progress, consult with other healthcare providers, or conduct research to stay current on the latest rehabilitation techniques and treatments.

 

Is it difficult to hire Physical Rehabilitation Therapists?

The demand for Physical Rehabilitation Therapists is high, and the number of qualified candidates may not always meet this demand, making the hiring process potentially challenging.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the often misunderstood role of a physical rehabilitation therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about physical exercise.

It’s about helping individuals reclaim their lives, one step at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive physical rehabilitation therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating laser-precise job listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every step taken is a part of a larger journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.