Description:
Job Description: PRN Physical Therapist (PT)
Department: Rehabilitation Services Reports To: Director of Rehabilitation FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (PRN/As Needed) Location: Critical Access Hospital (CAH) – Texas
Position Summary
The PRN Physical Therapist (PT) evaluates, plans, and implements individualized physical therapy programs for patients across the continuum of care in a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) setting, including acute care, swing bed, outpatient, and long-term care. The PT promotes optimal functional independence, mobility, and quality of life while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and regulatory standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, assessments, and re-assessments.
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Develop individualized treatment plans based on physician orders and patient needs.
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Implement therapeutic interventions, including:
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Therapeutic exercise
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Gait and balance training
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Manual therapy techniques
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Neuromuscular re-education
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Functional mobility training
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Monitor, document, and modify treatment plans based on patient response and progress.
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Provide patient and family education regarding treatment, home exercise programs, and safety.
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Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members (physicians, nursing, case management, etc.) to ensure coordinated care.
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Complete accurate and timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in compliance with CMS, Medicare, and Texas regulations.
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Participate in discharge planning, including recommendations for equipment and post-acute services.
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Ensure adherence to infection control, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives.
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Maintain productivity standards while ensuring high-quality care delivery.
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Supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and support staff as applicable.
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Participate in departmental meetings, quality initiatives, and regulatory readiness activities when requested.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strong clinical evaluation and treatment planning skills.
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Knowledge of CMS Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for CAHs and therapy services.
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Familiarity with Medicare Part A/B therapy guidelines and documentation requirements.
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Ability to work independently in a rural healthcare setting with limited resources.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to fluctuating patient volumes (PRN environment).
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Competency with EHR systems.
Work Environment
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Functions in a rural Critical Access Hospital environment including:
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Acute inpatient units
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Swing bed program
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Outpatient rehabilitation
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Long-term care/skilled nursing units
Physical Demands
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Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting.
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Ability to lift and/or assist patients (up to 50–100 lbs with assistance).
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Manual dexterity and physical stamina required to perform therapeutic interventions.
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Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Schedule Expectations (PRN)
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Works on an as-needed basis to cover:
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Patient volume fluctuations
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Staff absences (PTO, illness, vacancies)
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Must maintain flexibility in scheduling, including potential weekend or holiday coverage.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
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Adheres to:
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CMS Conditions of Participation (CAH)
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Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act
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Hospital policies and procedures
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HIPAA and patient privacy regulations
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Participates in ongoing competency validation and continuing education.
Supervisory Responsibilities
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May supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), rehab technicians, and students in accordance with Texas law and facility policy.
Performance Standards
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Timely documentation completion (same-day or per policy).
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Achievement of quality, patient satisfaction, and productivity benchmarks.
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Compliance with all regulatory and safety standards.
Requirements:
Qualifications
Education
Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program (DPT or equivalent).
Licensure/Certification
Current, active Texas Physical Therapist License (required).
Current CPR/BLS certification (required).
Must meet all credentialing requirements for a Critical Access Hospital.
Experience
Preferred:
1–2 years of clinical experience (acute care, outpatient, or SNF/LTC setting).
New graduates may be considered based on staffing needs.
