Outpatient Physical Therapist-Orthopedic Full-time

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Warrenville, IL

5d • $45 - $61

About The Position

The Outpatient Physical Therapist is a licensed physical therapist responsible for direct patient care, teaching, participation in appropriate committees, and departmental process improvement. The role complies with professional and Illinois state standards of practice, Northwestern Medicine policies and values, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The therapist manages patients from initial contact through discharge, maintains responsibility for plans of care in collaboration with treating physical therapist assistants, and supports functional progress, safety, and treatment outcomes.

The therapist serves as a professional role model for therapists and clinical interns through clinical practice, communication, education, and leadership. The position also contributes to patient and staff education, student clinical and observation programs, professional relationships across healthcare teams, and the ongoing development and improvement of rehabilitation services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in the State of Illinois.
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Northwestern Medicine’s values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
• Provide professional, approachable service; share accurate and timely information, address questions and concerns, assist with directions, and use service recovery skills when problems occur.
• Maintain responsibility for patient plans of care through timely collaboration with treating physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
• Select appropriate evaluations, treatment modalities, equipment, and protocols; conduct reevaluations and adjust treatment plans according to department guidelines.
• Manage patient care from initial contact through discharge, supporting functional progress, safety, and treatment outcomes.
• Complete evaluations, progress notes, daily notes, and discharge summaries in the electronic medical record in accordance with department policies and documentation requirements.
• Provide patient education using materials and methods appropriate to each patient’s understanding and motivation.
• Participate in committees, department processes, special projects, and continuous improvement efforts; help reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve services.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with healthcare team members and participate in internal and external marketing as expected by the department.
• Promote respectful communication, solicit team input, acknowledge contributions, accept constructive feedback, and make timely changes when needed.
• Complete non-patient-care responsibilities, such as coverage notes and schedule-change requests, within established timelines.
• Contribute to department and clinic education, including in-services, journal clubs, new-hire orientation, and process improvement efforts.
• Participate in student clinical or observation programs as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host, as expected by the department.
• Maintain productivity standards and manage work schedules and assignments efficiently.
• Flex schedule or assignment to meet patient-care needs and attend staff or department meetings outside normal work hours when needed.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
• A range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time