Physical Therapist Intern | Home Health
About The Position
The Physical Therapy Intern works alongside licensed physical therapists to help patients maintain mobility, safety, and independence while receiving care in their homes. The internship focuses heavily on geriatric and home-based rehabilitation, giving interns hands-on experience with patients who may have chronic conditions, mobility limitations, or recovery needs after illness or injury. Interns often assist with patient evaluations, therapeutic exercises, balance and gait training, and fall prevention activities. They may also help educate patients and caregivers on safe movement, use of assistive devices, and home safety practices. In addition, interns learn how treatment plans are developed and adjusted based on patient progress. The role also provides exposure to interdisciplinary healthcare, where physical therapists collaborate with nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and physicians to coordinate patient care. Interns gain experience with documentation, patient communication, and the day-to-day responsibilities of home health physical therapy, including traveling to patient homes and adapting treatment to real-life home environments.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
- Completion of foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
- Ability to follow clinical instructions and work under supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with adults of varying ages and disabilities and interdisciplinary teams.
- Basic knowledge of therapeutic exercise techniques and safety practices.
- CPR/BLS certification (or ability to obtain before starting).
- Compliance with health screenings, background checks, and immunization requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Prior clinical or volunteer experience in a rehabilitation, geriatric, or healthcare setting.
- Interest in working with adult populations, especially in community-based care models.
- Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to adapt treatment approaches for individuals with complex medical conditions.
- Demonstrated teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Responsibilities
- Assist with patient evaluations.
- Perform therapeutic exercises.
- Conduct balance and gait training.
- Implement fall prevention activities.
- Educate patients and caregivers on safe movement, use of assistive devices, and home safety practices.
- Learn how treatment plans are developed and adjusted based on patient progress.
- Collaborate with nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Gain experience with documentation and patient communication.
- Perform day-to-day responsibilities of home health physical therapy.
- Travel to patient homes and adapt treatment to real-life home environments.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
