Physical Therapist (PT) – Orthopedics/Acute Care

Hartford Healthcare•New Britain, CT

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Hospital of Central Connecticut is seeking a Physical Therapist to support its growing orthopedic and spine rehabilitation program in partnership with the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute and Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute. The role provides specialized rehabilitation services to a broad orthopedic population, including patients undergoing hip and knee joint replacement, shoulder procedures, and spine surgery, with a continued focus on complex spine patients. The Physical Therapist provides comprehensive services in an acute care setting, primarily focused on orthopedic and spine rehabilitation, and cross-covers other acute care patient populations based on departmental needs. The role applies evidence-based clinical practices to promote early mobility, functional recovery, patient safety, and timely discharge readiness. The Physical Therapist collaborates with physicians, nursing, occupational therapy, and other interdisciplinary team members to support patient progression throughout the hospital stay. As the orthopedic and spine program grows, the Physical Therapist contributes to coordinated rehabilitation services, including postoperative day zero mobility, patient and caregiver education, functional mobility, and activities of daily living. The role follows established clinical standards, departmental policies, and regulatory requirements and contributes to continuous improvement in patient care and rehabilitation outcomes. The position reports to the Regional Orthopedic Rehabilitation Supervisor and works collaboratively with rehabilitation leadership and the interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Current Connecticut Physical Therapy license or active temporary license at time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Acute care or inpatient orthopedic experience is highly preferred.
Open to new graduates with acute care clinical experience.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients and develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings, functional status, medical condition, and patient and caregiver goals.
Provide physical therapy interventions to improve mobility, strength, balance, functional independence, and recovery following orthopedic and spine procedures.
Collaborate with physicians, nursing, occupational therapy, and other interdisciplinary team members to support postoperative day zero mobility, patient progression, education, and timely discharge planning.
Promote patient safety and adherence to postoperative rehabilitation protocols and clinical best practices.
Support standardized clinical pathways and interdisciplinary practices for consistent, high-quality orthopedic and spine care.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, data collection, and activities supporting regulatory compliance and accreditation, including Joint Commission Joint Certification.
Provide clinical education and guidance to physical therapy students and colleagues as appropriate.
Cross-cover other acute care patient populations based on departmental needs.