Duke Careers·Durham, North Carolina
The Physical Therapist will perform comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations, develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care, and implement orthopedic interventions focusing on rehabilitation and persistent pain management. This role involves educating patients, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and maintaining accurate documentation to support functional goals and long-term wellness.
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community.
No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke University Hospital Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States.
The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community.
We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Physical Therapist to join our outpatient/ambulatory team in a specialized role focused on orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, as well as the comprehensive management of persistent pain.
Join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke Department of Rehabilitation Services Duke Department of Rehabilitation provides comprehensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services across the lifespan, from pediatrics to older adults.
With more than 30 clinic locations and over 350 providers, the department offers broad access to high-quality care throughout Durham, Iredell, Orange, Vance and Wake counties.
Duke delivers advanced specialty services, including, hand therapy, aquatic therapy, women’s and pelvic health, oncology rehabilitation, sports medicine, a multidisciplinary osteoarthritis program, and more —supported by the highest number of board-certified clinical specialists in the country.
Across all specialties, clinicians focus on restoring function, improving independence, and supporting long-term wellness.
As a Physical Therapist in our growing outpatient network, you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful patient relationships and make a direct impact on their recovery.
About Duke University Health System Duke University Health System (DUHS) is consistently ranked among the nation's best healthcare systems.
In addition to multiple acute-care hospitals, Duke operates a large and geographically dispersed outpatient network of primary care and specialty care clinic locations.
The system also provides home-based services through its home care and hospice program.
Duke’s integrated model combines top-tier academic medicine, research, and community-based care under one system.
Occ Summary This role includes time at Duke Pain Medicine Clinic, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to evaluating and treating chronic pain.
The position offers a varied caseload, including orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, as well as care for patients with persistent pain.
The clinician will deliver evidence-based physical therapy services, provide prevention and wellness programs, and integrate exercise prescription, pain neuroscience education, manual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral-informed approaches to support return to work, sport, and activities of daily living.
This role also offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with providers across specialties to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for complex cases.
The physical therapist works within practice guidelines as defined by North Carolina state law.
Work Performed
Perform comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations, synthesize clinical findings, and develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care with measurable functional goals.
Implement and progress orthopedic interventions using sound clinical reasoning, adjusting treatments based on patient response.
Educate patients and families on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment rationale, and home exercise programs to support independence and self-management.
Discharge patients appropriately based on goal achievement or medical necessity, ensuring continuity of care when needed.
Collaborate with physicians, interdisciplinary team members, and clinic leadership to optimize outcomes and support efficient operations.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation and outcome measures, and communicate clearly with patients and referring providers.
Meet outpatient productivity expectations and effectively utilize support personnel to enhance care delivery.
Maintain and advance clinical competency through ongoing professional development. Provide clinical education and mentorship to students and junior staff as appropriate. Contribute to quality improvement and research efforts that advance orthopedic practice. Participate in professional outreach and community engagement as requested, and perform other duties as assigned.
Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment Proficiency in orthopaedic evaluation and evidence-based intervention techniques Ability to safely perform physical job functions including pushing, pulling, lifting, and assisting patients during examination and treatment Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development Strong organizational and time management skills Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation and data collection Proficiency with electronic health records and clinic management systems
Level Characteristics See Clinical Ladder administration document
Education Bachelor's degree or certification in physical therapy, with Master's or Clinical Doctorate in physical therapy preferred. Experience None beyond required education, although more experience may be preferred at times. Degrees, Licensures, Certifications Current Physical Therapist license in North Carolina Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Candidates must possess strong clinical reasoning and proficiency in orthopedic evaluation and evidence-based intervention techniques, along with the ability to safely assist patients during treatment. A Bachelor's degree in physical therapy is required, with a Master's or Clinical Doctorate preferred, and an active Physical Therapist license in North Carolina is mandatory.
Market context
In North Carolina, allied health laboratory roles typically see steady demand in hospitals, reference labs, and health systems that need certified staff for routine and specialized testing. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a bachelor’s degree, MT ASCP certification, and substantial clinical lab experience, with prior Medical Technologist experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your certification and experience match before applying.
