Vanderbilt University Medical Center·Nashville, Tennessee
Provide evidence-based physical therapy evaluations and treatments to patients in acute care settings, including ICUs and emergency departments. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans and educate patients and families on rehabilitation goals.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
Organization: Acute Rehab PT/OT 3
JOB SUMMARY Provides physical therapy services to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes under occasional guidance. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.
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Physical Therapist (Acute Care) PRN Weekdays Location: Vanderbilt Health – Nashville, TN
Elevate your career at Vanderbilt Health. Are you a passionate Physical Therapist ready to make a difference in an inpatient acute care setting? Join Vanderbilt Health and become part of a nationally recognized team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and excellence in patient care.
As Middle Tennessee’s largest Level 1 Trauma Center and the hospital that set a world record for heart transplants in 2024, Vanderbilt offers unmatched opportunities for growth and learning. Whether you’re an experienced clinician or a new graduate, every day brings unique challenges and rewarding experiences.
What you’ll do includes delivering evidence-based physical therapy evaluations and treatments across diverse inpatient units, including ICUs and the emergency department, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans, educating patients and families on mobility, safety, and rehabilitation goals, documenting patient progress and outcomes in compliance with hospital standards, participating in mentorship, quality improvement initiatives, and departmental projects, and supporting and mentoring students or new staff in a collaborative learning environment.
Why Vanderbilt Health? Join a collaborative culture where you can contribute to committees and initiatives that shape care and innovation. Work for a nationally recognized health system known for excellence and patient-centered care. Gain exposure to complex cases and cutting-edge practices that support your professional growth.
What we’re looking for includes a licensed Physical Therapist or eligibility for Tennessee licensure, with experience in acute care and interdisciplinary collaboration preferred.
Apply today to take the next step in your physical therapy career with Vanderbilt Health, where your skills are valued, your growth is supported, and your work
truly matters.
Key responsibilities
Analyzes comprehensive information from formal and informal assessment that is pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine a rehabilitation treatment diagnosis.
Collaborates with stakeholders in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the rehabilitation continuum.
Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes and re-evaluates performance to assess patient's progress towards goals.
Employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.
The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health’s reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance.
Problem
Solving/
Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment.
Breadth of
Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area.
Team
Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.
Experience Level: Less than 1 year
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.
Requires a Bachelor's degree and a valid Tennessee Physical Therapy license or eligibility for licensure. Experience in acute care and interdisciplinary collaboration is preferred.
Market context
In Tennessee, allied health employers often look for occupational therapists who are already licensed and have home health experience, especially when serving Medicare patients. These roles can be competitive because candidates who meet licensure requirements and bring relevant field experience may align more closely with patient care needs and scheduling demands. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to confirm fit quickly, then prepare to highlight your school credentials, state license, and any Medicare home health work in your application.
