The Physical Therapist will provide specialized physical therapy services to patients with musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, focusing on evaluation, treatment, and prevention in an outpatient clinic setting. They will develop and implement evidence-based plans of care to facilitate return to work, sport, and activities of daily living.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree or certification in physical therapy, with a Master's or Clinical Doctorate preferred. A current Physical Therapist license is required, with a Compact Physical Therapist license accepted temporarily.
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 The therapist will: Provide specialized physical therapy services to patients with musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, focusing on evaluation, treatment, and prevention in an outpatient clinic setting; develop and implement evidence-based plans of care to facilitate return to work, sport, and activities of daily living.
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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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
Minimum Qualifications
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 Must have a current Physical Therapist license. A Compact Physical Therapist license may be accepted, but a NC Physical Therapist license must be obtained within 6 months of the start date, or before the expiration of Compact Privileges, whichever comes first. 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.
