Physical Therapist I

Job Description Summary
Evaluates, administers, and directs administration of therapeutic procedures to patients recovering from injury, disease, surgery, or other ailments, as prescribed by a referring practitioner, establishes goals of physical therapy, and re‑assesses patient’s progress at regular, timely intervals, and supporting findings with appropriate documentation. This job classification is required to care for patients of all ages. May direct support staff in assisting with treatment.

Job Description
Consult with patients to learn about their physical condition and symptoms and review their medical history and referrals from doctors or surgeons. Diagnose movement dysfunction by listening to patients and observing them as they move about. Develop an individualized treatment plan. Coach patients and teach them therapeutic exercises and stretches to improve their condition. Use hands‑on therapy such as massage to ease patients’ pain and provide stimulation to promote healing. Maintain patient records by keeping track of goals and progress while adapting treatment plans accordingly. Advise patients and their families on in‑home treatment options and what to expect from the recovery process.

Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy program, less than one year experience as a physical therapist, and licensure as a Physical Therapist by the South Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.

Physical Requirements

Mobility & Posture

Standing: Continuous

Sitting: Continuous

Walking: Continuous

Climbing stairs: Infrequent

Working indoors: Continuous

Working outdoors (temperature extremes): Infrequent

Working from elevated areas: Frequent

Working in confined/cramped spaces: Frequent

Kneeling: Infrequent

Bending at the waist: Continuous

Twisting at the waist: Frequent

Squatting: Frequent

Manual Dexterity & Strength

Pinching operations: Frequent

Gross motor use (fingers/hands): Continuous

Firm grasping (fingers/hands): Continuous

Fine manipulation (fingers/hands): Continuous

Reaching overhead: Frequent

Reaching in all directions: Continuous

Repetitive motion (hands/wrists/elbows/shoulders): Continuous

Full use of both legs: Continuous

Balance & coordination (lower extremities): Frequent

Lifting & Force Requirements

Lift/carry 50 lbs. unassisted: Infrequent

Lift/lower 50 lbs. from floor to 36”: Infrequent

Lift up to 25 lbs. overhead: Infrequent

Exert up to 50 lbs. of force: Frequent

Examples:

Transfer 100 lb. non‑ambulatory patient = 50 lbs. force

Push 400 lb. patient in wheelchair on carpet = 20 lbs. force

Push patient stretcher one‑handed = 25 lbs. force

Vision & Sensory

Maintain corrected vision 20/40 (one or both eyes): Continuous

Recognize objects (near/far): Continuous

Color discrimination: Continuous

Depthperception: Continuous

Peripheral vision: Continuous

Hearing acuity (with correction): Continuous

Tactile sensory function: Continuous

Gross motor with fine motor coordination: Continuous

Olfactory (smell) function: Continuous

Respirator use qualification: Continuous

Work Environment & Conditions

Effective stress management: Continuous

Rotating shifts: Frequent

Overtime as required: Frequent

Latex‑safe environment: Continuous

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees.

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