Position Overview
The Physical Therapist (PT) evaluates, treats, and educates patients with dysfunctions in musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological systems. This role integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills, and patient interaction to provide high-quality care and improve patient outcomes. The PT is an essential part of the Rehabilitation Team, supporting departmental improvement initiatives while demonstrating UNCHA Mission, Vision, and Values.
The PT follows UNCHA policies, regulatory standards, and ethical guidelines, ensuring excellent patient experience, safety, and clinical outcomes. This role requires strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills to collaborate effectively with patients, families, healthcare providers, and leadership.
Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $32.50 per hour.
The Perks and Benefits
- Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals passionate about delivering high-quality care.
- Professional development: We offer ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and participation in our Career Pathways Program.
- Impactful work: Ensure patient safety and contribute to positive health outcomes.
- Location perks: Boone, NC, offers outdoor activities, shopping, dining, breweries, and cultural attractions.
- Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated public school system and is home to Appalachian State University.
- Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience - range is $32.50 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is non-exempt and includes shift differentials for qualified shifts.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA.
- Supplemental insurance covering short- and long-term disability, accident, life, hospital indemnity, critical illness, identity theft protection, and legal assistance.
- Student loan refinancing and tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off (PTO): Front-loaded for the first year, with a cash-out option available for qualifying employees.
- Paid parental leave: Two weeks of paid leave within the first six months of birth/adoption.
- Employee wellness program - Love Your Life: Award-winning voluntary wellness program with incentives.
- Employee to Employee (E2E) program: A voluntary, employee-funded assistance program.
- Additional employee perks: Discounts for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more.
- Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower [here].
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate, diagnose, and develop individualized treatment plans for patients with musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological disorders.
- Provide therapeutic interventions to improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
- Educate patients, families, and caregivers on rehabilitation techniques and home exercises.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies, patient safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
- Document patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
Position Requirements
Minimum Education
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from an APTA-accredited program required.
Experience
- Satisfactory completion of student affiliations before graduation required.
- One year of experience preferred.
Required Registration/License/Certification
- Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physical Therapist in North Carolina.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong clinical decision-making and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Competency in safe and effective patient care delivery within scope of licensure.
- Strong customer service skills to ensure a positive patient experience.
Physical Demands
- Continuous standing and walking for ≥ 8 hours per shift.
- Frequent patient mobilization > 4 hours per day.
- Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling ≥ 50 lbs.
- Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.
- Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity.
- Exposure to vibration and cramped spaces > 1 hour per day.
Working Conditions
- Regular exposure to bloodborne diseases.
- Exposure to electrical, mechanical, and power equipment hazards.
- Unpleasant elements such as accidents, injuries, and uneven surfaces.
- Handles emergency or crisis situations.
- Irregular hours required, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader in High Country healthcare, consists of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to improving health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for our community.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a
state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system, operating
14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided
$400+ million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents.
UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.
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