Physical Therapist (PT) – Department Lead / Sole Provider

Full-Time Critical Access Hospital Northern California Up to $101/hr

There are Physical Therapy jobs — and then there are opportunities that completely redefine what meaningful healthcare practice can look like.

A highly independent Critical Access Hospital in scenic Northern California is seeking a compassionate, self-directed, and clinically confident Physical Therapist to lead and operate its rehabilitation department. This is an exceptionally rare opportunity for a PT who values autonomy, variety, leadership, and the ability to truly shape patient care within a rural healthcare setting.

This hospital is one of the smallest Critical Access Hospitals in California, creating a uniquely personal and collaborative care environment where every patient matters and every clinician has a visible impact.

If you’re looking to escape high-volume corporate healthcare and practice with greater independence, flexibility, and professional respect, this opportunity offers an unmatched combination of lifestyle and career fulfillment.

About the Role

As the primary Physical Therapist for the organization, you will oversee and deliver rehabilitation services across a broad patient population including:

Outpatient Physical Therapy
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Swing Bed Patients
Skilled Nursing / Long-Term Care support
Functional mobility and post-surgical recovery
Balance, gait, orthopedic, and generalized rehabilitation

This role offers exceptional autonomy and clinical ownership while working alongside a close-knit interdisciplinary healthcare team.

You will have the opportunity to:

Build strong long-term patient relationships
Practice independently with provider collaboration
Influence rehab program development and workflow
Deliver highly individualized patient-centered care
Work across diverse diagnoses and age groups
Enjoy meaningful work-life balance in a stunning rural setting

Key Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive Physical Therapy evaluations
Develop individualized treatment plans and rehabilitation goals
Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions
Treat patients across outpatient, inpatient, swing bed, and skilled nursing settings
Educate patients and families regarding mobility, recovery, and wellness strategies
Maintain accurate EMR documentation and care planning
Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, and interdisciplinary teams
Oversee and help shape rehabilitation department operations and workflow
Support quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Rare Clinical Autonomy

This is a unique opportunity for a Physical Therapist seeking true independence and ownership in their practice environment.

Leadership Without Corporate Bureaucracy

Enjoy the ability to directly influence patient care and departmental operations in a highly respected role within the hospital.

Broad Clinical Variety

Treat a wide range of diagnoses and patient populations while strengthening your skills across multiple care settings.

Exceptional Compensation

Up to $101/hour based on experience
Full benefits package
Potential relocation assistance
Stable full-time hospital employment

Northern California Lifestyle

Live and work surrounded by:

Mountain landscapes
Lakes and open wilderness
Hiking, fishing, skiing, camping, and outdoor recreation
Tight-knit community living
Minimal traffic and slower pace of life

Qualifications

Required

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program
Current California Physical Therapist license or eligibility
Current BLS certification
Strong independent clinical decision-making skills
Excellent communication and patient care abilities

Preferred

Experience in outpatient, inpatient, swing bed, or rural healthcare settings
Comfortable practicing autonomously
Experience developing or managing rehab workflows
Adaptable, collaborative, and patient-centered mindset

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal Physical Therapist is confident, adaptable, compassionate, and energized by the opportunity to practice independently in a highly respected rural healthcare setting. This role is ideal for someone seeking greater professional freedom, meaningful patient relationships, and a healthier lifestyle balance.

Discover a Different Kind of PT Career

If you’re looking for a Physical Therapy opportunity where your voice matters, your expertise is valued, and your impact is visible every single day, we would love to connect with you.

Confidential inquiries are welcome.

Physical Therapist PT, MPT

Job Description