Physical Therapist I

Physical Therapist I

• 558528
• Columbia University Medical Center
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Full Time
• Opening on: Jul 18 2026
• Grade 105

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• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (9AM-5PM)
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $119,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University''s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist I is part of collaborative Sports Medicine & Sports Therapy teams providing functional and exercise oriented treatments in prestigious Orthopedic and Sports Medicine facilities.

Responsibilities

• Conducts initial assessment and evaluation of Physical Therapy needs for specifically assigned patient populations: Reviews medical chart to ascertain important medical information and clarifies referral/Treatment orders if necessary for unfamiliar diagnosis; Selects appropriate assessment tools and methods in order to accurately determine the patient's status for developing optimal treatment plan; Demonstrates effective clinical decision making and implements changes/adaptations to the Treatment Plan when appropriate.
• Implements treatment plans and protocol according to current professional and health system standards: Establishes achievable and appropriate treatment goals with patient and family; Considers a variety of validated treatment approaches and rationales for achievement of patient goals; Selects appropriate technical aids/assistive devices and correctly refers patients to other clinical services to achieve stated program/team treatment goals; Assesses educational needs of patient, families, and implements a variety of methods for patient/family education and training during rehabilitation process.
• Completes all required documentation for patient care and reimbursement. Completes and plans all required documentation in medical chart as required by Department guidelines. Ensures that clinical documentation is thorough and completes using appropriate medical and clinical terminology. Accurately records all treatment given including completion of the daily treatment record.
• Monitors patient visits and updated prescriptions for authorization compliance.
• Produces evaluation, follow-up and discharge letters to the referring physician in a timely manner.
• Completes assigned continuing education courses and presents in-service. Demonstrates continued proficiency in skills required to treat assigned patient population.
• Interfaces between providers, nurses and other support personnel who take part in caring for physical therapy patients.
• Addresses patient concerns and issues; assess, prioritize and subsequently resolve each matter. Report any patient related issues to provider.
• Communicates as necessary and appropriate with primary care or local physician any care plan being initiated for patients. \
• Assists patients in meeting health needs by identifying potential or existing problems, exploring available alternatives and providing support to the patient and family members to make an informed decision regarding health care.
• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
• Maintains and attends BLS, CPR, OSHA, and CLIA training programs and certifications as needed.
• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
• Attends external and internal conferences; Grand Rounds, Indications, etc.
• Attends all regular clinical team and departmental meetings
• Works as part of the orthopedic physical therapy team and offers cross-coverage to other therapists or sites as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned within scope of practice, experience, and education.

People

• Promotes staff professionalism and performance with coaching, training and feedback. Mentors others in individual and team accountability, modeling behavior and demonstrating best practices/techniques. Demonstrates self-development and keeps current on a variety of related clinical and health care topics.
• Each therapist is responsible for their patients and the aides who are working with their patients.

Additional duties

• Complies with all organizational, regulatory compliance and patient privacy trainings policies (e.g. infection control, public safety, EH&S, HIPAA, OSHA, etc.) and successfully completes required trainings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
• Current and unrestricted New York State license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 0- 4 years of related experience.
• Physician practice experience.
• Experience in EMR systems (EPIC).

Other Requirements

• Must have excellent clinical skills in a high-volume, high-pressure environment.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong customer service orientation and the ability to deliver consistent exceptional service while demonstrating tact, respect and sensitivity.
• Candidate must be organized and be able to manage a demanding workload and moderately complex cases in an accurate and timely.
• Demonstrated advanced skills in problem assessment, and resolution and collaborative problem solving in complex, and interdisciplinary settings including advanced proficiency in clinical competencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. This position requires the ability to interact positively, constructively and effectively with professional staff, providers and organizational stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and mentor team through new and changing situations. Demonstrate a professional and compassionate manner while conveying a positive image of the practice.
• Ability to work independently and follow-through and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a culturally diverse staff and patient/family population demonstrating tact and sensitivity in stressful situations.
• Strong proficiency of Microsoft Office (Word & Excel) or similar software is required and an ability and willingness to learn new systems and programs.
• Must be a motivated individual with a positive mindset and exceptional work ethic.
• Must successfully complete systems training requirements.
• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue. Incumbent is expected to perform/assist in emergency care and/or first aid as needed.
• This role may see patients at multiple locations. Must be available to travel to other sites as needed and/or directed.
• Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
• Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.