Physical Therapist - Ortho/Pain

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 Duke Health's four hospitals 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

This role includes time at Duke Pain Medicine Clinic, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to evaluating and treating chronic pain. The position offers a varied caseload, including orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, as well as care for patients with persistent pain. The clinician will deliver evidence-based physical therapy services, provide prevention and wellness programs, and integrate exercise prescription, pain neuroscience education, manual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral-informed approaches to support return to work, sport, and activities of daily living. This role also offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with providers across specialties to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for complex cases. 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

Current Physical Therapist license in North Carolina