Per Diem Physical Therapist, Acute Rehab Center, Bethlehem & Sacred Heart Campuses, Weekend and Weekday needs

CO39 St. Lukes Hospital; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Luke's University Health Network is seeking a Physical Therapist for Acute Rehab Centers at the Bethlehem and Sacred Heart campuses.

The role requires evaluating and treating patients across pediatric to geriatric ages, with weekend scheduling at least one day every four weeks and weekday availability. Responsibilities include detailed evaluations, setting goals, administering therapies, and supervising staff and students as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current Physical Therapist license in PA or NJ, based on work location.
• Doctorate Degree preferred.
• Current CPR certification; required affiliations/CEUs to maintain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Performs and documents initial patient evaluations thoroughly and accurately.
• Establishes realistic short-term and long-term goals for patients.
• Implements and revises progressive treatment programs based on evaluations.
• Administers modalities and programs (hot/cold packs, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, whirlpool, wound care).
• Fits and trains on assistive, prosthetic and orthotic devices; oversees home programs.
• Documents progress notes, discharge summaries, and coordinates with the care team.

Skills

Physical Therapy

Education

Current Physical Therapist license in PA or NJ

Doctorate Degree preferred

Job description

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

This position is for Acute Rehab Centers at Bethlehem and Sacred Heart campuses. Weekend requirement: work at least 1 weekend day every 4 weeks. Also looking for weekday availability.

The Acute Care Physical Therapist evaluates plans and administers physical therapy treatment programs for referred patients, acute care setting, to restore function, give pain relief and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of body part. Patient responsibilities include care provision for the patients below. Pediatric (2 months – 12 years), Adolescent (13-17 years), Adult (18-65 years), Geriatric (66+ years).

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs and documents initial patient evaluations thoroughly and accurately in a timely fashion.
• Establishes realistic, attainable short-term and long-term goals with each patient.
• Performs therapeutic exercises effectively and appropriately.
• Implements, and revises as necessary, effective progressive treatment programs taking evaluative findings into consideration.
• Administers therapeutic modalities and programs appropriately and effectively, including hot/cold pack, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, whirlpool and wound care.
• Fits assistive, prosthetic and orthotic devices and provides appropriate training.
• Performs appropriate discharge planning, instructs patients and family member(s) in home programs.
• Documents accurately, in a timely manner, including initial evaluation, progress notes and discharge summaries.
• Provides on-premises supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants and aides.
• Assists in orienting new staff Physical Therapists.
• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment and knowledge of growth and development appropriate to the age of the patient treated (neonate, pediatric, adolescent or geriatric).
• May supervise PT and PTA students and observers as assigned.
• Accurately bills patient’s accounts for services rendered.
• Accepts responsibility of scheduling patients.
• Attends multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for extended periods and stand and/or ambulate intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, and reach, including occasional overhead reaching, consistent with inpatient patient care activities.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for fine motor tasks, including operation of medical equipment, patient care devices, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to assist with patient positioning, transfers, and mobility using approved safe patient handling and mobility equipment and team‑based techniques in accordance with organizational policy.
• Ability to push and pull equipment and patient support devices, utilizing mechanical assistance when indicated.
• Manual patient lifting is minimized and avoided whenever possible; patient handling is performed using mechanical aids or team assistance, except in unanticipated or emergency situations requiring immediate action.
• Ability to perceive tactile cues necessary for safe patient care.
• Ability to hear and see adequately to communicate, respond to alarms or call bells, and safely navigate the clinical environment.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

Current Physical Therapist license in the State of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, based on work location required. The Physical Therapist shall work within the practice guidelines as defined by Pennsylvania or New Jersey state law (based upon work location). Doctorate Degree preferred.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Current CPR certification. Successful completion of required affiliations and/or CEU’s to maintain licensure.

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 23,000 employees providing services at 16 campuses and 350+ outpatient sites. With annual net revenue in excess of $4 billion, the Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Premier 13 times total and eleven years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY. In 2021, St. Luke’s was identified as one of the 15 Top Health Systems nationally. St. Luke’s is the ONLY health care institution in the Lehigh Valley to be named a Top Workplace regionally repeating the exclusive honor for the third year in a row. Also, for the third straight year, St. Luke’s has been a Top Workplaces in the Philadelphia Region by the Philadelphia Inquirer, ranking 9th in the large employer category for 2025 and the only health care system in PA to receive this award. In 2025, St. Luke’s was recognized as a national Top Workplaces by USA Today, three years in a row, including the 3rd best health care system in the nation in 2023 and 2024. Lastly, in 2025, St. Luke’s was named a Top Workplace in New Jersey for the third year in a row.