Physical Therapist (PT) – Orthopedics/Acute Care

Hartford HealthCare; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hospital of Central Connecticut, part of Hartford HealthCare, is seeking a Physical Therapist to support orthopedic and spine rehabilitation within an acute care setting. You will work with the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute and the Ayer Neuroscience Institute to deliver specialized rehabilitation to a broad patient population, including joint replacements and spine procedures.

As a team member, you will promote early mobility, safety, and timely discharge, collaborating with physicians,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current CT Physical Therapy license or active temporary license at time of hire.
• Acute care or inpatient orthopedic experience preferred.
• New graduates with acute care experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients and develops individualized PT plans based on findings and goals.
• Provides PT interventions to improve mobility, strength, balance, and functional recovery after orthopedic/spine procedures.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing, and therapy teams to support POD0 mobility and discharge planning.
• Promotes patient safety and adherence to postoperative rehab protocols.
• Supports standardized clinical pathways and participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Provides clinical education to PT students and colleagues as appropriate.

Skills

Acute care experience

Inpatient orthopedic experience

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy

Job description

Location Detail:

100 Grand Street New Britain (10126)

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Hospital of Central Connecticut

The Hospital of Central Connecticut is seeking a Physical Therapist to support its growing orthopedic and spine rehabilitation program in partnership with the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute (COI) and Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute. This is an exciting opportunity to provide specialized rehabilitation services to a broad orthopedic population, including patients undergoing hip and knee joint replacement, shoulder procedures, and spine surgery, with a continued focus on enhancing care for complex spine patients.

Position Description

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive physical therapy services within the acute care setting, with a primary clinical focus on orthopedic and spine rehabilitation. As a member of the broader acute care rehabilitation team, the Physical Therapist will also provide cross-coverage for other acute care patient populations based on departmental needs.

The Physical Therapist applies evidence-based clinical practices to promote early mobility, functional recovery, patient safety, and timely discharge readiness. The role includes collaborating with physicians, nursing, occupational therapy, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to support patient progression throughout the hospital stay.

As the orthopedic and spine program continues to grow, the Physical Therapist will contribute to the delivery of high-quality, coordinated rehabilitation services for this specialized patient population. This includes supporting postoperative day zero (POD0) mobility, patient and caregiver education, functional mobility, and activities of daily living in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

The Physical Therapist will practice in accordance with established clinical standards, departmental policies, and regulatory requirements while contributing to continuous improvement in patient care and rehabilitation outcomes.

The Physical Therapist will report to the Regional Orthopedic Rehabilitation Supervisor and work collaboratively with rehabilitation leadership and the interdisciplinary team to support high-quality care and the continued growth of the orthopedic and spine program.

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients and develops individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings, functional status, medical condition, and patient and caregiver goals.
• Provides physical therapy interventions to improve mobility, strength, balance, functional independence, and overall recovery following orthopedic and spine procedures.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing, occupational therapy, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to support POD0 mobility, patient progression, education, and timely discharge planning.
• Promotes patient safety and adherence to established postoperative rehabilitation protocols and clinical best practices.
• Supports the implementation of standardized clinical pathways and interdisciplinary practices that promote consistent, high-quality orthopedic and spine care.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives, data collection, and activities supporting regulatory compliance and accreditation, including Joint Commission Joint Certification.
• Provides clinical education and guidance to physical therapy students and colleagues as appropriate to support best practices and high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Current State of CT Physical Therapy license required or active temporary license at time of hire
• Acute Care or inpatient orthopedic experience highly preferred
• Open to new graduates with acute care clinical experience

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With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge - helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.