Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Orthopedic Physical Therapist

Location: Dubuque, IA (On-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $81,000–$100,000 (Based on Experience) + Performance Bonus

Experience Required: 3+ Years

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Relocation Assistance: Limited

Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Position Overview

Specialized Recruiting Group has partnered with a respected, privately owned healthcare organization to identify an experienced Orthopedic Physical Therapist for an exciting opportunity to help lead and expand an innovative orthopedic rehabilitation program.

This role is ideal for a motivated clinician who is passionate about orthopedic care, enjoys treating active individuals, and wants to play a key role in developing a growing rehabilitation service line. Unlike traditional high-volume clinics, this practice offers extended one-on-one treatment sessions in a cash-based environment, allowing therapists to focus on patient outcomes rather than insurance limitations.

In addition to providing exceptional patient care, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of regenerative rehabilitation services, establish clinical best practices, and collaborate with a highly supportive multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate, assess, and treat patients with orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions using evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Develop individualized treatment plans focused on restoring function, reducing pain, and improving mobility.
• Deliver one-on-one patient care through manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, and return-to-activity or return-to-sport rehabilitation programs.
• Help develop and lead the orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation service line.
• Establish clinical protocols and best practices for regenerative rehabilitation, including shockwave therapy and other emerging treatment technologies.
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic medical documentation.
• Collaborate with physicians and clinical staff to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Mentor support staff and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
• Participate in community education, networking events, and referral development activities to support practice growth.
• Stay current with advancements in orthopedic rehabilitation and evidence-based clinical practice.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution.
• Current Iowa Physical Therapy license or eligibility to obtain Iowa licensure.
• Minimum three years of orthopedic physical therapy experience.
• Strong experience evaluating and treating orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Experience with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and functional rehabilitation.
• Confidence treating return-to-activity and return-to-sport patients.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient education skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to clinical documentation.

Preferred

• Experience in outpatient orthopedic or sports medicine settings.
• Leadership or program development experience.
• Experience mentoring clinical staff.
• Interest in regenerative rehabilitation and innovative treatment approaches.
• Experience with shockwave therapy or willingness to complete employer-provided training.
• Community outreach or professional networking experience.

What You'll Enjoy

This opportunity offers significantly more autonomy than a traditional outpatient clinic. Therapists are empowered to deliver individualized care with approximately 7–8 patients per day, allowing sufficient time for comprehensive evaluations, treatment planning, patient education, and measurable clinical outcomes.

Additional benefits include:

• Competitive salary of $81,000–$100,000, based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to practice growth and patient retention.
• Cash-based practice with minimal insurance-related administrative burden.
• Opportunity to build and lead a specialized orthopedic rehabilitation program.
• Collaborative, patient-focused clinical environment.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.
• Training in regenerative rehabilitation techniques, including shockwave therapy.
• Flexible full-time schedule (4–5 days per week).
• Healthy work-life balance.
• Limited relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is passionate about orthopedic rehabilitation and enjoys helping active individuals return to the activities they love. You are motivated by delivering exceptional patient outcomes, embracing new treatment technologies, and contributing to the growth of a progressive rehabilitation program.

You are comfortable working independently, collaborating with fellow clinicians, mentoring support staff, and building strong relationships with patients, physicians, and the local community.

Schedule

• Full-time preferred (4–5 days per week).
• Flexible scheduling available for the right candidate.
• Occasional evening or weekend participation in community outreach and educational events.

Required Screening Criteria

To be considered for this position, candidates must have:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
• Current Iowa Physical Therapy license or eligibility for licensure.
• Minimum three years of orthopedic physical therapy experience.
• Experience treating orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Strong background in return-to-activity or return-to-sport rehabilitation.
• Interest in regenerative rehabilitation techniques (training provided).

If you are an experienced Orthopedic Physical Therapist looking to advance your career in a collaborative, patient-centered environment where innovation, autonomy, and clinical excellence are valued, we encourage you to apply.