Job Summary
The ETSU Physical Therapy clinic is seeking an experienced physical therapist for a unique opportunity within ETSU Health Physical Therapy Clinics. This position primarily focuses on orthopedic and sports physical therapy within a Sports Medicine and Orthopedic setting. Responsibilities include patient management in various outpatient clinics, athletic training rooms, primary care settings, athletic venues, and event coverage, as needed. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with the physical therapy post-professional training programs, including various residencies and fellowships offered at ETSU.
This position reports to the Buc Sports Clinic Manager and the Director of Physical Therapy Clinical Services. It is based within the ETSU Buc-Sports Medicine clinic and may involve work at other clinic locations as needed. This is an exciting opportunity to work in an innovative, interdisciplinary rehabilitative service. The primary focus of this role is clinical practice, with potential opportunities for clinical teaching through DPT student placements and mentorship within ETSU’s post-professional Residency and Fellowship programs.
The physical therapy clinic is located within the College of Health Sciences, which includes over 20 academic programs including speech and language pathology, audiology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social work, and allied health sciences. The College is part of the University’s Academic Health Sciences division, which also houses the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, the College of Public Health, and the College of Nursing. The candidate will join a dynamic and growing department focused on Interprofessional education and clinical training.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Communication skills. Physical therapists must clearly explain treatment programs, motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns in order to provide effective therapy.
- Compassion. Physical therapists spend a lot of time interacting with patients, so they should have a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for their patients.
- Detail-oriented. Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care.
- Dexterity. Physical therapists must use their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. They should feel comfortable massaging and otherwise physically assisting patients.
- Physical stamina. Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving to demonstrate proper techniques and to help patients perform exercises. They should enjoy physical activity.
- Resourcefulness. Physical therapists customize treatment plans for patients. They must be flexible and adapt plans of care to meet the needs of each patient.
- Time-management skills. Physical therapists typically treat several patients each day. They must be able to provide appropriate care to patients as well as complete administrative tasks, such as documenting patient progress.
Required Qualifications
- Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
- Eligible for a professional license as a physical therapist in the state of Tennessee
- Board Certified in Sports or Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Experience with managing various orthopedic and sports patients
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate of either an ABPTRFE accredited orthopedic or Sports Physical Therapy Residency program or an ABPTRFE/ACOMPTE accredited orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
- Previous experience with mentorship or teaching in a post-professional program
- Advanced training in manual therapy through a certification or fellowship training
- Experience with operating in a primary care physical therapy setting
Compensation & Benefits
Application Instructions
- Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
- Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
- Documents needed to apply: Cover Letter and Resume, 3 references
ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer
University Overview
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students and highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.
Disclaimer Statement:
- Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
