Intern, Physical Therapy

About the Role

This is a year-long internship designed to span the final student clinical experience through licensure and early practice, providing a seamless transition to entry-level practice under mentorship. The internship typically begins in September, with the intern graduating from a credentialed Doctor of Physical Therapy program in January. The intern will take the January National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and continue as a licensed intern from February through August, working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist according to Massachusetts state law.

The first 14 weeks involve progressive hands-on learning in the clinical setting, with progression to entry-level competencies by week 14. Afterward, the intern will perform duties conforming to that of an entry-level physical therapist, evaluating, developing, and implementing specific treatment programs for individual patients to help them achieve maximum functional outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assesses, re-assesses, and treats a variety of diagnoses with professional competency and efficiency to ensure quality patient care across pediatric, adolescent, geriatric, and general populations.
• Evaluates patient pain and develops appropriate treatment plans to assist in attaining maximum functional outcomes.
• Involves patients and families in forming plans of care and tailors teaching plans based on identified learning, cultural, and psychosocial needs.
• Sets realistic short- and long-term goals and plans of care related to patients’ physical therapy needs within musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems.
• Communicates clearly and appropriately with patients, families, physicians, staff, and other customer groups.
• Once licensed, supervises and educates students, physical therapy assistants, and rehab aides according to Massachusetts supervision law.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation in medical records for all patients treated to ensure proper communication and reimbursement.
• Contributes to department operations to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness, adhering to billing guidelines and insurance limitations.
• Prepares the department for JCAHO surveys and participates in quality improvement activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure appropriate patient care.
• Attends intra-departmental rounds, team meetings, case conferences, and staff meetings.
• Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and families to promote safety and independence in discharge planning.
• Independently maintains all continuing education requirements as regulated by the Board of Allied Health Professionals.

Requirements

• In good academic standing with no concerns for graduation or Clinical Experience III (CE III).
• Successful completion of CE I and CE II.
• Active certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior clinical experience in the intern’s preferred setting or subspecialty.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing, walking, and transferring patients.
• Regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for operating a computer keyboard and providing quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques.
• Visual acuity for frequent computer use and patient assessment.
• Frequent communication internally and externally via phone, email, or in person.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication and teamwork, with the ability to work individually or in groups.
• Ability to work independently, self-motivation, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to function effectively in busy situations and adapt to changes quickly.
• Understanding of clinical and operational responsibilities.
• Flexibility in job role and ability to adjust to changes at a moment’s notice.
• Maturity to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of patients with acute and long-term disabilities.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English.
• Knowledge and skills to assess the needs of patients across all age populations.
• Ability to visually and audibly assess injury, functional status, and patient complaints.
• Knowledge of physical modalities, therapeutic exercises, and other treatment skills.
• Ability to evaluate treatment effects and adjust plans of care as needed.
• Strong time management skills to balance productivity and quality patient care.
• Receptive to feedback from team members and supervisors.
• Takes initiative to ask for and receive help from colleagues.
• Demonstrates professional integrity in patient-centered care.

Pay

The base pay range for this role is $66,397.24 - $82,991.27. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity.