Orthopedic Physical Therapist - Lead Rehabilitation Program

Location: Iowa
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Salary: $82,000–$100,000 + performance-based bonuses
Experience: 3+ years preferred
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
License: Current Iowa PT license or eligibility to obtain one

About the Opportunity

A privately owned, patient-focused healthcare practice is seeking an experienced Orthopedic Physical Therapist to join its growing team and take a leadership role in developing an innovative orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation program.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Physical Therapist who wants more than a traditional clinical position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help build and lead a specialized service line, develop clinical protocols, mentor support staff, and provide high-quality, individualized care to active adults.

The practice operates in a cash-based model, allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients and focus on outcomes rather than insurance-driven limitations.

What You'll Do

• Evaluate and treat patients with a variety of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Provide individualized, evidence-based treatment using manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Develop return-to-activity and return-to-sport programs for active patients.
• Help build and lead the practice's orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation service line.
• Contribute to clinical protocols and best practices for emerging treatment technologies, including shockwave therapy.
• Mentor support staff and collaborate with the clinical team.
• Build relationships with physicians, athletes, community organizations, and other referral partners.
• Participate in community education, networking, and outreach events.
• Maintain accurate electronic patient documentation with minimal administrative burden.
• Contribute ideas and expertise to the continued growth and development of the practice.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Leadership opportunity — help build a specialized rehabilitation program from the ground up.
• One-on-one patient care with approximately 7–8 patients per day.
• Cash-based practice with less dependence on insurance requirements.
• Competitive salary of $82,000–$100,000, depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to practice growth and patient retention.
• Opportunity to work with active adults and orthopedic patients.
• Training provided for regenerative rehabilitation techniques, including shockwave therapy.
• Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
• Flexible full-time schedule, generally 4–5 days per week.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the growth and direction of the program.

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
• Has a current Iowa Physical Therapy license or is eligible to obtain one.
• Has approximately 3+ years of Physical Therapy experience, preferably with a strong orthopedic focus.
• Has experience with pelvic health physical therapy.
• Has experience with return-to-sport or return-to-activity rehabilitation.
• Enjoys working with active adults.
• Is interested in emerging rehabilitation and regenerative treatment techniques.
• Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is comfortable taking ownership and helping develop a growing program.
• Has an interest in leadership, mentorship, and community relationship building.

Experience With These Areas Is a Plus

• Sports rehabilitation
• Orthopedic physical therapy
• Return-to-sport programming
• Cash-based/private-pay physical therapy
• Regenerative rehabilitation
• Shockwave therapy
• Sports medicine
• Clinical leadership or mentoring
• Community outreach and referral development

No prior shockwave experience is required — training will be provided.

Schedule

Full-time preferred, generally 4–5 days per week, with some flexibility for the right candidate. Occasional evening or weekend community events may be required.

Compensation

$82,000–$100,000 base salary, depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus opportunities.

Visa sponsorship is not available.