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DPT / Physical Therapist

San Diego, CA
$97,837 - $122,863 a year

Start date:

21 Sep 2026

Job Type:

Full Time

Job Details

Overview

 

Imagine waking up each morning knowing that the work you do today will help someone reclaim a piece of their life they thought was gone. That the patient you treat this afternoon might take their first unassisted steps in weeks. That your clinical instincts and compassionate presence could be the turning point in someone's recovery story. That's not a fantasy — that's a Tuesday for a Physical Therapist who chooses to plant roots in one of the most extraordinary cities on the West Coast.

 

We're actively seeking a driven and deeply caring Physical Therapist (DPT) to join our growing rehabilitation team in San Diego, California — a city where world-class medicine, unmatched weather, and a culture built on vitality converge into something truly special. If you're ready to do the most fulfilling work of your career while calling one of America's most beloved cities home, keep reading.

 

Description

  • Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations across inpatient or outpatient settings and develop personalized, goal-oriented treatment plans
  • Deliver targeted physical therapy interventions designed to restore mobility, strength, coordination, and functional independence
  • Work side by side with physicians, nursing staff, case managers, and fellow rehab specialists to deliver seamless, patient-centered care
  • Provide meaningful education to patients and their families around therapeutic goals, home exercise programs, and safe discharge planning
  • Maintain thorough, timely documentation of all evaluations, treatment sessions, and patient progress in alignment with facility and regulatory standards
  • Engage actively in interdisciplinary rounds and care conferences to ensure continuity and quality of care across the continuum

 

Education

  • Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) or an equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution

 

Certifications

  • Active Physical Therapist licensure in the state of California
  • CPR certification preferred
  • Specialty certifications in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, or geriatrics are welcomed but not required

 

Skills

  • Prior clinical experience is strongly preferred, though motivated newer graduates are encouraged to apply
  • Demonstrated ability to manage patients with complex medical presentations and multifaceted mobility challenges
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a natural ability to connect with patients and care teams alike
  • Proficiency with electronic health records and digital clinical documentation platforms

 

Benefits

  • Highly competitive compensation reflective of the San Diego market
  • Full benefits package covering medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Continuing education support and professional licensure reimbursement
  • Generous paid time off with flexible scheduling options
  • A collaborative, growth-oriented team culture with clear pathways for clinical advancement

 

What You'll Be Doing

 

No two days will look exactly the same, and that's part of what makes this role so rewarding. One morning you might be guiding a post-surgical patient through their first weight-bearing steps. By afternoon, you're developing a nuanced rehabilitation strategy for someone navigating the long road back from a neurological event. Every case is its own story, and you'll be an essential character in each one.

 

This is immersive, relationship-driven clinical work. You'll assess, adapt, and advocate — adjusting treatment approaches as your patients evolve and celebrating milestones alongside them. Your role extends beyond the treatment table, too. You'll contribute meaningfully to care team discussions, help coordinate safe discharges, and ensure that every patient leaves better equipped than when they arrived.

 

The work is demanding, yes. But the reward? Unparalleled. Because every session has the potential to change a life.

 

Who We're Looking For

 

You understand intuitively that movement is far more than mechanical — it's how people reclaim their confidence, their routines, and their sense of self. You approach each patient not as a diagnosis, but as a full human being deserving of your best effort, your full attention, and your genuine care.

 

We're looking for a Physical Therapist who combines sound clinical judgment with emotional intelligence and a collaborative spirit. You're comfortable in fast-moving, team-based environments and you bring a steady, reassuring presence to even the most complex cases. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or a passionate early-career professional, if evidence-based practice and human-centered care define your approach, you'll thrive here.

 

Build a Career and a Life Worth Living in San Diego

 

Let's talk about where you'd be doing this work, because place matters. San Diego is not just a backdrop — it's an active participant in the quality of your life. Picture yourself unwinding after a fulfilling shift with a walk along Coronado Beach, hiking the trails of Torrey Pines, or grabbing dinner in the eclectic neighborhoods of North Park or Little Italy. The sun is generous here, the pace is vibrant but never frantic, and the sense of community runs deep.

 

San Diego's healthcare landscape is equally impressive — a dynamic, innovative ecosystem of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and academic medical institutions that consistently attract top clinical talent from across the country. You won't just work here; you'll grow here, professionally and personally, in ways you may not have thought possible.

 

This is your invitation to do extraordinary clinical work in an extraordinary city. Come move people forward — and let San Diego move you.

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