Physical Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Long Beach, CA
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 50.8-75.57 HOUR
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Under the general guidance of the Director of Rehabilitation Services and Therapy Manager; the Physical Therapist administers patient evaluations, plans and implements patient treatment proficiently for all assigned patient diagnoses. This position supervises Physical Therapist Assistants in performance of clinical duties. The Physical Therapist demonstrates exceptional time management skills in performing all assigned tasks. In addition, the Therapist also demonstrates sound judgment in clinical decision making.
This position assists in supervision, training and orienting new staff (Level II and III only). CCS-paneled Physical Therapists will be responsible for participation in case conferences when appropriate, discharge planning activities, and coordination with the multidisciplinary team/Utilization Review Case Manager for referral to a CCS-paneled provider or CCS Medical Therapy Unit for patients who may continue to require Physical Therapy services after hospital discharge.
Job Requirements
- Level I: no prior experience required;
- Level II: minimum one year experience as a Physical Therapist working in a clinical setting with adult population, preferably rehabilitation;
- Level III: minimum five years experience as a Physical Therapist in a hospital setting with adult population, preferably rehabilitation; demonstrated leadership, initiative and ability to assume responsibility; demonstrated proficiency in all PT II skills; demonstrates one or more areas of well-developed clinical expertise that is used regularly in assigned area; demonstrates current continuing education in specialty area.
- License/Registration/Certification: Current California Physical Therapy license or eligible for same; Healthcare Provider CPR.
- Education and Training: Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate Degree from a Physical Therapy institution accredited by the APTA
Founded in 1923, Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center is a 389-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Long Beach, California. Serving over 50,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II Trauma Center, Level III NICU, heart care, and orthopedics.
Additionally, St. Mary Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and was named as a 2024-2025 High Performing Hospital for Heart Attacks by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/stmarymedical for more information.
CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
Long Beach's diverse population and high demand for rehabilitation services encourage Physical Therapists to adopt culturally sensitive and adaptive treatment strategies. The local healthcare environment, including trauma centers like St. Mary Medical Center, shapes therapy plans that effectively address complex patient needs unique to this Southern California area.
Navigating Long Beach traffic peaks requires efficient time management for Physical Therapists commuting to Catholic Health Initiatives. Proximity to major freeways helps but unpredictable congestion demands flexibility, impacting scheduling and patient session planning to maintain high-quality care.
Physical Therapists in Long Beach generally need a current California license; additional credentials like CPR certification and specialty continuing education are highly valued. Employers often seek therapists with experience in adult rehabilitation and leadership skills, reflecting regional standards and hospital accreditation requirements.
Catholic Health Initiatives integrates a faith-based approach emphasizing compassionate care and community health. Physical Therapists here engage deeply in multidisciplinary collaboration, case conferences, and discharge planning, fostering holistic treatment pathways uncommon in more commercially-driven institutions.
Experienced Physical Therapists at Catholic Health Initiatives can advance by supervising assistants, training newcomers, and contributing to clinical decision-making. Leadership roles emphasize initiative and expertise, offering a pathway for those with several years in hospital rehabilitation to shape patient care and team dynamics.
Physical Therapists in Long Beach can evolve from entry-level roles to specialized clinical experts or managerial positions, supported by local demand for rehabilitation services. Continuous education and demonstrated leadership often accelerate growth within hospitals recognized for advanced trauma and orthopedic care.
Physical Therapists in Long Beach typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, reflecting moderate living costs and competitive healthcare markets. This range aligns with state averages but may be slightly lower than salaries in larger metro areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, Physical Therapists oversee assistants with a strong focus on clinical proficiency and patient-centered care, emphasizing mentorship and real-time feedback. This approach nurtures professional growth within a supportive framework aligned with the organization's compassionate mission.
A Physical Therapist here balances patient evaluations, treatment planning, and hands-on therapy, alongside supervising assistants and participating in multidisciplinary case reviews. Time management and clinical judgment are crucial to effectively serving a broad spectrum of adult rehabilitation patients.
The role extends beyond therapy to include discharge planning and collaboration with utilization review managers, ensuring patients receive ongoing care post-hospitalization. This integrated approach embodies Catholic Health Initiatives’ dedication to vulnerable populations and holistic community wellness.