How competitive is the physical therapy job market in Lakewood, CO for new graduates??

Lakewood, CO sees steady demand for physical therapists, especially in outpatient settings. New graduates often find positions due to local healthcare expansion, but competition exists. Networking with Select Medical and leveraging their mentorship programs can significantly boost your chances in this market.

Are there specific certifications or skills preferred for physical therapists in Colorado??

In Colorado, beyond a valid state license, certifications in dry needling, vestibular therapy, or orthopedic residency can enhance employability. Select Medical values continuous education, supporting certifications that align with local patient needs like concussion and sports medicine specialties.

What distinguishes a physical therapist’s daily responsibilities in an outpatient clinic versus other settings??

Outpatient physical therapists focus on rehabilitation through tailored exercise plans and patient education, often managing orthopedic, sports, and pediatric cases. Unlike inpatient roles, they emphasize prevention and functional recovery with more patient independence and scheduled visits.

Can you describe the career advancement opportunities typically available for a physical therapist role??

Physical therapists can advance by specializing in areas like neuro or pelvic therapy, pursuing residencies, or moving into managerial roles. Select Medical offers pathways through certifications and leadership development, supporting a transition from clinician to advanced practitioner or team leader.

What unique advantages does joining Select Medical as a physical therapist offer compared to other employers??

Select Medical provides unmatched continuing education, including an accredited orthopedic residency, plus indefinite student loan assistance. Their vast network across 39 states allows internal mobility and diverse caseloads, fostering professional growth rarely matched by competitors.

How does Select Medical integrate its core values into the physical therapist’s work environment??

Select Medical emphasizes respect, accountability, and teamwork, creating a supportive culture for therapists. This translates into collaborative care, transparent communication, and resourcefulness in overcoming clinical challenges, enhancing both patient outcomes and workplace satisfaction.

What is the expected starting salary for a physical therapist in Lakewood, CO, and how does it compare regionally??

The position starts at $78,000 annually, competitive for Lakewood’s outpatient therapy market. This salary aligns well with Colorado averages, reflecting the specialized skills and comprehensive benefits Select Medical offers, including bonuses and student loan support.

If I live in Lakewood, how feasible is the daily commute to Select Medical’s outpatient center for physical therapists??

Lakewood has manageable traffic patterns with accessible public transit options. Many therapists find commutes under 30 minutes convenient. Select Medical’s location benefits from proximity to key highways, easing access for staff residing in nearby Denver suburbs.

What qualifications must I meet to be eligible for a physical therapist role at Select Medical in Lakewood??

Candidates should hold a degree from an APTA-accredited physical therapy school, a valid Colorado license, and CPR certification. The role requires physical stamina and the ability to work at least 32 hours weekly, with flexibility for early or late shifts.

Do physical therapy roles at Select Medical in Lakewood accommodate new graduates or only experienced professionals??

Select Medical welcomes both new and seasoned physical therapists. New grads benefit from structured mentorship and orientation programs designed for smooth clinical integration and skill enhancement, fostering a supportive environment for early-career development.

Physical Therapist

Company : Select Medical

Location : Lakewood, CO, 80228

Job Type : Full Time / Part Time

Date Posted : 4 January 2026

Overview

.Position: Physical Therapist - Outpatient

Populations: Orthopedics, Concussion, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Amputees, Industrial, Vestibular, FCEs, Ergonomics, POETs, Dry Needling, and more!

Location: Lakewood, CO

Schedule: Full Time 32 hours+

Compensation: starting at $78,000/yr.

Incentives: Sign on bonus and/or indefinite student loan help

At Select Physical Therapy Colorado, we take pride in creating an exceptional patient experience, helping our patients get back to athletics, work, life, and the things they love. Every physical therapist's journey becomes a testament to excellence, innovation, and life-changing patient care.

We are seeking full time (32hr.+) physical therapist for our outpatient center in Lakewood, CO. We are focused on matching each PT with the best opportunity for location, caseload, and team culture. We are here to nurture your growth as a physical therapist. We welcome new graduate and experienced clinicians alike. Onsite mentorship is available with defined developmental pathways for clinical and professional growth.

Our benefits package supports your career growth and personal well-being:

Start Strong: Our mentorship and orientation programs ensure a successful transition
Elevate Your Skills: Unmatched CEU program with paid national certifications
Ease the Burden: Our indefinite student debt benefit program helps alleviate the financial pressure of student debt
Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Your Health Matters: Comprehensive benefits packages
Invest in Your Future: Company matching 401(k) retirement plans
Advance your Career: We offer specialties nationwide (aquatics, sports medicine, neuro, pelvic, concussion, hand therapy + more)
Go Anywhere with Us: 1900 centers in 39 states, offering internal movement

Responsibilities

Our ideal team member is…

Adaptable and Flexible: willing to adapt or adjust to accommodate your colleagues and patients
Patient-centric: the patient always comes first and we treat every patient with care
An exceptional communicator: someone who communicates proactively and with empathy
Detail-oriented: people count on you to ensure all the details are done correctly the first time around
Team Player: you will be an integral part of a clinical team

So we want to know…

Are you someone who puts the needs of your patients above all else?
Are you one of the most positive people you know?
Are you at your best when you get to determine your goals and decide on the direction of your day?
Do you hate the phrase, “that’s not my job!”?

If you answered yes to these questions, being a Physical Therapist at Select Medical may be a great fit for you!

One of the many unique benefits that our employees at Select Medical can take advantage of is our industry-leading continuing education opportunities! This includes the opportunity to join Select Physical Therapy’s nationally acclaimed and APTA accredited Orthopedic Residency Program, weekend classes and online education, and formal weekly mentoring program available for new grads. Residency and Fellowship programs.

Who is Select Medical?

We are the nation’s leading physical therapy provider and our teams are dedicated to the communities we serve. Our mission is to deliver an exceptional patient care experience that promotes healing and recovery in a compassionate environment. Select Medical was founded on five Core Values which guide our interactions with patients, families, partners and each other.

We deliver superior quality in all that we do.

We set high standards of performance for ourselves and for others. We provide superior services to our patients. We continually strive to uphold and improve our reputation for excellence.

We treat others as they would like to be treated.

We treat each other with respect and promote a positive environment where people feel valued. We are honest and open in our relationships and straightforward in our communications.

We are results-oriented and achieve our objectives.

We are focused and decisive in achieving our objectives and helping others achieve theirs. We accept responsibility for our decisions and actions. We are accountable for using our time, talents and resources effectively.

We are team players.

We work together to achieve company objectives. We do our share of the work on time and with superior quality. We share ideas and information. We give honest feedback and accept constructive criticism. We confront difficulties

directly and maintain positive working relationships.

We are resourceful in overcoming obstacles.

We pride ourselves on finding creative solutions to meet challenges we encounter. We are open to change and handle pressure with poise. We are flexible, adaptable and able to learn from our experiences.

To apply, complete our FULL HR application at www.selectmedical.com/careers/

Qualifications

- Must be a graduate of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) accredited school of physical therapy
- Valid State Physical Therapy License/ Registration REQUIRED to start
- Ability to work 32+ hours per week with occasional late or early shifts to accommodate patients
- Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift patients using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift. Must be capable of easily lifting fifty (50) pounds dead weight alone.
- Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a work day/shift.
- Visual acuity (near and distant) sufficient to evaluate, diagnose and monitor patient needs and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide directions.
- Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand and give directions.
- Ability to push wheeled equipment through the facility and in the community.
- Possess fine motor skills for legible and accurate reporting, charting, scheduling, daily correspondence and presentations, either manually or through use of electronic equipment.
- Possess fine motor skills for effective and efficient handling of diagnostic or therapeutic equipment.