Physical Therapist - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : New Orleans, LA, 70121-3828
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
Ochsner Rehabilitation HospitalPartnership with Select MedicalPosition: Physical TherapistLocation: New Orleans, LASchedule: Per Diem
Compensation: $56.00 Per Hour
Sign-On Bonus: $7,500 after 16 shifts
Our Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care to best address the medical, physical, emotional, and vocational challenges for individuals with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, orthopedic issues, amputation, and multiple traumas.
Why Join Us:
- Start Strong: Extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
- Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication which could lead to potential full-time opportunities
- Foster Well-being: We offer benefits which support the financial, work/life and emotional well-being of you and your family members. Part time/Per Diem positions are eligible for 401k based on reaching 1,000 hours within their first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. We also offer our employee assistance program to part time employees.
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care
Responsibilities
- Performing initial and ongoing systematic patient assessment.
- Promoting continuous quality improvement.
- Teaching and counseling patients/families.
- Setting goals and developing treatment plans.
- Working cooperatively to identify and solve patient-specific and facility-wide needs.
- Participating in discharge planning for each patient, including placement, patient/family education and adaptive equipment.
- Supervising Physical Therapy Assistants, as well as supervising PT and PTA students.
- Conducting individual patient therapy regimens.
- Monitoring patient's response to treatment and modifying treatment during sessions, as needed.
- Completing appropriate documentation according to department policies and procedures.
- Participating in departmental, hospital, and community continuing education seminars and in-services.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- State Licensure: Hold a current state licensure as a Physical Therapist (PT)
- Certified BLS: Possess Certified BLS or obtain it within 90 days of employment.
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
New Orleans shows a steady demand for per diem physical therapists, especially in rehabilitation hospitals. The city's healthcare facilities seek flexible therapists to manage fluctuating inpatient needs, making this role competitive yet accessible for licensed professionals looking for part-time or per diem opportunities.
In Louisiana, holding a current state physical therapist license is mandatory, but additional certifications like Certified BLS (Basic Life Support) significantly enhance job prospects. Employers value therapists who meet or exceed these standards, especially in specialized rehab settings such as those in New Orleans.
Success in neuro-rehabilitation demands a strong grasp of neurological conditions, patient-specific therapy planning, and adaptability during treatment. Per diem physical therapists must excel in patient assessments, goal-setting, and collaborative care to effectively support brain and spinal injury recoveries.
Per diem physical therapists typically experience fluctuating schedules with variable patient loads, focusing on intensive, patient-centered sessions. Unlike full-time roles, the per diem position offers flexibility but requires readiness to handle diverse cases without the continuity of a fixed team.
Select Medical encourages per diem therapists to showcase their clinical expertise during shifts, potentially leading to full-time roles. Their structured orientation and ongoing education programs create pathways for professional development within rehabilitation specialties.
Beyond competitive hourly pay, Select Medical provides eligible per diem staff with access to a 401(k) plan after meeting hour thresholds, plus employee assistance programs. These benefits reflect a commitment to both financial and emotional well-being for clinicians in the New Orleans area.
This role offers a competitive rate of $56.00 per hour, aligning with regional market standards for per diem physical therapists in rehabilitation hospitals. Additionally, a $7,500 sign-on bonus is available after completing 16 shifts, enhancing overall compensation.
Therapists must navigate diverse patient needs including brain injuries and orthopedic cases, often adapting treatment plans quickly. The per diem nature requires flexibility in scheduling and documentation, alongside collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced hospital environment.
Beyond holding a valid state license, therapists should demonstrate clinical expertise and leadership skills. Supervisory roles often require experience in patient care coordination and mentoring, ensuring safe and effective therapy delivery by assistants and students.
Select Medical values per diem therapists as integral team members, providing thorough orientation and access to continuing education. This approach ensures therapists contribute meaningfully to patient recovery while maintaining high standards across the care continuum.