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Physical Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Merced, CA, 95340
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 67.89-91.37 HOUR
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Plans and carries out a full range of physical therapy treatment, with therapeutic objectives that are complex and procedures that require the application of advanced skills and knowledge.
As our Physical Therapist, you will help patients rebuild or maintain their physical well-being so they can function at their best, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Every day you will perform initial evaluations, develop and update individualized plans of care, and provide a variety of direct treatments. You will be expected to consistently meet patient care productivity standards, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and families, and promote a positive customer service environment.
To be successful in this role, you must possess strong age-appropriate competencies, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care.
- Based upon the treatment diagnosis of the patient, associated with the age of the patient, past medical history, and/or other diagnoses present, objectively and quantifiably assess a baseline level of physical functions for each patient referred.
- Based upon the initial assessment of the patient, identify functional needs and establish appropriate long and short-term functional treatment goals.
- Goals will be expressed in measurable terms, and will be realistic and appropriate to the patient's condition. Based upon the treatment outcome goals established for the patient, plan, and implement treatment programs designed to achieve or significantly progress towards achievement of outcome goals.
- Treatment programs will be dynamic relative to the clinical response of the patient and will be modified as necessary to assure ongoing progress toward achievement of therapeutic goals. The treatment program will maintain a level of consistency and continuity that will enhance the patient's clinical response.
- Based upon the clinical response of the patient relative to the treatment plan, complete daily treatment progress, and discharge documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Treatment notes are written for each treatment given and accurately reflect both the treatment received as well as the length of the treatment. Progress reports are written at appropriate intervals throughout the patient's period of care, and the treatment
Minimum:
- Must possess and maintain a current California Physical Therapy license
- Must possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, we accept the American Heart Association
- Must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals, technical, and procedures relating to the practice of physical therapy
Mercy Medical Center, a Dignity Health member, has been building a rich history of care in our community for more than 100 years. We have grown from a small one-story wooden structure into a major healthcare provider with a new 186-bed main campus, offering the latest in facility design and technology. Mercy also operates Outpatient Centers, a Cancer Center and several rural clinics.
Wherever you work throughout our system, you will find faces of experience with dedication to high quality, personalized care. Joining our 1,300 employees, 230 physicians and many volunteers, you can help carry out our commitment to providing our community with the excellence they have come to associate with Mercy Medical Center.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
Merced's healthcare sector shows moderate demand for physical therapists due to its growing population and aging community. This balance offers steady opportunities without excessive competition, making it a strategic location for PTs seeking roles that blend community impact with manageable job market pressure.
While a California physical therapy license and BLS certification are mandatory, additional certifications such as orthopedic or pediatric specialties can differentiate candidates in Merced's healthcare landscape, especially within facilities like Mercy Medical Center, enhancing both employability and patient care scope.
A day involves conducting detailed patient assessments, crafting tailored treatment plans, and adjusting therapies based on ongoing progress. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and documenting outcomes are key, ensuring each patient moves closer to improved mobility and pain reduction in a community-focused setting.
Merced's PT roles often offer a more community-centered experience with a possibly lighter caseload and closer patient relationships, contrasting with bigger cities like Chicago where higher patient volumes and diverse demographics may demand faster-paced work and broader specialization.
Catholic Health Initiatives supports PTs advancing into leadership, specialized therapy roles, or interdisciplinary coordination. The organization’s commitment to comprehensive care enables professionals to expand clinical expertise and take on managerial responsibilities, aligning career development with patient-centered values.
Yes, the organization invests in continued education and in-house workshops tailored for physical therapists, emphasizing advanced techniques and patient communication skills. This focus fosters a collaborative environment where PTs enhance their expertise while aligning with the mission of high-quality, personalized care.
Entry-level physical therapists in Merced typically earn between $75,000 and $90,000 annually. Catholic Health Initiatives offers competitive compensation reflecting regional market standards, with potential increases tied to experience, certifications, and demonstrated patient care outcomes.
Exceptional communication is vital, as PTs must convey treatment plans clearly to patients and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Catholic Health Initiatives prioritizes patient-centered care, making interpersonal skills crucial for enhancing therapeutic success and fostering a positive clinical atmosphere.
Mercy Medical Center integrates cutting-edge technology with a century-long community focus, offering PTs a unique blend of advanced clinical tools and a mission-driven culture. This combination enhances treatment efficacy while embedding therapists in a supportive, patient-first environment.
PTs in rural settings often encounter limited resources and broader patient needs, requiring adaptability and creative treatment approaches. These challenges foster versatile skills and rewarding patient relationships, as therapists address diverse rehabilitation goals across underserved populations.