Physical Therapist
Company : Reliant Rehabilitation
Location : Merced, CA, 95348
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Overview
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When you join Reliant’s therapy team, you join a team that makes a very real impact in the lives of the patients and residents we serve. As a leading rehab therapy provider for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), Reliant therapists provide necessary rehabilitation services for our most vulnerable population.As a Reliant therapist, you also have the opportunity to advance your career through our continuing education platform, climbing our clinical ladder and utilizing the opportunity to serve with others who are working at the top of their discipline. Our executive team started their own careers as therapists working with patients, and we take great pride in promoting from within the company.We also have a team of clinicians who provide continuing training, as well as systems and proven protocols to help ensure everyone is providing therapy in the most effective way for the patients and the most compliant way to help ensure our SNF partners are covered.Why Reliant:
- Reliant is the largest independent rehab therapy provider to skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute hospitals (LTACHs)
- Great Corporate Support
- Therapy company ran by Therapists with decades of experience
- A company that desires for you to grow as a therapist and as a leader in our industry
- Currently in 38+ states in approximately 850 buildings with plenty of opportunities that fit any therapists needs in location, schedule, or development
Reliant Benefits May Include:
- Competitive Pay Packages
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and company-paid life insurance
- 401(k) savings plan with employer match
- PTO Share Program
- PTO Buy-Back Program
- Annual Performance Reviews
- Maternity Support Program
- Company-sponsored continuing education courses
- Clinical Leadership Support
- Tuition Loan Repayment Program
- Flexible Schedules
Education/Experience:
- A graduate of an APTA accredited school of physical therapy
Computer Skills:
- Computer literate and proficient in clinical documentation
- Basic Internet navigation skills
Certificates and Licenses:
- Valid physical therapist state license
- Please note rate range is an estimate and may vary based on skill set and location(s).
Responsibilities
Physical Therapist
Summary:Provides physical therapy and related services for patients while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of physical therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. Provides quality patient care including screening and evaluation of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatment plans of care, discharge plan, supervision of assistants and Rehab Techs, and case management responsibilities. Maintains professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with facilities and clients. Adheres to all state and federal regulations regarding physical therapy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Optimize the functionality and skills of patients by providing, directing, and/or overseeing physical therapy
- Provide consultation and clinical supervision to PTAs.
- Directly supervise PTA and Rehab Tech in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes efficient and effective utilization of resources and facilitates the ongoing development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA), and Reliant Rehabilitation policy.
- Build a strong physical therapy program
- Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities.
- Maintain a valid state license. Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of physical therapy and the health care environment.
- Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
- Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
Qualifications
Interested in learning about us or other opportunities? Please visit our website.*complete job description available upon request
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Frequently asked questions
Merced, CA has a growing need for physical therapists due to its aging population and expanding healthcare facilities. Compared to larger California cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, Merced offers less competition but similar opportunities, making it an attractive location for therapists seeking a balance between community impact and manageable caseloads.
In Merced, physical therapists must hold a valid California state license and familiarity with Medicare and Medicaid regulations is highly valued. Additional certifications in geriatrics or wound care can enhance employability, especially within skilled nursing facilities focused on elderly and long-term acute care patients.
Proficiency in clinical documentation, knowledge of various payment models like OBRA, and the ability to supervise assistants are crucial. Strong communication skills and staying current with evidence-based rehabilitation practices allow physical therapists to optimize patient outcomes and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape effectively.
Physical therapists often progress into clinical leadership roles, management, or advanced specialties such as orthopedic or neurological rehabilitation. Opportunities may also include becoming consultants or educators within therapy companies, leveraging continuing education platforms to climb clinical ladders and expand professional influence.
Reliant Rehabilitation emphasizes internal promotion and provides structured continuing education, clinical leadership, and tuition loan repayment programs. Their therapist-led management culture fosters professional development, making it a distinctive environment for therapists aiming to evolve both clinical skills and leadership capabilities.
Reliant offers flexible scheduling, a PTO share and buy-back program, and comprehensive medical benefits including company-paid life insurance. These perks, combined with supportive clinical leadership, help physical therapists maintain a sustainable work-life balance while delivering quality care.
Physical therapist salaries in Merced generally range from $85,000 to $105,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and employer size. Working with providers like Reliant Rehabilitation, which offers competitive pay packages, can further enhance earning potential, especially with opportunities for advancement and bonuses.
Daily tasks include evaluating patient conditions, designing tailored treatment plans, supervising therapy assistants, and managing case documentation. Physical therapists focus on improving mobility and function while adhering to regulatory standards, ensuring both patient progress and facility compliance.
Skilled nursing facilities offer the chance to work closely with vulnerable populations, often leading to meaningful patient relationships. The setting encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and the application of specialized rehab techniques aimed at long-term recovery and quality of life improvements.
Having leaders who began as therapists fosters a culture of empathy and understanding toward clinical challenges. Reliant’s management approach promotes open communication, supports professional growth, and implements practical protocols designed by clinicians, enhancing job satisfaction and patient care quality.