Physical Therapist - Outpatient

Los Angeles hosts a high demand for outpatient physical therapists, particularly due to its large healthcare network and aging population. Competition can be intense, but Select Medical's collaboration with top institutions like Cedars and UCLA creates unique opportunities for career growth in outpatient orthopedic therapy.

California requires state licensure for physical therapists, and many employers prefer candidates with current BLS certification. In outpatient settings, additional expertise in orthopedic therapy or outpatient rehabilitation techniques can enhance employability within the Los Angeles healthcare market.

Outpatient physical therapists primarily focus on evaluating and treating patients in clinics rather than hospitals. They design personalized treatment plans, educate patients on recovery exercises, and coordinate care to ensure safe discharge, often handling orthopedic cases requiring specialized outpatient rehab techniques.

Outpatient physical therapists often progress into specialized roles like orthopedic or sports therapy, clinical leadership, or management positions. Opportunities also exist to advance through clinical ladders that enhance skills and patient care responsibilities, especially within networks like Select Medical’s nationwide system.

Select Medical invests in its physical therapists through tuition assistance, clinical ladder programs, and access to cutting-edge rehab technologies. Their team-oriented culture encourages ongoing learning and advancement, making it an appealing workplace for outpatient therapists aiming to enhance their clinical expertise.

Select Medical’s joint venture with Cedars and UCLA offers outpatient PTs a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience. The facility emphasizes high patient discharge success and technology-driven rehab, delivering a collaborative environment not commonly found in typical outpatient clinics.

Outpatient physical therapists at Select Medical in Los Angeles can anticipate hourly pay between $52.00 and $69.98, reflecting the region’s competitive healthcare market and the role’s specialized outpatient orthopedic focus. This includes access to bonuses and comprehensive benefits enhancing overall compensation.

Many assume outpatient therapy involves less complexity, but outpatient PTs often manage diverse orthopedic cases requiring detailed treatment plans and patient education. Unlike inpatient roles, outpatient therapists focus heavily on long-term recovery and community reintegration, demanding strong clinical acumen and communication skills.

LA’s multicultural environment fosters a dynamic and inclusive workplace, where outpatient therapists at Select Medical engage with diverse patient populations. The city’s emphasis on innovation in healthcare encourages therapists to adopt advanced rehab technologies and collaborative team practices.