Risevoic
Physical Therapist - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Chicago, IL, 60607
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
Position: Physical Therapist (PT)
Location: Chicago, IL
Schedule: Per Diem Compensation: $55 per hour
Rush Specialty Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic, critically ill patients who require extended healing and recovery. We help patients during some of the most vulnerable, painful moments of their lives – and Physical Therapists (PT) play a central role in providing compassionate, excellent treatment every step of the way.
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
- Ease the Burden: Company Paid Parking
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
- Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist required.
- Certified BLS or completion in first 90 days of employment required.
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
Related Jobs
Vernon Hills, IL
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Physical Therapist - Per Diem
Frequently asked questions
Chicago's healthcare sector has a steady demand for per diem physical therapists, given its numerous specialty hospitals and rehab centers. Competition can vary widely based on facility prestige and patient volume, but flexible scheduling options often attract many qualified candidates, balancing supply and demand effectively.
Illinois requires physical therapists to hold a valid state license to practice, which applies equally to per diem roles. Additionally, maintaining current BLS certification is crucial. Local continuing education tailored to Chicago’s healthcare standards can enhance employability in this market.
Per diem physical therapists often adapt quickly to varying patient needs without the continuity of full-time staff. They prioritize efficient patient evaluations, flexible treatment adjustments, and may supervise assistants intermittently, which demands agility and strong clinical discretion in diverse settings.
Exceptional patient assessment capabilities, proficiency in post-ICU rehabilitation, and adaptability to fluctuating schedules are vital. Strong communication for counseling families and interdisciplinary collaboration skills significantly impact patient outcomes in such specialized environments.
While starting per diem, therapists at Select Medical can showcase their expertise and dedication, potentially transitioning into full-time roles. The organization emphasizes internal growth, offering advanced clinical training and leadership pathways within their expansive rehabilitation network.
Select Medical provides benefits like 401(k) eligibility after reaching work hour thresholds, access to employee assistance programs, and company-paid parking, fostering financial stability and convenience. Their orientation programs also ensure smooth integration and emotional support for per diem staff.
Offering $55 per hour aligns well with Chicago's market rates for per diem physical therapists, especially within specialized hospital settings. This compensation reflects the advanced skills required for post-ICU patient care and the flexible commitment expected from per diem roles.
Chicago’s healthcare culture values diversity and collaboration, encouraging therapists to adapt to multidisciplinary teams. The city's emphasis on patient-centered care and innovation means per diem therapists engage in dynamic, evolving treatment plans tailored to a varied urban patient population.
A per diem physical therapist primarily delivers hands-on patient care with flexible hours, whereas managers focus on administrative leadership, overseeing teams and workflow. Consultants provide expert advice on therapy programs but are less involved in daily direct treatment.
Select Medical welcomes per diem therapists by offering comprehensive orientation and ongoing education, ensuring they align with team protocols. They encourage active participation in patient goal setting and discharge planning, fostering a cohesive, high-quality care environment even for part-time staff.