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Entry Level Physical Therapy Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapy Assistant

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$27.75 - $36.75/hr

... entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. * Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist ...

Physical Therapist

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$35 - $52/hr

... Therapy Education (CAPTE), a successor organization of CAPTE, or an education program outside the United States determined to be substantially equivalent to physical therapist entry-level education ...

Physical Therapist Asst

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$27.50 - $36.25/hr

... entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. * Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist ...

Physical Therapist

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.0K/wk

... entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. * Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by ...

Physical Therapist

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$40.66 - $61/hr

... entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by ...

Physical Therapist-Home Care

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.0K/wk

... entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by ...

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Entry Level Physical Therapy information

See Iowa salary details

$993

$1.7K

$2.4K

How much do entry level physical therapy jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level physical therapy in Iowa is $1,746.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,500.00 and $1,942.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level physical therapist?

Entry level physical therapy jobs are positions suited for recent graduates or individuals new to the field of physical therapy. These roles often include job titles such as Physical Therapy Aide, Physical Therapy Technician, or Physical Therapist Assistant. Entry level professionals typically assist licensed physical therapists with patient care, set up equipment, help patients with exercises, and perform administrative tasks. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and can serve as a stepping stone toward advanced roles in physical therapy. Most entry level jobs require at least a high school diploma or associate degree, depending on the specific position.

What does collaboration look like for entry level physical therapists within a clinical setting?

Entry-level physical therapists frequently work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with other therapists, physicians, nurses, and sometimes occupational or speech therapists. They typically attend team meetings to discuss patient progress and coordinate care plans, ensuring each patient receives comprehensive treatment. Open communication with colleagues is encouraged, and new therapists often receive guidance and mentorship from more experienced practitioners. This collaborative environment not only supports patient outcomes but also helps new therapists learn and grow professionally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level physical therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Physical Therapist, you need a thorough understanding of human anatomy, therapeutic exercise, and rehabilitation techniques, typically supported by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and state licensure. Familiarity with clinical documentation systems, exercise equipment, and patient management software is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate and educate patients are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective patient care, promote successful recovery outcomes, and support seamless collaboration within healthcare teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physical Therapy vs Physical Therapy Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Physical TherapyPhysical Therapy Assistant
Required CredentialsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Bachelor's degree (depending on region)Associate's degree from accredited PTA program
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab facilitiesSame as PTs, working under supervision in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers hire entry-level PTs for initial patient careEmployers hire PTAs to assist PTs in patient treatment
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in physical therapyClarifying the role of PTAs in therapy teams

Entry Level Physical Therapists typically hold a DPT or bachelor's degree and provide comprehensive patient care, while Physical Therapy Assistants work under supervision with an associate's degree. Both roles operate in similar environments and are essential to patient rehabilitation teams, but PTs have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapy jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Physical Therapy jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Physical Therapy jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Physical Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Physical Therapy job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant

UnityPoint Health

Cedar Rapids, IA

$27.75 - $36.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Physical Therapy Assistant provides direct patient care for a diverse community-based caseload according to the plan of care developed by a supervising Physical Therapist. Delivers patient care that is consistent with clinical best practices and results in high quality, improved outcomes and an exceptional patient experience.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.


Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.Here are just a few:


• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


Patient Care/Care Coordination

  • Makes visits to the homes of patients requiring home health physical therapy services.
  • Treats clients to relieve pain, restore function and maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as directed by the physician and physical therapist and included in the plan of care.
  • Directs and aids patients in active and passive therapeutic exercises, muscle reeducation, gait and functional training, transfer activities and prosthetic training.
  • Uses physical agencies including heat, cold, water, electricity, ultrasound and massage.
  • Instructs patient, family and caregivers in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic or orthotic devices.
  • Ensures quality and safe delivery of services to patients according to the care plan.
  • Uses equipment and supplies safely, effectively, and efficiently.
  • Observes and reports to the Physical Therapist and other designated organizational personnel the patient response to treatment and any changes in patient condition.
  • Provides the services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
  • Maintains accurate and timely documentation of clinical records and time/travel entries.
  • Identifies risk for acute hospitalization and proactively prevents adverse events.
  • Provides visits/treatments consistent with the plan of care.

Education:

  • Graduate of a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association; or, if educated outside the United States or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist Assistant entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
  • Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist Assistants

Experience:

  • One year experience caring for similar patient population as to be assigned.

Licensure/Certification:

  • Licensed, registered, or certified as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the state(s) providing services.
  • Valid licensed driver with automobile insurance in accordance with state(s) and/or organizational requirements.
  • Mandatory Reporter: Child & Dependent Adult Abuse.
  • CPR: Maintain a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider Card with Re-certification.

#UPatHomeNursing


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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995