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Physical Therapist Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist Intern

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Must complete forty (40) hours of Student Physical Therapist Intern Level I duties and all Level I orientation and competencies. * Level 2 * Must be enrolled in a college or university setting or ...

Physical Therapist Intern

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Must complete forty (40) hours of Student Physical Therapist Intern Level I duties and all Level I orientation and competencies. * Level 2 * Must be enrolled in a college or university setting or ...

Physical Therapist Intern

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$1.6K - $2.0K/wk

Must complete forty (40) hours of Student Physical Therapist Intern Level I duties and all Level I orientation and competencies. * Level 2 * Must be enrolled in a college or university setting or ...

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Physical Therapist Intern information

See salary details

$10

$35

$65

How much do physical therapist intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical therapist intern in the United States is $35.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physical Therapist Intern vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

AspectPhysical Therapist InternPhysical Therapist Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled in DPT program, no license neededLicensed after passing the NPTE exam
Work EnvironmentClinical rotations under supervision, educational settingClinical settings, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internships, hospitalsHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles, training stagesJob responsibilities, licensing requirements

The main difference is that a Physical Therapist Intern is a student gaining supervised clinical experience during their education, while a Physical Therapist Assistant is a licensed professional who works independently under supervision to provide patient care. Interns are in training, whereas assistants are fully qualified practitioners.

What are some common challenges physical therapist interns face during their clinical rotations?

Physical Therapist Interns often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse caseload, adapting to different clinical settings, and balancing patient care with documentation requirements. Interns may also find it demanding to quickly build rapport with patients while learning to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Support from supervising therapists and collaboration with other healthcare professionals are crucial for overcoming these challenges and developing clinical confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physical therapist intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Therapist Intern, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, basic therapeutic techniques, and enrollment in or completion of an accredited physical therapy program. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, rehabilitation equipment, and relevant documentation protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and a compassionate approach help interns build rapport with patients and learn from experienced therapists. These skills and qualities are essential for providing effective patient care, learning in a clinical environment, and progressing toward a successful career as a licensed physical therapist.

What does a physical therapist intern do?

A Physical Therapist Intern assists licensed physical therapists in providing rehabilitative care to patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. Their responsibilities often include helping patients with exercises, preparing treatment areas, observing sessions, and documenting patient progress. Interns gain hands-on experience in clinical settings and learn how to develop treatment plans under supervision. This role is typically part of a clinical education requirement for students in a physical therapy program.

Does a physical therapist intern require an internship?

A physical therapist intern is a student or trainee gaining practical experience through an internship or clinical rotation as part of their education. Most programs require completion of an internship to fulfill licensing or certification requirements and to develop hands-on skills in a clinical setting.
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What cities are hiring for Physical Therapist Intern jobs? Cities with the most Physical Therapist Intern job openings:
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What states have the most Physical Therapist Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Therapist Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physical Therapist Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Therapist Intern jobs are:
Infographic showing various Physical Therapist Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,971 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Physical Therapist Intern Unlicensed

MedStar Health

Olney, MD • On-site

$18.40 - $29.74/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Physical Therapist Intern - Unlicensed

The individual in this role is required to be a current Physical Therapy student or recent graduate. The Physical Therapist Intern - Unlicensed will receive extra mentorship and development by a DC/Maryland/Virginia licensed PT. He/she will be responsible for initial evaluation, reevaluation, treatment planning, treatment implementation, reporting, and documentation of all referred patients within departmental and professional standards. The incumbent will also participate in educational activities and special projects as assigned by the department.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provides effective and efficient patient care under the mentorship of a Physical Therapist clinical instructor or designee.
  • Provides patient care duties as it relates to the respective clinical service following accreditation guidelines, professional code of ethics, and standards of practice which include: evaluation/reevaluation, treatment and discharge planning and implementation, and resultant documentation.
  • Maintains accurate and timely documentation to include patient records, charges, and prescriptions.
  • Participates in team conferences and family conferences as appropriate.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

  • Current student within a Physical Therapy program required or
  • Recent graduate of an accredited school of Physical Therapy required

Experience

  • Satisfaction of all prerequisite coursework required
  • Be eligible for an internship through your program or school required

Licenses and Certifications

  • CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
  • Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Detailed oriented and meticulous while maintaining excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Willingness to be trained in preparation to being equipped to becoming a Physical Therapist.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 /Hr.


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About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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