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Physical Therapy Instructor Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Physical Therapy Instructor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$51.1K

$104.1K

$145.2K

How much do physical therapy instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical therapy instructor in Houston, TX is $104,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physical therapy instructor?

Physical Therapy Instructors are professionals who teach and train students or practicing therapists in the field of physical therapy. They typically work at universities, colleges, or specialized training programs, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical guidance. Their responsibilities include developing curricula, mentoring students, and staying updated on the latest practices and research in physical therapy. These instructors play a crucial role in preparing future physical therapists to deliver effective, evidence-based care.

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

To thrive as a Physical Therapy Instructor, you need advanced knowledge of physical therapy principles, a graduate degree (often DPT or higher), and relevant teaching or clinical experience. Familiarity with learning management systems, teaching technologies, and up-to-date licensure or certifications such as PT or DPT are typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills distinguish outstanding instructors, fostering positive learning environments. These competencies ensure effective knowledge transfer, student engagement, and the development of future skilled physical therapists.

What are some common challenges faced by physical therapy instructors in balancing teaching and clinical responsibilities?

Physical Therapy Instructors often juggle teaching courses, mentoring students, and maintaining their own clinical practice or research. This balancing act can be challenging, as staying current with clinical advancements while ensuring high-quality instruction and student engagement requires strong organizational skills. Instructors may need to coordinate with colleagues for shared teaching loads, manage time effectively to fulfill both academic and clinical commitments, and continually seek professional development opportunities. Effective communication and collaboration with other faculty members and clinical partners are key to managing these responsibilities successfully.

What is the difference between Physical Therapy Instructor vs Physical Therapist?

AspectPhysical Therapy InstructorPhysical Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and teaching certificationRequires a DPT degree and state licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, universities, collegesClinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities, private practices
Primary FocusTeaching, curriculum development, student supervisionPatient assessment, treatment planning, rehabilitation
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, academic settingsHealthcare facilities, private practices, hospitals

While both roles require a DPT degree and licensure, a Physical Therapy Instructor primarily focuses on teaching and training students in academic settings, whereas a Physical Therapist provides direct patient care in clinical environments.

Infographic showing various Physical Therapy Instructor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,119 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Physical Therapy Resident

Houston Methodist

Baytown, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Houston Methodist rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Physical Therapy (PT) Resident position completes the planned program of post-professional clinical and didactic education provided by Houston Methodist (HM) for physical therapists, designed to significantly advance the physical therapist resident's preparation as a provider of patient care services in a specific area of specialty clinical practice (acute care, orthopedics and or sports). For this position, opportunities are combined for ongoing clinical supervision and mentoring with a theoretical basis for advanced practice and scientific inquiry. The PT Resident position performs patient management services including evaluation, treatment, and referral, supervises support personnel, and performs related duties such as participation in patient rounds, clinics, department performance improvement initiatives, and clinical education in accordance with state practice act, applicable regulations, and department policy, procedures and practices. This position demonstrates competence to adapt to work and customer service to accommodate the unique physical, psychosocial, cultural, safety and other developmental needs of patients served by the department. FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE
  • One year of experience preferred.
  • Clinical setting/internship experience in applicable area (i.e. sports, acute care) preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • PT - Physical Therapist - State Licensure - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV Compact Privileges granted by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners within 30 days and
  • BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Ability to complete the Residency Program and demonstrate competencies within the program's planned curriculum and within the prescribed program timelines to remain a participant
  • Demonstrates good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work as a team member
  • Has specialized knowledge and exceptional skills in areas of acute care, orthopedic and sports related injuries, as applicable
  • Demonstrates good computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Work and Excel programs

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Collaborates and coordinates patient care needs, such as referrals, consults, equipment, clinical appointments, home care, etc. with other departments or agencies during treatment and at discharge.
  • Delegates appropriate patients, supervises, and communicates pertinent information to the physical therapist assistant and physical therapy technicians in accordance with the state practice act and department and hospital policies.
  • Effectively communicates with the patient, family, physician. In sports/orthopedics, communicates with coach regarding the patient's ability to return to practice and/or competition.
  • Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Performs patient and family education on home exercise, safety, self-care, etc. and distributes appropriate hand-outs.
  • Delegates appropriate patient care duties to, communicate with, and supervise the performance of support personnel.
  • Works in an integrated manner with the inter-professional health care team in the provision of exercise and treatment modalities. (
  • Contributes to meeting/exceeding department and organization targets for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Documents patient evaluations, treatment notes, re-evaluations/re-assessments, discharges, and charges appropriately in the computer system in a timely manner.
  • Performs examinations, evaluations, diagnosis, prognosis and interventions in accordance with physical therapy practice act and in collaboration with referring providers.
  • Identifies and escalates issues and opportunities for improvement. Follows up on action items to ensure completion of assignments. Contributes towards improving department/practice quality and safety scores.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Uses resources efficiently and effectively. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks.
  • Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient education and procedures performed in a timely manner in the patient record which includes appropriate billing codes and enters changes for services provided.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Participates in clinical education programs as approved by the Faculty Advisor. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills by attendance of appropriate clinical education programs, CEUs and involvement with professional organizations. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
  • Assist in the organization and direction of specific activities of the department as delegated by the Program or department leadership which may include research projects, department improvement projects, or other special tasks. Presents relevant special topics in professional literature at clinic meetings, grand rounds, conferences, and meetings as delegated or requested by the faculty.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: Yes
    • Scrubs: Yes
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Work Shift:

1 - Day (United States of America)

Job Category:

Non-clinical Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital brings the expertise and latest technology of Houston Methodist to Baytown and surrounding counties. The skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses and staff provide unsurpassed medical care in a close-to-home, state-of-the-art facility. Houston Methodist Baytown is committed to meeting the needs of its growing community through the ongoing facilities master plan expansion project, which includes a new, expanded emergency department, a five-story patient tower, outpatient center, renovated Cancer Center, neonatal intensive care unit and the addition of technologically advanced operating rooms.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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