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Physical Therapy Internship Program Jobs in California

California State Jobs

Music Therapy Intern

Patton, CA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

... internship clinical hours through a university program approved by the American Music Therapy ... physical, and developmental disorders, current trends in mental health, public health and public ...

L.A. Family Housing Corporation

$16 - $20.50/hr

... T program, with an active Board of Behavioral Sciences Intern Number INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE: WORK ... Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling ...

L.A. Family Housing Corporation

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... T program, with an active Board of Behavioral Sciences Intern Number INTERNSHIP SCHEDULE: WORK ... Potential physical demands include but are not limited to: walking, climbing stairs, handling ...

City of Hope

Physical Therapy Resident

Duarte, CA · On-site

$40.59/hr

Residents must have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the start of the residency program * Entry level position, no experience required. Prefer acute care internship experience. * Current Physical ...

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Physical Therapy Internship Program information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$88.5K

$142.1K

How much do physical therapy internship program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical therapy internship program in California is $88,489.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,700.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physical therapy internship program?

A Physical Therapy Internship Program is a structured learning experience designed for students or recent graduates interested in becoming physical therapists. During the program, interns gain hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, allowing them to apply academic knowledge to real-world patient care. These internships help students develop practical skills, understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a physical therapist, and fulfill educational or licensing requirements. Interns may work in hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, or other healthcare settings. Participation in such programs can be an important step toward a career in physical therapy.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during a physical therapy internship program?

During a Physical Therapy Internship Program, you can expect to gain hands-on experience by assisting licensed physical therapists with patient assessments, creating and modifying treatment plans, and guiding patients through therapeutic exercises. Interns often observe and participate in various rehabilitation techniques, learn to document patient progress, and may also help with administrative tasks related to patient care. This immersive experience not only builds clinical skills but also offers valuable insights into patient communication and teamwork within a healthcare setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a physical therapy internship program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Physical Therapy Internship Program, you need foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation principles, often gained through coursework in a physical therapy or related health sciences program. Familiarity with therapy equipment, documentation systems, and compliance with HIPAA regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and adaptability help interns build rapport with patients and integrate into clinical teams. These skills are crucial for delivering effective patient care, learning from real-world experience, and preparing for future licensure as a physical therapist.

What is the difference between Physical Therapy Internship Program vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

AspectPhysical Therapy Internship ProgramPhysical Therapist Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled students; no certification requiredAssociate's degree; licensure/certification required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, clinics, hospitals during trainingClinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, internship programsHealthcare facilities, outpatient clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning opportunities, training programsCareer roles, job responsibilities

The Physical Therapy Internship Program is designed for students gaining hands-on experience during their education, often without certification. In contrast, a Physical Therapist Assistant is a licensed healthcare professional with an associate's degree, working directly with patients under supervision. While internships focus on training, assistants are employed in clinical settings to provide patient care. Both roles are essential in the physical therapy field but differ in credentials, responsibilities, and career stage.

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

The most popular types of Physical Therapy Program jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Physical Therapy Internship Program jobs in California?

For Physical Therapy Internship Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Physical Therapy Internship Program jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Therapy Internship Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Physical Therapy Internship Program jobs?

Cities in California with the most Physical Therapy Internship Program job openings:

Physical Therapy Internship Program jobs near you

Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

US Department of Veterans Affairs

San Diego, CA • On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 672 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 295 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Job Title

Major duties to include but not limited to:

  • Performs physical therapy evaluations and treatments for patients in the location of inpatient and outpatient settings, ages ranging from adult to geriatric, having a variety of disabilities and determines the most appropriate plan of care relative to the patient's diagnosis and age.
  • Serves as a clinical instructor with the VAMC San Diego Physical Therapy Internship Program with specific mentoring and oversight of assigned DPT interns from various academic institutions across the country.
  • Provides clinical oversight of DPT Interns, as well as mentoring affective professional skills.
  • Serves as role model for PT Residents, students, and other PMRS/physical therapy staff in clinical competency, affective skills, and professionalism.
  • Employs unusual/creative motivational techniques to enlist patient participation and adapt equipment and procedures to carry out a full range of complex treatment activities and interventions.
  • Evaluates patient's condition upon appropriate referral to physical therapy to determine treatment plan by referring patients to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Primary Care, or other specialty providers when determined necessary.
  • Performs and interprets results of tests and measurements for use in preparing for, modifying, and/or evaluating patients for treatment, and adjusts treatment based on changes in patient's condition.
  • Evaluates patient's needs with respect to prescribed braces and orthotic devices and recommends necessary equipment items, or make modifications to existing items, and will provide, or assist in the application, to ensure the equipment has a proper fit and that all training requirements of such equipment are completed.
  • Manages all applicable consults/referrals, coordinates scheduling, and maintains sufficient supplies and equipment from Prosthetics and Logistics departments needed for patient care.
  • Establishes and maintains appropriate Quality Assurance monitoring as related to physical therapy and the Pelvic Rehab/Women's Health Physical Therapy clinic, including, but not limited to, patient outcomes, quality of care, and semi-annual documentation peer reviews.
  • Reviews charts to assess appropriateness of referrals and possible contraindications for treatment, and communicates with the referring providers, as needed.
  • Assists with scheduling patients for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care, and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team.
  • Documents patient performance toward achieving treatment goals, manages time appropriately, and assures a high level of productivity and work efficiency.
  • Assures all documentation is done according to VAMC San Diego policy for all patient visits and patient interactions requiring such notes.
  • Provides continuing education in the form of in-services and clinical training programs to other clinicians, including physical therapists, residents, students, and other medical center staff.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Tour may vary.

Compressed/Flexible: Not Available.

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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