Dcactivehealth

Research Physical Therapist Job in DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia

Active Health Solutions is seeking a Doctor of Physical Therapy for a Research Physical Therapist job serving DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia as part of a collaboration with Children’s National Hospital (CNH). Through the QualiRehab Pilot Study, you’ll provide one-on-one rehabilitation to pediatric and young adult patients ages 8–25 who are brain tumor survivors or in cardiac rehabilitation, while contributing to a research protocol designed to support a larger randomized controlled trial. If you’re drawn to thoughtful patient care, meaningful clinical research, and a schedule that gives you dedicated time with each patient, this role offers a distinctive way to make an impact.

Clinical Care With a Purpose Beyond the Visit

This role puts you at the intersection of rehabilitation and research. Each patient participates in an 11-week episode of care with two one-hour sessions per week: one in person and one virtual. You’ll spend 30 minutes on cardiovascular work and 30 minutes on strength training, following CNH’s established protocols while using your clinical judgment within the structure provided.

The patients you’ll work with are at least six months post-treatment and are working to regain strength and function after serious illness or treatment. Your ability to build trust, encourage progress, and provide precise, patient-centered care will be just as important as your clinical expertise. This is an opportunity to give patients the focused attention that can be difficult to provide in a high-volume clinic setting.

A Structured Study With Your Voice in the Process

CNH provides the protocol, equipment, and trainer support, while you bring your clinical expertise to each session. You’ll receive 3–4 hours of initial training before working with patients and participate in weekly 30-minute feedback sessions with the CNH clinical team. These conversations give you a direct opportunity to share what you’re seeing in practice and help tailor the protocol as the pilot study develops.

You’ll also work alongside CNH’s coordinating physical therapist, physicians, and research staff, with opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary feedback meetings. For a clinician who enjoys learning, collaboration, and contributing to better rehabilitation practices, this role offers a meaningful connection between the care you provide today and research that may influence future care for child cancer survivors.

Compensation:

• $165 per in-person visit
• $120 per virtual visit
• Contract (1099) position

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited program
• At least 1 year of full-time clinical experience
• Active physical therapy licensure in DC, Maryland, or Virginia; multi-state licensure preferred
• Completed W9 and current malpractice certificate, or willingness to provide promptly
• Comfort working within a defined research protocol and documenting in both the AHS EMR and a partner hospital’s platform
• Oncology rehabilitation, pediatric, or cardiac rehabilitation experience preferred but not required
• Excellent communication skills for coordinating with a multidisciplinary research team

Responsibilities:

• Conduct one in-person and one virtual one-hour session per week per patient during each 11-week episode of care
• Deliver 30 minutes of cardiovascular training and 30 minutes of strength training during each session
• Follow CNH’s established four cardiovascular and three strength protocols
• Track and record vitals and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during each session
• Document each session through the AHS EMR, transitioning to CNH’s online platform as required
• Participate in a weekly 30-minute feedback meeting with the CNH clinical team
• Join multidisciplinary feedback meetings following each patient’s intensive week at CNH
• Complete 3–4 hours of initial protocol training before beginning patient care

Skills:

• Clinical expertise in cardiovascular and strength-based rehabilitation
• Ability to safely progress patients recovering from serious illness or treatment
• Strong clinical judgment while adhering to a defined research protocol
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary setting
• Strong organization and attention to detail across two documentation systems
• Adaptability when balancing in-person and virtual sessions across DC, Maryland, and Virginia
• Ability to build trust and motivation with pediatric and young adult patients
• Patient-centered approach combined with clinical precision and an encouraging, adaptive style

Benefits:

• Competitive per-visit pay of $165 for in-person visits and $120 for virtual visits
• Direct contribution to a pilot study supporting a larger randomized controlled trial for child cancer survivors
• Structured 3–4 hour onboarding and training
• Ongoing weekly collaboration with the CNH clinical team
• Trainer, watch, and rehabilitation equipment provided by CNH
• Structured 11-week episodes of care with one in-person and one virtual session per week per patient
• Collaborative AHS and CNH team environment

Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited program At Least 1 year of full-time clinical experience Active physical therapy licensure in DC, Maryland, or Virginia; multi-state licensure preferred Completed W9 and current malpractice certificate, or willingness to provide promptly Comfort working within a defined research protocol and documenting in both the AHS EMR and a partner hospital’s platform Oncology rehabilitation, pediatric, or cardiac rehabilitation experience preferred but not required Excellent communication skills for coordinating with a multidisciplinary research team