Orthopedic Physical Therapist — Program Lead
Job Title: Orthopedic Physical Therapist — Program Lead
Industry: Medical Practice | Outpatient Physical Therapy
Work Setting: Boutique, Cash-Based Outpatient Clinic
Job City: Dubuque, Iowa
Country: United States
Work Location: On-Site
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Total Positions: 2 Openings Available
Schedule: Full-Time, 4-5 Days/Week | Occasional Evening/Weekend Community Events
Compensation:
$81,000 – $100,000 base + performance-based bonus tied to practice growth and patient retention
Relocation Assistance: Limited assistance available
About the Opportunity
Search Station is recruiting on behalf of a confidential client, a privately owned, patient-focused healthcare practice in Dubuque, Iowa seeking an experienced Orthopedic Physical Therapist to lead a growing orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation program. This is a unique leadership opportunity for a PT who wants more than a traditional clinical role and the chance to build and shape a specialty service line from the ground up, in a cash-based practice that prioritizes patient outcomes over insurance limitations.
Requirements
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
- Active Iowa PT license or eligibility to obtain
- Previous pelvic health experience a plus — mentorship provided for those newer to the specialty
- Strong orthopedic background with confidence in return-to-activity or return-to-sport rehabilitation
- Interest in regenerative therapies such as shockwave treatment — training will be provided
- Leadership mindset with interest in program development and mentorship
Scope of Work
- Develop and lead the orthopedic and regenerative rehabilitation service line
- Evaluate and treat patients using evidence-based orthopedic techniques, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and return-to-activity programming
- Help establish clinical protocols and best practices for regenerative therapies, including shockwave treatment
- Mentor support staff and collaborate with the clinical team to ensure exceptional patient outcomes
- Build relationships within the community through educational events, networking, and referral development
- Maintain accurate electronic documentation with minimal administrative burden
Benefits
- Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to practice growth and patient retention
- Paid time off and holidays
- True one-on-one patient care model — approximately 7-8 patients per day
- Flexible full-time schedule with work-life balance in mind
Good to Know
- This is a leadership opportunity to shape and grow a specialized service line from the ground up — not a traditional staff PT role
- Low patient volume (7/8 day) with 60-minute one-on-one sessions - rare in outpatient PT
- Two positions available — bring a colleague or grow separately in a collaborative environment
- Collaborative, supportive team culture that values professional development and mentorship
- Training provided for regenerative therapies including shockwave treatment for candidates newer to the technique
- Dubuque, IA is a charming river city with a low cost of living, vibrant arts scene, and strong community culture