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Job SummarySPECIAL KIDS IS A CHRISTIAN THERAPY AND NURSING CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. We’re based in Murfreesboro, TN; Christ-focused; and ready to serve each family that comes through our doors. We’re professionals who are trained and licensed; but first, we’re Christ followers with a God-sized mission that is only met through Him. Special Kids offers professional services to children ages birth through 21 years. Our treatment range encompasses children who need a little extra help, to children who are medically fragile, and to all sorts of diagnoses in between. Physical therapists at Special Kids have opportunities for team collaboration as well as collaboration with other disciplines, including occupational therapy, speech therapy and feeding therapy. Physical therapists at Special Kids have access to engaging therapy materials and testing instruments. If you are looking for a challenge and want to be part of an amazing team in a positive work environment, apply now. Full and part time opportunities available.
Job ResponsibilitiesSummary
Provides physical therapy services to children from birth to age 21 with a variety of diagnoses and developmental delays by performing the following duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.Other duties may be assigned.
- Assesses and evaluates patients’ functional limitations and creates a plan of care to address gross motor issues, equipment needs, and family goals.
- Tests and measures patients’ strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and cardiopulmonary efficiency, and records findings to develop/revise treatment programs.
- Able to administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises to improve and maintain function; therapeutic massage; electrical modality treatments such as electrical stimulation; hot and cold packs; and traction to relieve neck and back pain.
- Measures patient’s joint range-of-motion, muscle strength via manual muscle testing, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of specific treatments.
- Evaluates, fits and trains patients in the use and care of orthotic braces, prostheses, and assistive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs; adjusts devices as necessary; makes recommendations to orthotist.
- Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to: perform various physical activities; learn and improve functional activities such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily living activities.
- Confers with members of physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs.
- Instructs patients and families in treatment procedures for best carryover in multiple environments.
- Maintains accurate and timely patient reports and documentation in electronic medical records.
- Reviews individual files to obtain background information prior to evaluations to determine appropriate tests to administer and to ensure that all necessary information is collected.
- Administers, scores, and interprets evaluation reports in order to develop and modify an individualized treatment plan.
- Reviews treatment plans, and assesses individual performance to modify, change, or write new goals; observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients’ responses to treatments and progress.
- Consistently maintains high patient care productivity.
- Maintains an awareness of the patient attendance policy, enforcing it impartially and consistently at all times.
- Acts as a consultant to educational, medical, and other professional groups as well as fellow staff members.
- Collaborates with other disciplines to incorporate physical therapy goals into daily activities.
- Researches and implements new physical therapy techniques.
- Refers patients for other services, whether internal or external, as warranted and appropriate.
- Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.
Education and/or Experience
Master’s or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy with related experience and/or training. Work experience preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Active and unencumbered Tennessee State PT License required; American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certification with skills testing required; membership in APTA recommended; HIPAA certification encouraged.
Computer Skills
To be successful in this job, an individual should have basic computer skills and the ability to learn new software and web-based applications such as electronic medical records. Experience with electronic medical records systems preferred.
Values
- Compassion
- Willingness
- Courage
- Faith
Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Flex Dollars (for professional development and licensing) and Uniform Allowance.
How to ApplyURL: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/69678fde-bdd8-4e9d-ae98-f6105a0e1f68/Special-Kids-Inc
Details- Date Posted: November 11, 2025
- Type: Full-Time
- Job Function: Clinician
- Service Area: Children / Youth
- Start Date: 12/08/2025
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week
Freqently Asked Questions
Nashville's growing healthcare sector creates steady demand for pediatric physical therapists, but competition remains moderate due to the presence of several specialized clinics. Candidates with advanced pediatric certifications or travel therapy experience tend to stand out in this metro area.
In Tennessee, holding a state physical therapy license is mandatory, with additional pediatric-specific certifications such as the Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) enhancing job prospects. Employers in Nashville often favor therapists trained in both outpatient and inpatient pediatric care settings.
While pediatric physical therapy assistants support treatment plans, therapists require in-depth knowledge of developmental milestones, neuromuscular disorders, and customized exercise prescriptions. They also conduct assessments and coordinate multidisciplinary care, skills critical for effective pediatric rehabilitation.
Advancement often leads from clinical roles to specialized consultant positions or leadership in pediatric therapy programs. Some therapists pursue further education to become clinical instructors or transition into research focusing on pediatric physical therapy innovations.
Working with children demands creative, engaging therapy techniques tailored to developmental stages, contrasting with adult-focused therapy. Pediatric therapists often collaborate closely with families and schools, addressing unique behavioral and motivational challenges.
Center For Nonprofit Management encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and community outreach, providing pediatric physical therapists opportunities to impact child health beyond clinical care. The organization's focus on nonprofit healthcare initiatives fosters a mission-driven work environment.
Therapists benefit from access to specialized training programs and networking within nonprofit health sectors, enhancing expertise in pediatric rehabilitation. The center's emphasis on management skills also prepares therapists for future roles in program development or consultancy.
Typical annual earnings for pediatric physical therapists in Nashville range between $65,000 and $85,000, influenced by experience, certifications, and employer type. Positions within nonprofit organizations may offer competitive benefits, sometimes compensating slightly below private sector wages.
Travel pediatric physical therapy roles are emerging around Nashville, driven by regional healthcare needs and seasonal demand. These jobs appeal to therapists seeking diverse clinical experiences and flexible schedules, often offering higher pay compared to permanent positions.
Assistants typically support therapy activities under supervision, focusing on executing treatment plans and patient monitoring. Pediatric physical therapists, however, design individualized care strategies, perform evaluations, and lead clinical decision-making, reflecting a higher responsibility level.
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