Travel Physical Therapist - Inpatient Rehabilitation & Cardiac Rehab - $2,523 per week

American Traveler is seeking a travel Physical Therapist for a travel job in Santa Cruz, California.

• Specialty: Physical Therapist
• Discipline: Therapy
• Start Date: 05/11/2026
• Duration: 13 weeks
• 40 hours per week
• Shift: 8 hours, days
• Employment Type: Travel

Assignment Overview

• Shift: Days, 5x8hrs
• Hours: 40 hrs/wk
• Start Date: May 11, 2026
• Length: 13 weeks
• Openings: 1

American Traveler is seeking a Physical Therapist with a minimum of 2 years of acute care experience for a 13-week contract in an inpatient acute care setting with exposure to cardiac rehab, neuro, and orthopedic patient populations.

• Acute care inpatient setting within a Rehab Therapies and Cardiac Rehab unit
• Travelers work inpatient for PT, OT, and Speech services
• Patient population includes spinal cord injuries, TBI, stroke, cardiac rehab, and orthopedic cases; facility also sees pediatric patients (lymphedema, vestibular, wound care), though experience is not required for travelers
• 8-hour day shifts with varied start times ranging from 6:30am to 6:30pm, including a 30-minute lunch break; schedule is determined by the staffing captain
• Weekend requirement of every other Saturday or Sunday, averaging 2 weekend days per 4-week schedule; a day off during the week is provided on weeks a weekend shift is worked
• Floating between hospital units and to the acute rehab unit is required
• Cerner EMR is used in this position
• Phillips telemetry equipment on unit
• Hospitalist/intensivist, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy services available 24/7
• Holiday coverage is determined by a sign-up sheet to fill scheduling gaps; holiday RTO requests will be considered but are not guaranteed

• Minimum 2 years of acute care experience required; 3–5 years preferred
• Experience with orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac patient populations required
• Active PT license required if applicable; must be active — pending licenses will not be accepted
• Current BLS certification required; pending certifications not accepted
• COVID vaccine required
• ICU experience preferred
• Outpatient or home health experience preferred
• Experience with physical disabilities preferred
• Spanish-speaking candidates preferred
• 2 professional references required: one supervisor from within the last 12 months and one peer or supervisor from within the last 3 years, both including dates of employment and eligibility for rehire
• Copy of driver's license required for consideration

• Responsibilities span evaluation and treatment of inpatient acute care patients across orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac rehab diagnoses
• Candidates who have been directly employed (full-time, part-time, or PRN) by any CommonSpirit, CHI, or Dignity Health facility within the past year are not eligible; candidates who worked PRN through outside staffing firms will be considered
• Orientation includes 1 day of hospital orientation followed by 2–3 days of unit-specific orientation
• Scrub dress code: black or dark-colored pants with burgundy dress shirts or polos
• Open to first-time travelers
• One rehab aide is available to support inpatient staff

American Traveler Job ID #P-698132. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel Physical Therapist - Acute Care Hospital

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.