Acute Care Physical Therapist
Merced, CA
Olaro
5x8 hrs, Days
$2,281/weekOverview
- Start Date06/08/2026
- Shift Breakdown5x8 hrs
- ShiftDays
- Duration13 weeks
Pay
Description
Physical Therapist Travel Opportunity - Merced, California
Position Overview
- Seeking an experienced Physical Therapist for a travel contract.
- Minimum 2 full years of experience required.
- Must hold an active California PT license and BLS (AHA) certification.
Contract Length
- 13 weeks
Facility & Unit Information
- Hospital with 189 beds including:
- ICU: 20 beds
- Telemetry: 34 beds
- Medical 5th floor: 34 beds
- Surgical 6th floor: 34 beds
- Medical 7th floor: 34 beds
- Mother and baby units: 33 beds
- Average hospital census: 150 patients
- Off-site outpatient center for PT/OT/ST located 2.5 miles away (8-minute drive)
- Home health services provided by OT and ST at outpatient center
Certifications & Licenses
- BLS (AHA)
- California PT license
Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Cerner B (upgraded version)
Therapy Team Structure
- Therapy leadership includes:
- 1 lead inpatient therapist
- 1 therapy supervisor
- 1 Director of Rehab Services
- Therapy staff includes:
- Outpatient: 3 aides/licensed staff, 1 PTA, 1 COTA, 2 OTRs
- Inpatient: 5 aides/licensed staff, 2 PTAs, 2 OTRs, 5 PTs (including 2 travelers), 3 PD PT inpatient, 2 PD PT outpatient
- Speech Therapy: 2 STs including 1 traveler
Work Schedule & Shifts
- Standard shifts: 8 hours
- PT travelers may work 10-hour shifts, including split weekend schedules (e.g., Wed-Sat or Sun-Wed)
- No holiday shifts required
Dress Code
- Burgundy polo or long sleeve shirt
- Black pants and shoes
Patient Care & Environment
- Telemetry beds: 34 (all floors capable)
- Ventilator patients: typically 2-4, up to 6 at times
- Hospitalists, residents, and telemedicine intensivists available in ICU
- Respiratory therapy and pharmacy services available 24/7
- Wound care therapists on inpatient unit: 3 (2 PTs, 1 PTA)
Floating & Cross-Discipline Support
- Floating between inpatient, outpatient, and home health for OT and ST
- ST primarily outpatient with geriatric and pediatric caseloads; Vital Stim experience preferred
- PT focused on inpatient acute hospital care
Orientation & Training
- General department orientation with skills checklist
- Assigned clinician support during orientation
Patient Population & Common Diagnoses
- Inpatient: adult and geriatric patients with orthopedic, neurological, medical, and pulmonary complications
- Outpatient: pediatric to geriatric diverse population
- OT hand therapy is a significant component
- ST pediatrics is a significant component
Additional Notes
- JCAHO certification for Stroke; NIH certified
- Early mobility program including vent early mobility level 2
- Location highlights: 1 hour to Yosemite, 2 hours to Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Sierra Nevada range
- Local population approximately 70,000+
Employer
Olaro
16 nurses recommend working with Olaro
Pros
Fast, proactive, excellent results!
Cons
No cons. He’s a pro.
1 nurse found this helpful
Olaro Company Description
Olaro is a trusted partner in healthcare staffing, connecting nurses and allied health
professionals with opportunities nationwide. For over 35 years, we’ve helped clinicians
expand their horizons by matching them with assignments that fit their lifestyle, career
goals, and personal ambitions.
At Olaro, we value your expertise and support your growth at every step. We offer
competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and access to diverse clinical experiences
that build your skills and open doors to new possibilities. With 24/7 support, streamlined
onboarding, and a team committed to your success, you’ll always have a proven guide
by your side.
Whether you want to explore new locations, broaden your clinical experience, or
achieve better work–life balance, Olaro provides the flexibility and support to help you
thrive. Join us, and let’s shape the future of healthcare together.
About Merced, CA
As a Travel Physical Therapist in Merced, CA here's what you should know:- Merced's cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Wages may be slightly lower to match the lower cost of living.
- Summer average high is around 95°F, and the winter average low is around 38°F.
- Short term rentals are available but may require some searching as they are not as abundant as in larger cities.
- Merced is car-friendly, but public transportation options are limited.
- Merced has a diverse population with a wide age range.
- Common health issues may include respiratory conditions due to air quality.
- There is a growing population of travel nurses in the area.
- Merced offers a variety of restaurants, especially with diverse cuisines.
- It has a thriving arts scene with galleries and theaters.
- Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and water sports on nearby lakes.
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