Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Updated: April 2025 | Hub: Healthcare Jobs | Positions: RN, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, CNA | Min Age: 18

Encompass Health Application Guide (2025): How to Apply for a Rehab or Nursing Job

Quick Answer: Encompass Health is America’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services, operating 160+ rehabilitation hospitals across the U.S. To apply, visit encompasshealth.com/careers. Physical Therapists start at $38–$48/hr, Occupational Therapists earn $36–$46/hr, RNs earn $30–$42/hr, and Speech-Language Pathologists earn $38–$50/hr. Encompass Health focuses on post-acute inpatient rehabilitation — stroke, orthopedic surgery recovery, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. The company employs approximately 48,000 people and is publicly traded (NYSE: EHC).

Encompass Health at a Glance

Founded: 1984, Birmingham, Alabama (originally HealthSouth Corporation)
Rebranded: 2018 (from HealthSouth to Encompass Health)
Facilities: 160+ inpatient rehabilitation hospitals across 37 states and Puerto Rico
Employees: 48,000+
Specialty: Inpatient rehabilitation — patients recovering from stroke, joint replacement, brain injury, fractures, and neurological conditions
Patient days per year: Serves approximately 200,000+ patients annually
Glassdoor rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars — high for healthcare
Stock: NYSE: EHC

How to Apply at Encompass Health

Step 1: Visit encompasshealth.com/careers

Encompass Health’s careers portal lists openings by position type and location. Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech-Language Pathologist roles are frequently open at all facilities due to consistent demand for rehabilitation services. RN and CNA positions are also regularly posted. Filter by your specialty (PT, OT, SLP, RN, RRT) and state.

Step 2: Submit License and Credential Information

All clinical positions require current state licensure or certification. PTs, OTs, and SLPs must submit their license number, state, and expiration date. RNs must provide their nursing license and BLS/ACLS certification. New graduates are eligible for PT, OT, and SLP positions with proof of passing board exams. Encompass Health actively recruits new grads — they offer structured onboarding and mentorship.

Step 3: Rehab Director or HR Interview

Clinical interviews at Encompass Health include questions about your experience with rehabilitation populations (stroke, orthopedic, neurological) and your patient care philosophy. PT/OT/SLP interviews may include scenario-based questions about treatment planning. RN interviews cover patient assessment, medication management, and rehabilitation nursing skills specific to post-acute recovery.

Encompass Health Pay Rates (2025)

Encompass Health Pay Rates by Position (2025)
Position	Starting Pay	Experienced Pay	Type
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)	$17–$21/hr	$21–$26/hr	Full-time / Part-time
RN (Registered Nurse)	$30–$37/hr	$37–$46/hr	Full-time
Physical Therapist (PT)	$38–$45/hr	$45–$58/hr	Full-time
Occupational Therapist (OT)	$36–$43/hr	$43–$56/hr	Full-time
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)	$38–$46/hr	$46–$60/hr	Full-time
Rehab Manager (PT/OT/SLP lead)	$85,000–$105,000/yr	$105,000–$130,000/yr	Salaried

Requirements

PT: Active state Physical Therapy license (or new grad with passing NPTE score).
OT: Active state Occupational Therapy license (or new grad with passing NBCOT score).
SLP: Active state Speech-Language Pathology license (or CF-SLP on Clinical Fellowship). CCC-SLP preferred.
RN: Active state RN license, BLS required, ACLS preferred.
CNA: Current state CNA certification.
Background check: Criminal background, OIG exclusion list check, and drug screen required for all clinical hires.

Benefits

Health insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision — one of the better healthcare employer benefit packages in the post-acute space.
401(k): Company match retirement plan.
Student loan forgiveness: Encompass Health facilities qualify as non-profit (501(c)(3)) or government entities for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) in some cases — confirm with your specific facility. PTs and SLPs with significant student loan debt should investigate PSLF eligibility before joining.
Continuing education: CEU reimbursement for license renewal requirements for all licensed clinicians.
Clinical ladder: Structured clinical advancement tracks for PT, OT, SLP, and RN — Clinical I through Clinical IV with corresponding pay increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is inpatient rehab a good setting for new PT/OT/SLP graduates?

Yes — inpatient rehab is considered one of the best practice settings for new PT, OT, and SLP graduates. The patient population (stroke, joint replacement, brain injury) represents core clinical training from school, and Encompass Health’s structured onboarding and mentorship programs are designed specifically to support new grads. Inpatient rehab offers higher patient complexity than outpatient and more intensive daily therapy (3 hours/day minimum) than skilled nursing, giving new clinicians rapid skill development. Encompass Health recruits new grads actively and is generally considered a strong first employer in the rehabilitation space.