Physical Therapist Hiring Strategies and Employment for the Long-Run

The demand for physical therapists has risen significantly over the past decade, driven by factors such as an aging population and an increase in chronic conditions. This surge in demand underscores the critical need for effective strategies to attract, hire, and retain skilled physical therapists. In this article, we will explore key tactics for physical therapist recruitment, physical therapist hiring strategies, and how to promote longevity in physical therapy employment within your organization.

The Importance of Physical Therapists in Healthcare

Physical therapists (PTs) play a pivotal role in the healthcare sector. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating individuals with injuries or illnesses that limit their ability to move and perform daily activities. Their expertise is essential in helping patients recover, manage pain, and improve their overall quality of life.

Physical therapists can help with more than sports injuries, too. They are typically involved in the care of:

• Age-related changes
• Amputations
• Back and neck injuries
• Mobility impairments from injury
• Neurological disorders such as stroke
• And more

Since they have such an important role on the healthcare team, physical therapy employment opportunities are abundant, and hiring physical therapists is a top priority for many healthcare organizations. A challenge lies in finding and retaining the right match.

Physical Therapist Recruitment

To uncover how to attract top physical therapy talent, we asked a physical therapist to give us the inside scoop on which physical therapist hiring strategies really work – and which ones don’t.

Q: What are your top priorities when looking for a job?

A: When I’m looking for a new job, I really prioritize opportunities for professional growth. I want to work somewhere that offers specialized training programs and certifications so I can keep expanding my skills and advance my career. I am a new-grad PT and don’t want to be stuck doing the basics forever.

I know it can be taboo for some employers, but a positive work-life balance is also important to me. I know that I will have to work hard and meet productivity standards, but I find it attractive when companies have supportive leave policies that allow me to take time off for my personal health, wellness, and continuing education. I want to be able to do well for my patients, but sometimes that means I need some time to myself. I don’t want to burn out like I’ve seen so many people do in healthcare.

I think one last thing would be respect for my autonomy as a licensed clinician. I have a doctorate and a license that I have to maintain on my own merit. To me, that means I have to weigh the ethics of each choice I make and the value of each intervention I administer. I have heard of many employers wanting to tell therapists what they “have” to do, but I look for a place that knows I have to make that call sometimes.

Healthcare organizations must employ a multifaceted approach for physical therapist recruitment. Competitive compensation and benefits packages are fundamental, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. However, offering continuing education opportunities and professional development programs can also be a significant draw for physical therapist recruitment. Offering a clear pathway to promotion and leadership positions can mitigate some of the difficulties of entry-level physical therapist jobs.

In addition to traditional benefits, cultivating a positive and supportive work environment is essential for both attracting and retaining skilled physical therapists. This includes fostering a collaborative atmosphere where therapists feel comfortable sharing their clinical reasoning and making important judgment calls with the help and support of their team. Providing opportunities for teamwork in healthcare not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the overall growth and success of the organization. Word travels fast in the healthcare industry – a positive workplace culture that values open communication, mutual respect, and work-life balance can significantly improve physical therapist recruitment.

Q: What are your biggest pet peeves when reading job ads?

A: Physical therapists do a lot of different jobs. We all “Eval & Treat” but that looks different in every setting. When I look at a job ad, my biggest pet peeve is when it gives no detail about the job other than a basic description about what a PT does. In order to get my license, I had to know very well what I do as a PT, but what is it that you are looking for. Things like productivity standards, equipment available, and number of staff to support me (like techs, other PTs, etc.) would be much more helpful. I tend to apply to all possible jobs and then have to figure out during the interview what the job is actually like.

Hiring Physical Therapists

Once you have captured the attention of physical therapists via a perfectly written job ad, it’s time to think about physical therapist hiring strategies. We asked our PT contact more about their hiring experience.

Q: Think about a PT position you have applied for and accepted now or in the past. What made you apply for that job? Why did you choose to take that job over others?

A: I once applied for a PT position at a sports medicine clinic that really caught my eye. The job ad was specific about the caseload, mentioning a mix of orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehab, which aligned perfectly with my interests. They also highlighted their commitment to continuing education and mentorship, which was a big plus for me as a new grad looking to grow.

What really sold me on the position was the interview process. The clinic director was a PT himself and really understood the challenges and rewards of the profession. He talked about the collaborative atmosphere, the emphasis on evidence-based practice, and the opportunities for professional development within the company. I could tell they valued their therapists and were invested in their success. Compared to other job offers, this clinic stood out for its focus on professional growth and supportive work environment, which were my top priorities.

Highlighting opportunities for growth and development within the job description and during the interview is crucial. This includes not only continuing education and mentorship programs but also potential avenues for specialization or career advancement within the company. By showcasing these opportunities, employers demonstrate their commitment to investing in their therapists’ professional growth, which is a significant factor for many job seekers.

A well-structured interview process is equally important in attracting and hiring top PT talent. Ideally, the interview should be conducted by someone who has a deep understanding of the physical therapy profession, such as a clinic director or senior therapist. This allows for a more meaningful conversation about the role, the company culture, and the candidate’s specific skills and experiences. A knowledgeable interviewer can also effectively communicate the organization’s commitment to its therapists, fostering a positive candidate experience and increasing the likelihood of successfully hiring physical therapists.

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Retaining Physical Therapists

After hiring comes physical therapist employment and retaining skilled physical therapists is just as important as attracting and hiring them. Let’s see what a physical therapist had to say about retention.

Q: If you were offered a job elsewhere, what could your current employer offer you to convince you to stay?

A: As a new grad PT who just landed my first job, I’m really excited about the opportunity to grow and learn in my current role. I’m not actively looking to leave, but if I were offered a position elsewhere, there are a few things that would make me strongly consider staying.

As a new grad, having a mentor who can guide me through the transition from student to professional is invaluable. Continued access to mentorship and support would be a huge factor in my decision to stay.

Also, while I’m enjoying the general PT experience, I’m also interested in exploring potential areas of specialization. If my current employer could offer opportunities to develop specialized skills or work with specific patient populations, that would be a significant incentive to stay.

Student loans are a reality for many new grads, and assistance with managing this debt would be a major benefit.

I think the last thing I would add is that knowing that there are opportunities for growth and advancement within the company would be a strong motivator to stay long-term. I know the days of pensions are long gone, but a clear path for promotions is a great perk!

This PT highlighted some great ways to retain top physical therapist talent. Below we break down these strategies that employers can use to foster long-term commitment from their PTs:

• Mentorship and Support: Providing ongoing mentorship and support, especially for new graduates, is crucial for job satisfaction and retention. As therapists gain experience, continued support in the form of clinical supervision and professional development opportunities can help them feel valued and invested in their roles.
   
• Specialization Opportunities: Offering opportunities for therapists to develop specialized skills or work with specific patient populations can be a significant retention factor. This allows therapists to pursue their professional interests and further develop their expertise, leading to increased job satisfaction.
   
• Financial Incentives: Providing tuition reimbursement or assistance with student loans can be a powerful incentive for new graduates and experienced therapists alike. This demonstrates a commitment to the therapist’s financial well-being and can help alleviate the burden of student debt.
   
• Career Advancement: A clear path for career advancement, with opportunities for increased responsibility, leadership roles, and professional growth, is essential for retaining ambitious and motivated therapists. This shows that the organization values its employees and is invested in their long-term success.

With these strategies, you are ready to maintain your physical therapists’ employment at your company throughout their entire career.

Physical Therapy Employment for the Long-Run

The growing demand for physical therapist employment necessitates a proactive and strategic approach to attracting, hiring, and retaining these valuable healthcare professionals. By offering competitive compensation, fostering a positive work environment, and providing opportunities for growth and development, healthcare organizations can build and maintain a strong physical therapy employment base to meet the evolving needs of their patients. Effective physical therapist recruitment efforts and physical therapist hiring strategies are essential for ensuring the continued success of healthcare organizations in meeting the rapidly growing need.

Ready to connect with qualified Physical Therapists in your area? Post your job on iHireTherapy or access our resume database today!