Physical therapy enhances the quality of life for people of all ages. It is especially beneficial for older adults to boost flexibility and strength, prevent falls, and improve mobility.
Researchers forecast there will be 273,070 full-time equivalent (FTE) physical therapists in the workforce by 2037. However, as the elderly population in America grows, so does the demand for certified professionals, soaring to 282,230. This leaves a gaping deficit of 9,120.
The physical therapist staffing shortage doesn’t just impact clinics but the country’s aging population. Without accessible PT solutions, seniors who are most at risk for falls will not receive the crucial treatment they need.
The growing prevalence of chronic conditions is also fueling the demand for physical therapists. About 133 million Americans—nearly half the population—have at least one chronic disease, including arthritis, diabetes, and obesity. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and enhancing mobility in individuals with these conditions.
If you feel like your practice has a permanent “help wanted” sign hanging on its door, you’re not alone. In addition to the physical therapy staffing shortage, clinics are facing record-high turnover rates. Nearly 41% of clinics have retention troubles, and 60% have reported an increase in vacancies. Physical therapists are leaving their practices due to relocation, burnout, and low compensation.
But how can busy clinics effectively address these recruitment and retention challenges? It starts with partnering with a specialized physical therapy recruitment firm.
When it comes to landing exceptional physical therapy talent, traditional recruitment methods are falling flat. With numerous clinics competing for the attention of a limited number of candidates, it takes more than a generic job posting to stand out.
High-quality physical therapists have their pick of the litter. They’re weighing multiple offers simultaneously. PT practices have to go above and beyond to position themselves as the employer of choice. If you can’t do this quickly enough, you’ll lose your perfect candidate to a practice that can.
Specialized healthcare recruiting is the key to mastering PT hiring and overcoming staffing shortages. Some of the top benefits of working with a specialized physical therapy recruitment firm include:
Access to Specialized Expertise: Clinics must identify physical therapists with specialized skills and experience in areas such as sports medicine, pediatrics, or geriatric care. Specialized recruitment can help locate these experts, allowing practices to offer a broader range of services to their patients.
Reduced Turnover: Specialized recruiters deliver meaningful employment matches. They’ll find candidates who fit with your clinic’s culture and current team. Better alignment enhances job satisfaction and reduces turnover, as well as the associated expenses, including training costs and lost productivity.
Builds a Stronger Employer Brand: By obtaining and retaining top talent, practices can create a reputation as a desirable workplace. A strong employer brand attracts more future candidates and improves workforce quality.
Practice Growth: Hiring skilled physical therapists helps clinics grow. Strong care teams can increase patient volume, profits, and overall practice success.
Regional Advantage: PT practices site relocation as the leading cause of turnover. Specialized recruiters understand regional market dynamics, helping clinics gain a competitive edge.
While there is a shortage of physical therapists, there is an even greater scarcity of great ones.
An exceptional physical therapist has much more than the proper credentials. They have:
Stellar Communication and Interpersonal Skills: These skills play a significant role in patient-PT interactions. Great physical therapists possess compassion, empathy, and a positive attitude.
Effective Treatment Techniques: Top-notch physical therapists are proficient in various techniques, including exercise prescription, manual therapy, and modalities such as electronic stimulation.
Patient-Centered Approach: The best PTs always put their patients first by setting realistic goals, listening to their needs, and championing their success.
Progress Monitoring: Leading physical therapists are skilled at observing patient progress and know when to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
For long-term success, practices must be able to differentiate the great from the good.
PT recruitment challenges stem from a combination of workforce shortages, intense competition, and high turnover. For practices to remain competitive and provide consistent patient care, these recruitment barriers must be addressed strategically and proactively.
As the demand for rehabilitation services grows, the gap between supply and demand widens. To overcome this hurdle, specialized recruiters invest in proactive sourcing and maintaining ongoing relationships with emerging talent.
Compensation alone isn’t always enough to attract high-quality candidates. Practices must cultivate a compelling employer brand that highlights what makes them unique. This includes:
Even if a physical therapist has the right qualifications, they may not be the right fit for every environment. Misaligned expectations between therapists and employers often lead to burnout and early exits.
Physical therapy recruitment firms utilize behavioral interviews, reference checks, and workplace compatibility assessments to ensure the best possible fits. They look at personality traits, team dynamics, and individual preferences to determine not just whether a candidate can do the job but whether they’ll thrive in your organization.
Specialized recruiters help reduce costly turnover and promote retention by focusing on long-term compatibility.
Cookie-cutter recruiting doesn’t cut it.
Tailored recruitment solutions begin with listening. At Hire Health, we start every partnership with an in-depth discovery process. We learn about your patient population, team dynamics, clinic culture, and long-term goals. From there, we craft a targeted recruitment strategy that speaks to the specific skills and personalities that will thrive in your environment.
Our customizable approach includes:
This ensures a seamless recruitment process and optimal outcomes for our partners and their patients.
Physical therapy practices face numerous challenges in recruitment. Partnering with a physical therapy recruitment agency, like Hire Health, helps clinics find and keep top-notch candidates who align with their culture and existing staff.
Contact us today to learn how you can master PT hiring with our specialized recruitment strategies.