How to hire a physical therapist?

Physical Therapists, also known as Physiotherapists, collaborate with medical doctors and treat injured or ill people to improve their mobility, acquire flexibility, and manage physical pain. A physiotherapist collaborates with other healthcare professionals to deliver optimized patient care. From rehabilitating athletes recovering from sports injuries to aiding individuals managing chronic pain or providing post-surgical recovery assistance, their expertise spans diverse patient groups and settings. 

To ensure patient outcomes are met, many administrators want clarity on the roles and responsibilities of a Physical Therapist in a healthcare facility. A Physical Therapist evaluates physical conditions, develops personalized treatment plans, and applies therapeutic techniques to restore movement, prevent disability, and enhance the quality of life for patients.

In the advancing landscape of modern medicine, the role of Physical Therapists has become increasingly essential and indispensable. According to research by the National Institute of Health, over 50 million Americans seek physical therapy services each year, and 90% of physical therapy patients say that the treatment has improved their overall quality of life. 

For healthcare employers seeking to hire physical therapist professionals efficiently, understanding the versatile role of physical therapists and the rising demand is the first step toward making informed hiring decisions.

Why is there a surge in hiring Physical Therapists?

With modern medicine and a shift to value-based care, the healthcare sector in the USA is reforming by focusing on the quality of service and patient outcomes. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by providing effective interventions that improve the functional well-being of the patients.

One of the main reasons for the increased demand to hire Physical Therapists in the USA is the aging population. WHO reports that 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over by 2030. There is an increased need for rehabilitation services to manage conditions such as arthritis, stroke recovery, and other geriatric concerns due to the aging baby boomer generation.

 The predominance of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in the US population is another explanation for the increasing demand to hire Physiotherapists. Various therapeutic methods, along with exercise prescription and lifestyle management, are advised by Physiotherapists to manage chronic health conditions and are found to be mostly effective. 

Types of Physical Therapists

Physiotherapists collaborate with physical therapy assistants, educators, social workers, nurses, doctors, and surgeons to treat patients across all age groups, from infants to the elderly. There are 10 specializations of Physiotherapists classified by theAmerican Board of Physical Therapy Specialties based on the domain they work on, such as,

1. Orthopedics
2. Sports
3. Neurology
4. Cardiovascular and pulmonary 
5. Pediatrics
6. Geriatrics
7. Women’s Health 
8. Clinical Electrophysiology
9. Oncology
10. Wound management

Qualifications & skillsets required

To hire Physiotherapists, the following are the educational qualifications and skill sets to be considered. Employers should verify state-specific licensing requirements before proceeding with onboarding. It is also beneficial to look for candidates who have completed clinical rotations in specialties relevant to your facility, such as orthopedics, neurology, or geriatrics. Strong clinical experience in similar settings often results in faster adaptation and better patient outcomes.

• To become a Physical Therapist practitioner, you typically need to complete a three-to-four-year post-baccalaureate degree in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or an integrated doctoral program (3+3 physical therapy + degree) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• While not mandatory, certain states require Physiotherapists to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). By successfully passing the NPTE and completing 2000 hours of clinical experience, Physical Therapists can become board-certified.
• Some states mandate that Physiotherapists pass a jurisprudence exam, which tests their understanding of state-specific laws and regulations governing physical therapy practice. 
• Apart from the practical skillsets, a Physiotherapist requires skills such as effective communication, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.

While hiring Physical Therapists, it is essential to evaluate their core clinical skills. These foundational abilities directly impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. A detailed infographic is provided below, highlighting the top skills to look for when hiring.