How to hire a physical therapist?
Physical therapists, also known as physiotherapists, collaborate with medical doctors and treat injured or ill people to improve mobility, increase flexibility, and manage pain. A physiotherapist collaborates with other healthcare professionals to deliver optimized patient care.
To ensure patient outcomes are met, many recruiters 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.
This blog explains how to hire a physical therapist by outlining their roles, responsibilities, and the value they bring to patient care.
Understanding the role and demand for physical therapists
Physical therapists’ responsibilities in a healthcare facility include evaluating physical conditions, developing personalized treatment plans, and applying therapeutic techniques to restore movement, prevent disability, and enhance patients’ quality of life.
In the evolving landscape of modern medicine, the role of physical therapists has become increasingly essential. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, over 50 million Americans seek physical therapy services each year, and 90% of physical therapy patients say the treatment has improved their overall quality of life.
For healthcare owners seeking to recruit, understanding the role and knowing how to hire a physical therapist is the first step toward making informed staffing 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. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by providing effective interventions that improve patients’ functional well-being.
One of the main reasons for the increased demand, which you need to know before you plan to hire physical therapists in the USA, is the aging population. WHO reports that 1 in 6 people worldwide will be aged 60 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 for a facility.
Types of physical therapists
Physiotherapists collaborate with physical therapy assistants, educators, social workers, nurses, doctors, and surgeons to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
While you are planning to hire a physical therapist, you must know that there are 10 specializations classified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties based on the domain they work on, such as:
- Orthopedics
- Sports
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary
- Pediatrics
- Geriatrics
- Women’s Health
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Oncology
- Wound management
Understanding how to hire a physical therapist with the right specialization is essential for healthcare facilities to deliver effective patient care across different treatment areas
Qualifications and skillsets required
Recruiters planning to hire a physical therapist must also know the educational qualifications and skill sets required. Employers should also 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, candidates must complete a 3–4 year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program or an integrated doctoral program accredited by CAPTE.
- Some states require physiotherapists to pass the NPTE administered by FSBPT, along with 2000 clinical hours, which can lead to board certification.
- Certain states also mandate passing a jurisprudence exam to assess knowledge of state-specific laws and regulations.
- In addition to clinical expertise, physiotherapists need strong skills.
When recruiting, it is essential to evaluate their core clinical skills. A detailed infographic is provided below, based on the American Physical Therapy Association, highlighting the top skills to look for when staffing.
Essential skills to check during physical therapist staffing
License and practice guidelines
Recruiters who are planning to hire a physiotherapist’s licence are managed by the state or jurisdictional regulatory board in which they work, and must be renewed regularly. Getting a license will include applying, providing proof of education and examination scores, and passing a criminal background check.
For most states, continuing education is a condition for license renewal. A Physiotherapist’s scope of work and supervision requirements are defined by the Physical Therapy Practice Act in each state. Before you hire a physiotherapist, ensure that you have a well-written job description that aligns with the scope of work established by your state.
Job outlook for physical therapists
The physical therapy field is experiencing growth in both salary and demand, alongside an increase in unfilled job positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong employment outlook with employment growing by 15% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This demand is driven by an aging population and a growing preference for non-invasive treatment options. To meet workforce staffing needs and improve recruiting speed, many employers ask if recently recruited physical therapists can be hired on a contract basis.
Yes. Contract-based hiring is a standard solution for filling short-term staffing gaps or meeting seasonal demand, especially in outpatient and rehab facilities.
Checklist to hire a physical therapist
Recruiting a licensed and skilled physical therapist involves more than just verifying education and licensure. You must also assess the candidate’s adaptability to your care setting and their familiarity with your facility’s specific patient population. Ensuring they align with your facility’s values and patient care standards is equally important.
Here is a quick checklist to refer to when you are wondering about how to hire a physiotherapist for your facility.
- Check if they are licensed to practice in your state.
- If licensed in another state, check for reciprocity and endorsement.
- Check whether the candidate has passed the jurisprudence exam, if applicable.
- Look for additional certifications or specialized training relevant to your facility’s needs.
- Assess the candidate’s relevant experience.
- Evaluate proficiency in physiotherapy techniques and equipment.
- Look for strong communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Ensure the candidate has a clean disciplinary record and no history of malpractice.
- Provide competitive pay based on location
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists is around $99,710. For better clarity, a detailed infographic is provided below, showing state-wise salary data across the U.S.
Annual salary of physical therapists by state in the USA
Source: bls.gov
Challenges while recruiting physiotherapists
Check if they are licensed to practice in your state. Verify the license status through the appropriate state licensing board and ensure the license is active without restrictions or suspensions.
- Lack of Physiotherapists with specialized skills and expertise in the domain
- Differing state licensing requirements
- Varying scope of practice restrictions based on the state
- Compliance issues occur when the regular renewal of the license is missed
- Challenging work conditions leading to staff burnout
- The gap between patient demand and the availability of skilled professionals
How is MedSquirrels a solution to recruiting physical therapists?
The main challenge is the shortage of physiotherapists with specialized skills and knowledge in their domain. Plus, with numerous facilities competing for the same top talent, you will likely have to pay more to hire them.
To meet staffing needs, many HR teams have a question: which platforms are best for staffing physical therapists in clinics? The answer will be MedSquirrels.
This platform helps your facility overcome budget challenges related to staffing. These challenges can be alleviated with MedSquirrels. It stands out with its specialized benefits such as
- Transparent pricing,
- Domain-specific candidate pool.
- Affordable staffing plans.
These plans are designed to support facilities of all sizes, from recruitment and credentialing to compliance verification and onboarding. The platform simplifies each step of the recruitment process and helps facilities understand how to hire a physical therapist more efficiently
Healthcare owners can book a free demo to see how the platform helps them make planned recruiting decisions. Professionals can also check open jobs and apply for those that match their skills.
FAQs
How to hire a private physical therapist for a healthcare facility in the USA?
Recruiting, you must evaluate the candidate’s licensure, clinical experience, and specialization. Facilities should also assess whether the therapist aligns with their patient care standards and operational requirements.
What qualifications should I check for a recruiter when I want to hire physical therapists?
A qualified candidate who is planning to work in a hospital should hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited institution and have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Some states also require a jurisprudence exam.
How do licensing requirements for physical therapists vary by state?
Licensing is state-regulated. Most states require NPTE, background checks, and continuing education for renewal. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam based on local laws.
What makes MedSquirrels different from traditional staffing agencies?
Unlike traditional staffing agencies, MedSquirrels, a dedicated healthcare staffing platform, offers flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs. You can hire skilled professionals within your budget.
Can I use MedSquirrels to hire physical therapists on a contract basis?
Yes. MedSquirrels offers cost-effective staffing plans that accommodate a range of needs, including contract, per diem, temp-to-perm, and full-time roles, tailored to your specific staffing strategy.
