Navigating the job market can be daunting for those starting a physical therapy career or seeking a change. However, thanks to the increasing demand for physical therapists, there are many ways to find job opportunities. Physical therapists can find jobs in a variety of settings. The perfect physical therapy job is out there for you to apply your skills and expertise, and an Alliance Physical Therapy Partners (Alliance PTP) clinic could be where you find it.
How to locate physical therapy job opportunities
Effective ways to find physical therapy jobs near you are:
- Online job portals — Using popular online job portals allows you to search for available physical therapy positions in your area. These platforms let you filter listings based on location, experience level and other preferences. This can make finding opportunities that align with your requirements easier.
- Professional networking — Tapping into your professional network can uncover hidden opportunities. Connect with fellow physical therapists, clinicians and health care professionals by attending industry events, conferences and workshops. It can also help to join online forums, professional associations and social media groups that are dedicated to physical therapy. These can help grow your network and keep you connected to hear about job openings in your area.
- Recruitment agencies — You can contact recruitment agencies specializing in health care placements. These agencies may have access to exclusive job listings and can match you with opportunities that line up with your skills, experience and career goals. Submit your résumé and schedule consultations with recruitment professionals to explore potential job matches.
- Career fairs and job expos — Health care organizations and professional associations often host career fairs, job expos and hiring events. Attending these events can give you the opportunity to meet hiring managers, learn about job openings and network with other industry professionals. Make sure you bring copies of your résumé with you to these events. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and career aspirations with potential employers.
- Clinical rotations and internships — If you are currently enrolled in a physical therapy program or have recently graduated, you could consider leveraging your clinical rotations or internships to secure job opportunities. While in rotations or internships, make sure you build relationships with supervising clinicians, department heads and staff members. They may be able to provide job referrals or recommend you for open positions.
- Local newspaper classifieds — Don’t overlook traditional methods of job searching. Pick up a paper or search the classifieds on their website. Some employers still advertise job openings through print media, so checking the classified sections for physical therapy positions in your area may result in a hidden opportunity.
- Cold outreach — Take a proactive approach in your job hunt. Directly contact health care facilities, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers in your area. Send personalized cover letters and résumés to hiring managers or department heads. Express your interest in potential job openings, and highlight your qualifications and relevant experience with your résumé.
Future outlook for physical therapy careers
The future outlook for physical therapy is promising. There is a continued demand for qualified professionals, which is expected to grow in the coming years. Factors contributing to this positive outlook for physical therapy careers include the following:
- Aging population.
- Preventive care emphasis.
- Advancements in rehabilitation technology.
- Expanded scope of practice.
- Diverse practice settings.
Reasons to be a physical therapist at an outpatient Alliance PTP clinic
Physical therapists work in diverse practice settings from hospitals to schools to skilled nursing facilities. They provide rehabilitative services to help people achieve their functional goals, maximize their independence and improve their overall quality of life. A common place to find a physical therapist is at an outpatient clinic, like our Alliance PTP clinics.
- Diverse patient population — Unless you are a specialized physical therapist, an outpatient clinic gives you the chance to work with a wide range of patients, which gives you valuable clinical experience.
- Flexibility in scheduling — An outpatient clinic can have better flexibility for schedules than other settings. This can help you create a better work-life balance and avoid burnout.
- Daily challenges and variety — Working in an outpatient clinic, you’ll get to work with patients dealing with a variety of conditions from orthopedic injuries to neurological disorders. This can help keep your skills sharp.
- Direct patient interaction — Outpatient clinics can allow you to have better, one-on-one interactions with your patients during treatment sessions. This can help you build meaningful relationships and provide more personalized care.
- Advanced technology — Outpatient clinics can be better equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, allowing you to implement cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments.
- Preventive care — The focus in an outpatient clinic is on rehabilitation as well as educating patients about injury prevention to help promote overall wellness. This can help empower patients to maintain their health long-term.
The future outlook for physical therapy careers is optimistic, and demand for rehabilitative services continues to grow. With these ways of looking for a job in mind, it can be a little less daunting to jump into the job search. Knowing where and how to look, you can find the perfect physical therapy job near you, like in an Alliance PTP clinic, that meets your career goals.
Alliance PTP is eager to support you as you work to help patients and your community
Dealing with the constant hustle and bustle of a PT clinic can be tough for a practice’s team to handle on its own. But Alliance Physical Therapy Partners is here to help.
We’ve built a partnership in care that includes physical therapy practices and clinics across the country. The goal of this partnership is to help people find the PT they need and be a positive force in the clinic’s local community. But we also focus on supporting our partners so they can more easily make these goals a reality.
For more on how we help our team members succeed or to see what career opportunities are available now at Alliance PTP partners, take a look at our Careers page.