The need for health care workers and physical therapists in particular is only projected to grow as the population ages. Between job security and the noble purpose of helping people every day, health care is a popular industry for career hopefuls. There are many different career paths to choose from with both general and specific applications. Different occupations in health care come with varying levels of stress, inherent risk and educational requirements.
Many young people embarking on new careers are attracted to physical therapy because they like to stay fit and get plenty of one-on-one time helping patients. Having an interest in the musculoskeletal system and how the human body moves is another great reason to begin a career in physical therapy. PT jobs typically have a good work/life balance. Your critical thinking skills need to be sharp to determine what’s causing a patient’s pain. To maintain your license, you need to be a lifelong learner.
Is all of this getting you excited? Becoming a physical therapist isn’t a fast or easy career goal to reach. But it can be very rewarding and offer you a long career of secure and meaningful employment. Keep reading to learn what qualifications national physical therapy companies and recruiters are looking for in new hires.
What qualifications do physical therapy clinics look for in job candidates?
The most basic qualifications PT clinics look for are education, licensing and certifications. The minimum requirement to become a physical therapist in most states is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited college or university, a one-year residency and an active state license. In some states, you may need to pass a law exam and a criminal background check. Areas of specialization may have unique requirements, and these can vary by state, too.
8 qualifications physical therapy clinics are looking for
Each employer will have its own requirements for PTs and expectations for specific roles or specialty areas. It’s a good idea to find out the licensing requirements in your state and do some research on any specialty areas you’re interested in. This can help you make decisions about what classes to take and what kinds of residencies to apply for. There are other nonclinical roles in physical therapy you can explore, too.
If you’re considering a career in PT, you’re in the right place! These are the eight qualifications most physical therapy clinics consider when evaluating candidates:
- Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
The first qualification to work on is a bachelor’s degree in a related subject area like recreation and fitness or sports medicine. Your degree program should include the prerequisite courses you’ll need for graduate-level physical therapy studies, such as anatomy, chemistry and physics.
Next, you’ll need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduate PT programs typically last three years.
- Clinical residency and experience
Physical therapists may apply to a clinical residency program after graduation, which will prepare you for a board certification exam. Residencies typically last about one year, and they provide training and experience in specialty areas of care. This is when you’ll start doing hands-on work with your own patients, and it’s a valuable way to gain clinical experience. Of course, more senior roles will require more years of experience.
There are some aspects of being a PT that you can only learn on the job. It takes some time to learn how to balance a full patient load and start each session fresh, even late in the day. You’ll need to represent the hiring company’s values to your patients by upholding certain standards and procedures. It’s also important to know how you can collaborate with teammates to create the best environment for wellness.
- State physical therapy license
All states will require you to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination, known as the NPTE. Other requirements can vary. For example, some states require a law exam and a criminal background check. To maintain a valid license, you’ll need to earn continuing education credits during each cycle. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.
- Board certification
Want to work in a specific subspecialty area or work for a company that requires it? You’ll need American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) specialist certification. To get your board specialist certification, you’ll need to pass an exam and complete clinical work in the specialty area. You may consider specializing in an area like orthopedics, sports or geriatrics.
- Clinical fellowship
Physical therapists who have completed a residency program or have board certification can apply for fellowships in advanced clinical areas. A fellowship is the highest recognized level of clinical training. Finishing one can take you from a clinical specialist to a clinical expert, and you’ll be qualified for more specialized positions.
Fellowships are accredited post-professional learning experiences that cover advanced knowledge, skills and responsibilities within a subspecialty area. There are clinical fellowships for things like hand therapy, neonatology and performing arts. A clinical fellowship can open up higher-paying positions after you complete your residency or board certification.
- “Team player” mentality
Every physical therapy employer wants people who are not only friendly and approachable with patients, but also fun to work with. You’ll be meeting new people and building new relationships with patients almost every week. The abilities to form quick bonds and communicate effectively are critical to your job performance. And sharing responsibilities with your co-workers and supporting them will ensure that you have the support you need to thrive in your PT role. Interviews are the best place to show and tell prospective employers why they’ll enjoy working with you.
- Eagerness to grow and learn
Many physical therapy clinics like to develop team members who will grow the company’s capabilities and prestige as they advance in their careers. The continuing education credits you need to maintain your license are only the beginning. Being a lifelong learner will help you build better relationships with your patients. Also, earning advanced certifications will help you earn more as a PT specialist.
- Desire to travel
Physical therapy might not be the first career that comes to mind when you’re looking for travel opportunities. But some positions with national physical therapy companies require employees to travel for temporary assignments. The ability to travel for months at a time can set you apart as a valuable team member, and you’ll get to experience life in different locations. If you love traveling and exploring new places, a career as a traveling PT could be perfect for you.
Find the next step in your physical therapy career by joining the Alliance PTP team
Do you feel like you’re struggling to advance your career? You don’t have to continue struggling alone. At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’ve created a nationwide partnership in care that’s constantly evolving to help our PT practice partners and their team members take on their latest challenges.
Not only does our team have the expertise and resources to help practice owners and sellers meet their challenges, we also offer a range of professional development and support for our partners’ team members, too.
That’s why all our new physical therapists and physical therapy assistants participate in a mentoring program. This program allows you to meet regularly with experienced professionals who can help you address your needs as someone who’s new to the Alliance PTP team. They can also help you set specific goals for your professional development. Most importantly, your mentorship will help you provide your patients with best-quality PT care.
Taking advantage of all the career opportunities Alliance PTP offers starts with one simple step. Look over our Careers page to see all the current career opportunities Alliance PTP is offering.
