Do you need to hire a physical therapist? Learn everything you need to know about physical therapist job descriptions, where to find physical therapists, and the skills you should look for.
When it comes to hiring a physical therapist, it's important to find the right candidate for your business. Physical therapists play a vital role in helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses, and they can also help improve your company's reputation and patient care. However, finding the right physical therapist can be a challenging process.
In this guide, we will share everything you need to know about hiring a physical therapist.
Quickstart Guide To Hiring A Physical Therapist
- Determine your hiring needs: Before you start recruiting, determine your hiring needs and job requirements. This will help you create an accurate job description and target the right candidates.
- Snag our physical therapist job description. Customize it to your needs.
- Sign up for a free trial on ZipRecruiter. Post your physical therapist job listing on ZipRecruiter to reach a large pool of candidates. ZipRecruiter is our favorite free job posting site.
Post Your First Job Free With ZipRecruiter Start with ZipRecruiter today to find the best candidates out there.
How to Hire A Physical Therapist In 3 Steps
1. Identify Your Hiring Needs
When identifying your hiring needs for a physical therapist, it's important to consider the specific skills and qualifications required for the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists must have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and be licensed in the state they practice in. They also need to have strong interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with patients to develop treatment plans and monitor progress.
Additionally, it's important to consider the specific patient population you serve. For example, if you work with elderly patients, you may want to look for a physical therapist with experience in geriatric care. If you work with athletes, you may want to look for a physical therapist with experience in sports medicine.
The top skills employers look for in physical therapists include clinical skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills. It's important to keep these skills in mind when creating a job description and evaluating candidates.
To ensure that you attract the right candidates, your job description should be detailed and specific. It should outline the key responsibilities of the position, such as conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and monitoring progress. It should also include the qualifications required for the job, such as a DPT degree and state licensure.
2. Write A Compelling Job Description
Writing a compelling job description is key to attracting the best physical therapists for your organization. According to a survey by LinkedIn, job seekers are most interested in learning about the company culture and values when evaluating job opportunities. This means that it's important to highlight your organization's culture, values, and mission in the job description.
In addition to highlighting your organization's culture and values, your job description should also clearly outline the key responsibilities and requirements for the position. This will help attract candidates who have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the role.
To make your job description stand out, you should also highlight any unique benefits or perks that your organization offers. According to a survey by SHRM, the top benefits that employees look for include generous paid time off, flexible and remote working options, and paid family leave. By highlighting these benefits in your job description, you can attract top talent and differentiate your organization from competitors.
By writing a compelling job description that highlights your organization's culture, values, and benefits, as well as the essential responsibilities and requirements for the position, you can attract top talent and make informed hiring decisions.
3. Post The Physical Therapist Job Online
Once you have identified your hiring needs and written a compelling job description, it's time to post the physical therapist job online. There are many job boards and recruitment websites that you can use to advertise your position.
When posting your job online, be sure to include all of the relevant details about the position, including the job title, location, and salary range. You should also include a clear call-to-action that encourages candidates to apply for the position.
One effective job board to consider is ZipRecruiter. Not only is it one of the most popular job boards, but it also offers a free trial for new users. Or check out our list of the best free job posting sites.
According to a survey conducted by ZipRecruiter, 80% of employers who use the platform find a quality candidate within the first day of posting a job. Additionally, ZipRecruiter uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to match job seekers with relevant job openings, making it easier for you to find the right candidate.
In addition to general job boards like ZipRecruiter, you may want to consider posting your job on niche job boards that are specific to physical therapists. These job boards are focused on a specific industry or skillset, which means that the job seekers visiting these sites are specifically looking for jobs within that industry or field.
Some niche job boards that cater to physical therapists include:
- PTJobs.com: This job board is dedicated to physical therapy jobs and allows employers to post jobs and search resumes. According to the website, PTJobs.com has over 35,000 registered job seekers.
- TherapyJobs.com: This job board is dedicated to therapy jobs, including physical therapy. Employers can post jobs and search resumes for free.
By posting your job opening on niche job boards that cater to physical therapists, you can increase your reach and attract a larger pool of qualified candidates who are specifically interested in physical therapy jobs.
Why Hire A Physical Therapist?
When it comes to healthcare, physical therapy is a crucial aspect of treatment for many patients. Physical therapists specialize in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and other medical conditions that affect their ability to move and function properly. Here are some reasons why hiring a physical therapist can be beneficial:
Expertise In Movement and Function
Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. They have a deep understanding of how the body works and how to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence. They use a variety of techniques and exercises to help patients improve their range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent further injury.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Physical therapists create personalized treatment plans for each patient based on their specific needs and goals. They take into account the patient's medical history, current condition, and lifestyle to create a plan that is tailored to their individual needs. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Preventative Care
Physical therapists not only help patients recover from injuries and medical conditions, but they also provide preventative care. They teach patients how to maintain their strength, flexibility, and mobility to prevent future injuries and medical conditions. This can help patients lead healthier, more active lives and reduce their risk of needing more invasive medical treatments in the future.
Cost-Effective Treatment
Physical therapy can be a cost-effective alternative to more invasive medical treatments. By helping patients recover from injuries and medical conditions, physical therapists can reduce the need for surgeries, medications, and other expensive treatments. This can save patients money and reduce the overall cost of healthcare.
What Does It Cost To Hire A Physical Therapist?
Hiring a physical therapist can be a significant expense for any organization. The cost of hiring a physical therapist can vary depending on several factors, including the experience of the therapist, the location of the practice, and the type of facility.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists is $97,720. However, this can vary depending on the location and experience of the therapist. For example, physical therapists working in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in rural areas.
Recruitment Spend
Recruitment spend can also add to the cost of hiring a physical therapist. Advertising job openings, attending job fairs, and working with recruitment agencies can all be costly. Organizations may also need to spend money on background checks and drug tests for potential hires.
Tuition Reimbursement
Some organizations offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit to attract and retain physical therapists. This can help offset the cost of hiring a physical therapist who has recently graduated and may have significant student loan debt.
Other Costs
Other costs associated with hiring a physical therapist include providing benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Organizations may also need to provide continuing education opportunities for their physical therapists to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest practices and technologies.
Skills And Qualifications To Look For In A Physical Therapist
When hiring a physical therapist, there are certain skills and qualifications that should be considered to ensure that the candidate is the right fit for the job. Here are some of the most important skills and qualifications to look for in a physical therapist:
Strong Communication Skills
One of the most important skills for a physical therapist is the ability to communicate effectively with patients. This includes being able to explain complex medical concepts in a way that patients can understand, as well as being able to listen to patients and understand their concerns. A physical therapist who is able to build a strong rapport with patients is more likely to be successful in helping them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
In-Depth Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology
Physical therapists must have a thorough understanding of the human body, including anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is critical in developing treatment plans that are tailored to the specific needs of each patient. A physical therapist who can identify the root cause of a patient's pain or disability is more likely to be able to develop an effective treatment plan.
Strong Problem-Solving Skills
Physical therapists must be able to think critically and solve problems quickly. They must be able to adapt their treatment plans to meet the changing needs of their patients, and they must be able to make adjustments on the fly as needed. A physical therapist who is able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions is more likely to be successful in helping their patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Active Listening Skills
Active listening is a critical skill for physical therapists. They must be able to listen to their patients and understand their concerns, as well as be able to respond in a way that is empathetic and supportive. A physical therapist who is able to build a strong rapport with their patients is more likely to be successful in helping them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Required Qualifications
Physical therapists must complete a bachelor’s degree program and then a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, as well as pass a national licensing exam. They must also be licensed in the state in which they practice. In addition, physical therapists must have strong interpersonal skills, be able to work well in a team environment and be committed to ongoing professional development.
After completing their doctoral program, some physical therapists opt to further their education by enrolling in a residency or fellowship program. These programs offer advanced training and mentorship and enable the physical therapist to specialize and gain expertise in a particular area.
When hiring a physical therapist, it is important to consider their skills and qualifications to ensure they are the right fit for the job. By focusing on these key areas, employers can find candidates who can provide high-quality care to their patients.
If you want to become a physical therapist, we recommend polishing your resume. Check out our physical therapist resume guide to learn more.
Best Places To Find A Physical Therapist
When it comes to finding a physical therapist, there are a few places that employers can look to find the best candidates. Here are some of the best places to find a physical therapist:
Online Job Boards
Online job boards like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Monster are great places to find physical therapists. These job boards allow employers to post job listings and receive applications from interested candidates.
Additionally, these job boards often have filtering options that allow employers to narrow down their search to find the best candidates.
Post Your First Job Free With ZipRecruiter Start with ZipRecruiter today to find the best candidates out there.
Niche Job Boards
Niche job boards like Health eCareers and PTJobs are specifically designed for healthcare professionals, including physical therapists. These job boards often have a more targeted audience, which can lead to more qualified applicants.
Local Colleges
Local colleges that offer physical therapy programs are great places to find physical therapists. Employers can reach out to these colleges to see if they can post job listings or attend job fairs to meet with potential candidates.
Job Fairs
Job fairs are events where employers and job seekers can meet in person. These events are great for employers who want to meet with potential candidates and discuss the job in more detail. Employers can attend job fairs at local colleges or community centers to meet with physical therapy students and professionals.
Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies can help employers find physical therapists quickly and efficiently. These agencies have a pool of qualified candidates and can match employers with the best fit for their organization. Additionally, staffing agencies can handle the hiring process, including background checks and employment verification.
Bottom Line
Hiring a physical therapist can be a daunting task, but it is a crucial step towards providing quality care for patients. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when hiring a physical therapist:
- Develop a detailed job description and specific hiring requirements to attract the right candidates.
- Look for candidates with the required licenses, certifications, and continuing education to ensure they are qualified for the position.
- Consider the candidate's experience, skills, and temperament to determine if they are a good fit for the organization's team.
- Provide a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent.
- Conduct thorough interviews and reference checks to ensure the candidate is a good fit for the position and the organization.
By following these tips, organizations can hire a physical therapist who will provide quality care to patients and contribute to the success of the organization.
Post your physical therapist opening on ZipRecruiter today!
