4 answers
ella
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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Physical Therapy Questions 3
How do you get a really good physical therapist job? #athlete #occupational-therapy #job-search #jobs
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4 answers
Brittany Bonatesta
Physical therapist
8
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I think part of it is building up your resume. Work as an aide or volunteer in a hospital or clinic to gain knowledge and experience. You will have clinical externships during your PT program, so use those to build your knowledge and skills set as much as possible. Also use those as an opportunity to make connections in the profession. Those connections can help point you toward potential jobs, serve as references, and serve as mentors.
I think another piece is asking the right questions when interviewing. You need to consider all of the compensation being offered, not just salary.do they offer health care and paid time off? Do they support your continued education or APTA membership? Do they provide free, safe parking? What are the hours like? What is your patient case load and productivity expectation? Do they have a mentorship for new grads? can you spend time observing the other staff and how the clinic operates? This will allow you to get a sense of the overall workplace environment. There are a lot of things to consider when finding, a "good job." It will also be different for every PT. It's all about finding the right fit for you.
I think another piece is asking the right questions when interviewing. You need to consider all of the compensation being offered, not just salary.do they offer health care and paid time off? Do they support your continued education or APTA membership? Do they provide free, safe parking? What are the hours like? What is your patient case load and productivity expectation? Do they have a mentorship for new grads? can you spend time observing the other staff and how the clinic operates? This will allow you to get a sense of the overall workplace environment. There are a lot of things to consider when finding, a "good job." It will also be different for every PT. It's all about finding the right fit for you.
Dan Rutledge
Sales
2
Answers
Sugar Land, Texas
Updated
Dan’s Answer
All great ideas listed. One of the best ways I can think of to get experience, and build that resume is to do an internship, or preceptorship in the field; whether paid or unpaid. Don't be afraid to start small, doing desk work, or being that person who just stocks towels, ice, etc... get in the door and ask to continually be developed. I'd set that expectation on the front end, if possible - that you'd do whatever you can to assist, all you ask is for guidance and development towards your goals.
Karin Wagner
Talent Transformation
1
Answer
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Ella - Great question! In addition to what others have shared, you may want to do some research on the American Physical Therapy Association website and check out their section on careers in physical therapy to help you find the best fit for you. If you know of anyone in the field, you may want to interview them on what they like most about their work and what they find challenging to help you determine what is the best fit for you! Karin
Julietta Ayriyan
Consumer Banking Associate
12
Answers
Coventry, Rhode Island
Updated
Julietta’s Answer
Ella,
The best way to ensure you get the "best" PT job is to build up your resume starting now. Volunteer at Rehab facilities, hospitals and outpatient clinics. As you do all this, remember to include it in your resume. When you are ready for college, you will have a leg up when the administrators are picking who they want to be a part of their PT program. You'll never know what the right job is for you until you have worked in different areas of the field. I don't think there is such as thing as the "best" job, which is why I put it in quotations. It's more along the lines of finding the "right" job for you. Remember, everyone has different interests so whats right for you may not necessarily be right for another Physical therapist.
Hope this helps!
The best way to ensure you get the "best" PT job is to build up your resume starting now. Volunteer at Rehab facilities, hospitals and outpatient clinics. As you do all this, remember to include it in your resume. When you are ready for college, you will have a leg up when the administrators are picking who they want to be a part of their PT program. You'll never know what the right job is for you until you have worked in different areas of the field. I don't think there is such as thing as the "best" job, which is why I put it in quotations. It's more along the lines of finding the "right" job for you. Remember, everyone has different interests so whats right for you may not necessarily be right for another Physical therapist.
Hope this helps!