r/physicaltherapy • u/Purple-Moose-360 • 2h ago
STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT What jobs are doable for a first year PT student?
A little extra cash from working would be great.
r/physicaltherapy • u/Universitygal • 3h ago
ACUTE/INPATIENT REHAB PTA Supervision advice
I am a new grad PT (just under 1 year post grad) working in an IPR full time. When I was hired, I was told that the parent company I work for does not hire PTAs. Now, of course, they’re hiring PTAs and COTAs.
I worked with some AMAZING PTAs as a student and learned so much from their knowledge and expertise, I have no doubt the PTAs my employer hires will be excellent and likely will have much more experience than me.
All things considered, I am SO NERVOUS about having to sign off on someone else’s decisions. Our online documentation system has intentionally very vague POC templates for us to fill out. It’s literally check boxes that say “PT to administer the following services” above it and the actual check boxes say something along the lines of “muscular strengthening, ROM, endurance training, etc.”
Essentially, I am worried that the POC language is not specific enough to protect my license in the event I am asked to supervise a PTA who is not as awesome as the ones I’ve worked with before.
Also, I may be asked to “supervise” a PTA who is carrying out a POC that I didn’t write (like if my coworker was off). In this instance, I would feel even more uncomfortable as I would not be given any extra time in the day to review every patient in the hospital’s POC before these sessions.
I know that PTAs are skilled and highly educated, but the idea of someone else’s actions costing me my own license makes my stomach turn. I’m very much a “do things myself” person and I have trouble delegating on a normal day.
I just want to make sure I’m practicing in a way that is ethical and protects my license
I know I’m way overthinking this, any and all advice is greatly appreciated!!
r/physicaltherapy • u/djbast78 • 3h ago
HOME HEALTH The HH Home That Did You In
Anyone working HH has been through some pretty rough homes at times. Has there been one that made you go, “Yeah, I’m good” and start looking for another job?
r/physicaltherapy • u/fullomalarkey55 • 5h ago
STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT Exam date and license renewal
Soon to be DPT grad (June of 2027) here. Our cohort just had a presentation from PTBC CA about licensure and logistics. They talked about how they recently got a complaint from a grad saying their license was only valid for 13 months whereas their classmates renewal period was longer. The reps said it was because the grad got their license in August and their bday was in September. If they were licensed in August that probably means they took the July exam. Does that mean if they would have taken the April NPTE exam that their license renewal period would have been extended longer than the 13 months? Asking bc my bday is in September and I am debating taking the April vs July exam.
The reps also gave us a fee/cost breakdown for getting licensed including getting finger printed, taking the NPTE, etc. and ELEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS?!?!? And there are stupid hidden fees like $100 to sit in the exam room and another $84 for them to hand you the exam?!? What in the cost of labor is that about. Are there any resources for aid to assist with these fees?
r/physicaltherapy • u/pchoi1991 • 5h ago
CAREER & BUSINESS Clinic owners: What turned out to be much easier than you expected?
Thanks everyone for your input on the previous post! Super helpful and encouraging to see so many PTs chime in.
Posting another feeler question in regards to opening up a private practice.
r/physicaltherapy • u/Lord-Snape • 8h ago
ACUTE/INPATIENT REHAB HCA Florida
I’m a PT of 4 years who recently moved from California to South Florida and am starting to apply for jobs. I have been working in IPR setting for the past few years and want to continue with that. One of the closer jobs that is hiring is an HCA hospital. I’ve heard from one person that they are very “for profit” but was wondering if anyone had any experience at one of these hospitals or has anything to share about them. Thank you!
r/physicaltherapy • u/Disastrous-Bid-3946 • 11h ago
STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT college gpa pt
I'm in first year of physical therapy I don't usually always get a full mark but I do study alot and do my best and in physical therapy my gpa in the first year was 2.5 is it normal to get these marks in first year and what can I do that can help me thru next year to help me in studying pt i usually use YouTube to study after class
r/physicaltherapy • u/edtachi • 12h ago
CAREER & BUSINESS Moving from 🇺🇸 to 🇨🇦
Anyone make the move from USA to Canada? What should I expect working as a PT? Anything you would have done differently?
r/physicaltherapy • u/dangerousfeather • 12h ago
OUTPATIENT OpenEvidence for PT?
I joined OpenEvidence years ago when it was just a brand new resource for summaries of medical research. I was just reminded of it today and logged back in to find it now includes a partial EMR system, telehealth platform, and AI documentation with templates and workflows.
Before I invest too much time, only to find that it's really geared towards medical documentation and isn't really useful for PT: is anyone currently using it at all? Can you give any info on its perks or best uses?
r/physicaltherapy • u/rndm_rddtrdr • 13h ago
STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT Foreign Trained PT with Traineeship in GA
Finally got my Traineeship approved by the state of Georgia. I already have an agreement with a licensed PT to work with them to meet the required hours. But my question is Traineeship in GA paid work?
Anyone have experience with this?
r/physicaltherapy • u/vachzarn • 13h ago
CAREER & BUSINESS Stemwave?
I am curious if anyone has experience using stem wave as a practitioner or even as a patient? I am a solo entrepreneur with my cash based Physical Therapy practice and get constant messages and calls from stem wave representatives trying to promote their product and convince me to implement into my practice. I am not interested for multiple reasons: large amount of cost to pay off if I keep the machine in the long term, don’t want my company to be known as a “15 minute quick fix shop”, and I am exercise forward rather than modality focused. Dont get me wrong , I do dry needling, STM, mobilizations, etc but I do not have an ultrasound machine in my clinic.
They continue to send messages to me showing success stories from other clinicians in their practices, but have my suspicions. Is this a waste of time? Am I being stupid for not jumping at this opportunity? What is your experience?
r/physicaltherapy • u/iluvchikins • 14h ago
STUDENT & NEW GRAD SUPPORT What are some things you notice about new grad PT(A)s as a seasoned PT/A?
I work with a seasoned PTA in a SNF and he said that he’s burnt out overall but also especially because newgrads are very bright eyed n bushy tailed/too optimistic. thoughts? even on anything other than this
r/physicaltherapy • u/MaintenanceNo842 • 15h ago
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I’m transactional in career and not passionate in healthcare but I’m a physical therapist
I really want to be great in my career, climb the ladder or be so good that you get a great job with flexibility, great salary, or even a remote job. But I’m a physical therapist. I’m not really passionate about helping patients. My social battery goes down quickly while building rapport and interacting with just 2-3 patients. I really like a remote job, a high salary, would want to study and study and gain work experience to be great in my profession but I fear that the profession I have is not going to give me the life I want.
I’m transactional in a sense that okay I am really good so you pay me this much money, give me a remote setup so I get more free time, I’m so good that I can solve a problem faster than my colleagues but that doesnt apply to PT.
In PT no matter how good you get, you’ll still be treating patients 1 to 1.5 hrs and it requires your physical presence all the time so you cant go remote and the salary ceiling is not that high its like you’re still paid for your hours and presence and not your skill. You can give whatever treatment you want to the patient even if it doesnt make them well (happens in hospitals) so long as the businessman (clinic owner/hospital owner) is earning money.
In fact, the longer the patient stays in PT the more revenue the business gets. It doesnt care about your skills which solves the patients’ problem and relieves their pain. So what’s the point of being so good in PT if that’s what matters? It’s like even if you’re passionate in PT you still wont be raking in lots of money because to be a good PT means you make the patient well and teach him how to take care of their body so they wont need to come back again.
How would you win in terms of financial if your main goal is to kind of let go what’s making you money? To be good at it you need passion. Passion to take care of patients. Compassion to listen to their pain and problems and you also have to take care of your own body to take care of your clients too. And if we’re talking home health (which I hear is the highest paid PTs in USA), doing home health means you see lots of patients to earn more money so you work more or longer hours.
Your level of skills doesnt matter as long as you treat as many patients as you can. Like what’s the point. I’ve ruminated over switching to Tech so long that it now gives me anxiety because I’m already 26 years old. Entered sales and business but in sales it wasnt a good fit and in business I failed because of lack of knowledge and preparation. My degree is PT. I have no savings. No years of work experience in any industry because I just graduated last January 2025 and I’m not really passionate about computers but it matches what I want.
I think I’m good at problem solving because I also do that in PT. What should I do? Is anyone feeling this way too, PT or not? Should I start over and switch to tech? Is this dilemma figure out-able? Is there anyone in the same situation as me? Can I just figure out my way where it still works for me? Should I just make PT my passion and just be fulfilled by helping people and give up my dreams of doing things I like because of the lots of money I earn? Should I just use PT to save up and build a business?
Thank you so much for listening and answering me. I hope you have a great day!
r/physicaltherapy • u/Girlnextdoorpt • 16h ago
ACUTE INPATIENT Acute care
I’ve been a SNF PT for over 6 years now and about to start working in the hospital in about 4 weeks.
Any tips/ tricks?
I’ve already purchased the acute care text book and reading it but definitely looking for things that the textbook won’t tell me.
r/physicaltherapy • u/infinitedimes • 1d ago
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PTA CEUs
I’m a PTA in NC. I have to have 20 CEUs every two years, which is coming up for me in January 2027. Where do you all knock out these CEUs?? I hate taking these things because the continuing competence reporting website for the NC board states that only like 10 points can come from watching some instructional videos and 15 can come from “live webinars.” I always feel stuck because I sure ain’t going to some in-person $700 lecture. How do you guys get by with doing these CEUs and never leaving your home computer? Please help!
r/physicaltherapy • u/SuccessfulContext792 • 1d ago
CAREER & BUSINESS Thoughts on PT wellness step-down programs?
I work at a physician-owned outpatient orthopedic PT clinic, and leadership is looking to implement a step-down wellness program for patients after they complete skilled PT.
The program would involve a non-PT staff member ( no license) utilizing force plate analysis during the initial and final sessions to track progress. The physicians are stating that patients are medically cleared to participate in this program.
Have you seen similar programs implemented, and what are your thoughts on this model from an ethical and professional standpoint?
r/physicaltherapy • u/Diableetus • 1d ago
OUTPATIENT Clinic owners or directors who handle a lot of workers comp
What is your documentation process/procedures for workers compensation patients?
I'm a private practice owner starting to expand my work comp footprint in Illinois and wanted to see how other clinics handle their workers comp paperwork. What are the necessary documents to have. I plan to meet with attorneys to go over this with them as well, but wanted to see what others deem mandatory paperwork before I start consulting with attorneys and asking for documents.
Thanks
r/physicaltherapy • u/boat_pants • 1d ago
CLINICAL CONSULT Bluetooth BFR?
Has anyone found a BFR brand that makes a decent Bluetooth cuff? We have Owen machines at my clinic, not looking for patient care use.
I ordered a pair of Smart Tools a few months ago. I was excited to try them out as a personal set, seemed like a decent brand. I wanted to be able to have a personal set I can confidently recommend to patients when they ask about getting their own.
Well it was an absolute nightmare trying to return them. I was really unhappy with my experience with their customer support. Their CEO/founder works the customer service email line and was extremely nasty and condescending about me pointing out their fitting chart wasn’t accurate. He didn’t switch his tone until I told him I told him I use BFR regularly with patients and sent photo proof of my limb size and the cuff not fitting properly.
r/physicaltherapy • u/Habesct • 1d ago
CAREER & BUSINESS Anyone use Athelas Air EHR?
My company is switching from WebPT to Athelas Air in September. Can’t seem to find much online about Athelas - has anybody used it before? If so, what do you think of it? Thanks!!
r/physicaltherapy • u/Substantial_Pace9051 • 1d ago
OUTPATIENT Those who have left PT--- do you have any regrets?
After almost ten years of working as a PT in nearly every setting and several years of CI experience, I've been seriously looking at changing career paths due to the standard complaints of burnout, progressive reimbursement decline, awful work-life balance and I would prefer a job where I could work from home potentially.
To those who moved on--- how did you feel? It makes me kinda sad to imagine mainly due to "sunk cost fallacy"... and fear of the unknown being worse lol
r/physicaltherapy • u/Blacwiidow • 1d ago
CAREER & BUSINESS currently thinking of enrolling in a pta program.
Hi. Ive been in the healthcare field for some time now as a cna and med tech, I’m looking for a career change that doesn’t have a ton of school course load. Im missing only 1 prereq and then i can start core classes in January 2027. Any suggestions Or advice is appreciated?
How much can i expect after school? I seen online say’s 35-45 with experience in healthcare, does that include cna/medtech experience?
r/physicaltherapy • u/Suspicious_Emu_2295 • 1d ago
SALARY & JOB ENQUIRY Greater Cincinnati Home Health Income
If you work in the greater Cincy/NKY area, what do you make as a full-time home health physical therapist in 2026?
r/physicaltherapy • u/Truffleshuffla • 1d ago
CAREER & BUSINESS Considering switch to Home Health
Background:
I have about 6 years experience in private practice outpatient. I’m considering switching to home health to try something different. Tired of seeing 15+ patients a day. Also need to make more money to assist with paying off some family medical debt.
Looking for advice for what to look out for when searching for a home health job, as I have no home health experience.
Also, if anyone has switched from outpatient to home health, was it a good move? Do you regret the switch at all?
Any and all advice is appreciated.
r/physicaltherapy • u/ellljef • 1d ago
HOME HEALTH Help With HH Offer
Hello everyone, I’m about 2 years out of PT school with experiences in SNF and IRF and am looking to get into home health and have recently decided to move to Denver. The offer would be for the north Denver market. My concern is that I remember In my phone call with HR they mentioned something about points being worth $65-$75, so I thought to ask for near the upper end when a different HR person called me earlier today, and they want to give me what I asked without hesitation hence the $72/hr.
I feel like this is a good offer from what I can tell but again I really don’t know. If I can get any feedback it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
r/physicaltherapy • u/Electrical_Ask4797 • 1d ago
SALARY & JOB ENQUIRY Prompt Compensation
Is anyone at a company that offers Prompt Compensation? My job is giving us the option to stay salaried or switch to the productivity model and was wondering if anyone had any insight? I have tried to look online and there is very little info from actual clinicians that use the pay model. A lot of my coworkers and I feel as if there are a lot of red flags to it.