How to Hire a Physical Therapist
Build your rehabilitation team with qualified physical therapists using proven recruitment strategies.
PT Roles & Practice Settings
Physical Therapists diagnose and treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to improve movement and manage pain. They develop treatment plans and help patients regain function.
Common practice settings include outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, sports medicine clinics, and school systems.
Specialty areas include orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, sports PT, and women's health. Board certifications in these areas indicate advanced expertise.
Education & Licensure
Since 2016, all entry-level PTs must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, typically a 3-year post-baccalaureate program.
All states require PTs to pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) and obtain state licensure before practicing.
The PT Compact allows licensed PTs to practice in member states without obtaining additional licenses, expanding your candidate pool significantly.
Salary & Benefits
Entry-level DPTs earn $75,000-$85,000 annually. Experienced PTs with specializations command $95,000-$120,000+ depending on setting and location.
Outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine positions often pay more than SNF or home health roles but may have higher productivity expectations.
Competitive packages include student loan assistance (average DPT debt is $150,000), CEU allowances, mentorship programs, and flexible scheduling.
Recruitment Strategies
APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) career resources and specialty section job boards reach active and passive candidates.
DPT program partnerships for clinical rotations create pipelines for new graduate hiring. Students often accept offers from rotation sites.
NurseSend provides direct access to physical therapist contact data for targeted outreach campaigns.
Industry Insights
“Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.”
PT vs OT vs PTA: Rehabilitation Professional Comparison
| Factor | Physical Therapist (PT) | Occupational Therapist (OT) | Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | DPT (3 years post-bachelor's) | MOT/OTD (2-3 years post-bachelor's) | Associate degree (2 years) |
| Focus Area | Movement, mobility, pain management | Daily living activities, fine motor skills | Implements PT treatment plans |
| Licensure | NPTE + state license | NBCOT + state license | NPTE-PTA + state license |
| Avg. Salary (BLS) | $97,000 | $92,000 | $62,000 |
| Growth Rate (BLS) | 17% | 14% | 24% |
| Can Evaluate Patients | Yes | Yes | No (PT supervises) |
Bottom line: PTs and OTs serve complementary roles in rehabilitation. PTAs offer a cost-effective way to extend PT services under supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do physical therapists need?
All physical therapists must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. This has been the entry-level requirement since 2016.
How long does PT hiring take?
The average time to hire a physical therapist is 35-50 days, with new graduates often committing earlier due to student loan pressures.
What is the average PT salary?
Physical therapist salaries average $90,000-$110,000 annually, with specialty board-certified PTs earning up to $130,000 in competitive markets.
What is the PT Compact?
The PT Compact is an interstate agreement allowing licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in member states without obtaining additional licenses, currently including 30+ states.
People Also Ask
Start Hiring Today
Access verified contact data for healthcare professionals and streamline your recruiting.