Embarking on a career in physical therapy is a rewarding journey, characterized by a commitment to helping individuals regain their physical well-being and mobility. As you venture into this fulfilling profession, it is essential to find the right employee who aligns with your values, aspirations, and professional growth. Choosing a physical therapy employer is a decision that can significantly impact your career trajectory and job satisfaction. In this article, we will explore the vital factors to consider when seeking the perfect fit for your career aspirations.
Company Culture and Values
One of the most critical aspects to evaluate in a potential employer is their company culture and values. A positive and supportive work environment can significantly impact your job satisfaction and overall well-being. Research the company’s mission, vision, and values to ensure that they align with your personal beliefs. Look for indicators that the organization values teamwork, patient-centered care, and professional development.
At Upstream, we are committed to providing the most effective, clinically superior physical humanly possible at a fair price. Our vision is to be the outpatient provider, employer, and partner of choice through exceptional care and remarkable experiences. Our mission is to inspire and empower the lives we touch, to serve our communities, and to lead with purpose-driven passion. As an employer, we offer resources to further one’s career while at Upstream Rehabilitation.
Clinical Specialties and Services
Take the time to consider the clinical specialties and services offered by the employer. Depending on your interests and expertise, you might be drawn to physical therapy employers that specialize in outpatient physical therapy, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports rehabilitation, geriatrics, or other areas. Assess whether the employer provides opportunities to enhance your skills and gain experience in your preferred area of practice.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
A commitment to lifelong learning is a hallmark of a successful physical therapy career. A great employer should support your professional development by providing access to continuing education opportunities, residency and fellowship education, workshops, and conferences. Ask about the company’s policies on professional growth and how they encourage their employees to stay up to date with the latest field advancements.
Upstream Rehabilitation has an abundant amount of career and professional development opportunities to help you advance your career.
Work-Life Balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial to prevent burnout and sustain a fulfilling physical therapy career. Inquire about the employer’s expectations regarding working hours, patient load, and flexibility. A supportive employer will understand the importance of maintaining a balance between your professional and personal life.
Mentorship and Supervision
Early in your career, having access to experienced mentors and supervisors can accelerate your learning and skill development. Investigate whether the potential employer offers mentorship programs or assigns you a senior colleague to guide you through your first few days. This support system can make a significant difference in your confidence and competence as a physical therapist.
Upstream Rehabilitation offers a year-long onboarding program that is designed to ensure that team members receive the necessary training and support to excel in their roles. This program provides extensive clinical and professional development, including monthly clinical tutorials, allowing therapists and healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care and service.
We also emphasize a gradual caseload ramp-up, allowing new hires to progressively build their caseloads while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced colleagues. This not only ensures the highest quality of patient-centered care but also promotes the growth and long-term success of our associates within the organization.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Aim for an employer who values your growth within the organization. Inquire about career advancement opportunities, such as promotions, leadership roles, or specialized positions. An employer that invests in the development of its employees indicates a commitment to fostering long-term relationships and recognizing individual contributions.
As the nation’s largest pure-play outpatient physical therapy provider, Upstream Rehabilitation continues to grow each year. This growth allows us to support our associates throughout their entire career journey. The company’s commitment through career tracks ensures that employees have clear, structured paths for professional growth and development.
Whether you are an entry level therapist or joining the organization with prior experience, Upstream Rehabilitation offers opportunities for advancement, specialization, and leadership roles. Associates can set goals, access relevant training and mentorship, and work towards achieving their ambitions within the company. This commitment not only fosters career success but also contributes to clinical excellence.
Patient-Centered Care Philosophy
The heart of physical therapy lies in providing compassionate and patient-centered care. Research the employer’s approach to patient care. Do they prioritize individualized treatment plans, clear communication, and patient empowerment? Choose an employer who shares your commitment to enhancing patients’ quality of life.
At Upstream, we are deeply passionate about helping our patients regain their quality of life and gte back to doing what they love. We prioritize each patient’s unique needs and goals in their care plans.
Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals collaborate closely with patients to develop personalized treatment strategies that not only address their physical health but also consider their emotional and social well-being. We believe that a holistic approach to rehabilitation is essential for achieving the best outcomes, and our unwavering commitment to this philosophy drives us to provide exceptional and compassionate care every day.
Our team even goes beyond the doors of our clinics to serve our communities through Pillars With Purpose. This allows us to help us serve our communities and have an impact on others even when we’re not in the clinic.
Resources and Facilities
A well-equipped workplace enhances your ability to deliver optimal care to your patients. Upstream Rehabilitation and our family of brands are dedicated to empowering physical therapists to succeed by providing cutting edge technology and state of the art equipment.
We understand that having access to advanced tools and resources is essential for delivering the highest quality care. Our investment in technology not only enhances physical therapists’ diagnostic and treatment capabilities but also streamlines administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on their patients.
By continuously updating and expanding our technological infrastructure, we enable our physical therapists to stay at the forefront of their field, ultimately helping them achieve better patient outcomes and professional success.
Team Collaboration
Physical therapists rarely work in isolation. Effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals is essential for comprehensive patient care. Inquire about the employer’s approach to interdisciplinary collaboration and how they foster teamwork among their staff.
Geographic Location
The location of your workplace can impact your daily commute and overall lifestyle. Evaluate whether the employer’s location is convenient for you and whether it aligns with your preferences for urban or rural settings.
Upstream’s nationwide presence is rapidly expanding. With a strong commitment to top-notch care to patients across the country, Upstream is opening new locations to ensure accessibility to quality rehabilitation services. This expansion allows us to serve more communities and offer our specialized care to individuals in need of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other services.
Pursue Your Physical Therapy Career with Upstream Rehabilitation
In conclusion, finding the right physical therapy employer is a pivotal step towards establishing a fulfilling and successful career in this field. The multifaceted nature of the healthcare industry, combined with the unique demands of physical therapy, underscores the importance of carefully evaluating potential employers.
By focusing on key aspects such as the organization’s patient-centered approach, commitment to professional development, collaborative work environment, and alignment with personal values, physical therapists can make informed decisions that align with their career goals and aspirations.
Remember that your physical therapy career is a dynamic and evolving path. As you assess potential employers, visualize the kind of physical therapist you want to become and the impact you wish to have on your patients. A supportive and inspiring work environment will fuel your passion for physical therapy and enable you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
At Upstream Rehabilitation, we’re passionate about helping you succeed throughout your physical therapy career. Whether you’re a new grad looking to start your career off on the right foot or a seasoned professional, Upstream Rehabilitation provides the opportunity for you to advance your career.
Upstream Rehabilitation offers a comprehensive and enriching professional experience for people in the physical therapy field. With a deep-rooted commitment to clinical excellence, Upstream Rehabilitation places an emphasis on patient-centered care, ensuring that therapists can make a genuine impact on patients’ lives.
- IAMT, iamt.org/. Accessed 1 Sept. 2023.
- Steve Thompson, MPT. “Finding the Right Mentoring Program for a New Grad Physical Therapist.” CMG_Best-In-Healthcare-Staffing-500, www.coremedicalgroup.com/blog/finding-the-right-mentoring-program-for-a-new-grad-physical-therapist. Accessed 8 Oct. 2023.
- “Physical Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-1.
