Physical Therapy Careers: Finding the Right Fit as a New Grad
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So, you’ve just graduated as a DPT or are close to starting your career as a new grad. You’ve been preparing for this moment for the past several years of schooling. Long hours spent at the library and in the lab have finally paid off, and you are about to embark on your first job as a physical therapist! The only problem is there are so many different options to choose from and so many patient populations you can work with. It can be a hard decision, but these tips may help you choose a rewarding career that fits you.
Tip #1: Find a Setting You’re Passionate About
What did you love about your clinicals? Most physical therapy school programs will have you experience different settings as a PT. Was there one that really stood out to you? Often, this is a great place to start since you can spend 8-10+ weeks finding your groove and seeing if you enjoy that setting and patient population. Many Athletico therapists chose a career with us because they had a wonderful outpatient clinical experience at one of our sites and saw themselves fulfilling their passions in an Athletico clinic. Athletico offers a wide range of specialized programs and services to help clinicians find their niche.
Tip #2: Find What Works with Your Personality
Some people are more extroverted, while others are more introverted. Working in an outpatient setting requires more interaction with patients for longer periods, which may be a good fit for you personally. Athletico clinicians are “go-getters” with a high drive for success and growth. It is so important to find a clinic where your personality can shine, you feel a connection with your colleagues, you feel comfortable, and you can be your authentic self. Before accepting an offer, spend time in the clinic to see if it is the right fit.
Tip #3: Consider Trying a Travel Position
Having the opportunity to travel can help you find the right clinic environment in which you want to thrive. Athletico has recently started a travel program that allows its therapists to explore many of the wonderful clinics we have across the country. There are many different CEU opportunities available within Athletico that are hosted across the states, allowing you to choose your path and what specialties you want to have as a physical therapist. The CEU options are great as a travel therapist, and the mentorship opportunities with different clinicians you will work with will drive your clinical skillset to the next level.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Choosing where to work after graduation can be daunting and carries a lot of weight. Schools do their best to encourage various settings where you can get experience. Still, it is up to you to seek additional information and experiences to help inform your decision. Once you find the right fit, you will see how rewarding this career can be. If you want to build a career at Athletico, learn more about some of our benefits, such as our Student Loan Repayment and Clinician Mentorship Program, which will help set you up for success. Learn how a career with Athletico can be everyday life changing!
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
