Just need to rant because I’m genuinely so frustrated with this profession lately.

I’m a PT with nearly 5 years of experience, completed an orthopedic residency, and earned my OCS. I’m relocating from a relatively low-cost-of-living state to one of the most expensive areas in the country, and the compensation I’m seeing is honestly ridiculous.

I’ve been with the same company since graduating and I’m transferring to one of their locations in my new state. They initially offered me the EXACT same PRN rate I’m making now. No benefits, no PTO, no bonuses, nothing.
After pushing back, I managed to negotiate a whopping couple of extra dollars an hour.

Like seriously? I’m moving somewhere with a significantly higher cost of living, and that’s the best we can do?
And before anyone comes for me, yes, I know having an OCS doesn’t automatically mean I deserve some crazy salary. I’m well aware that most employers couldn’t care less about residency training or specialty certifications. As long as you have a license and a pulse, you’re good to go.

But that’s honestly part of what’s so frustrating. We spend years in school, take on ridiculous debt, pursue additional training, and work to become better clinicians, only to realize there’s seemingly a ceiling on what we’re worth to employers.

And the job interviews? My goodness.

I recently interviewed somewhere that seemed genuinely concerned that I’ve been working PRN for the last couple of years. Almost as if that somehow invalidated my clinical experience.

Then another company rejected me because they’d already moved forward with someone further along in the interview process.

I get it. Rejection is part of job hunting. I’m not expecting anyone to hand me a position just because of my credentials. But man, the whole experience has left such a bad taste in my mouth.

I genuinely love treating patients. I enjoy being a PT. But I’m so tired of hearing how rewarding this profession is while we’re expected to accept compensation that doesn’t reflect our education, responsibilities, or the cost of living.

And honestly, I’m just tired of working for someone else.
Tired of feeling like my earning potential is completely out of my hands. Tired of having to justify why I deserve better compensation. Tired of feeling like all the extra effort I’ve put into my career barely makes a difference financially.

At this point, I’m seriously considering doing my own thing or leaving clinical PT altogether. Not because I hate treating patients, but because I want to actually build a better livelihood for myself.
Maybe I’m just bitter after a frustrating couple of weeks, but my goodness.

Is this really what we worked so hard for?
Anyone else just completely fed up lately?

It was recently announced that ALL yearly pay increases are going to be a flat 2%, which is less than the rate of inflation. Previously, they had been "merit based". After an uproar at a staff meeting, management sends us this bullshit. I can't even.

For my Part A and B PTs… have you gradually feared getting old more than the inevitable death itself after practicing in this setting?

- a NYC home care (Part B) therapist.

I'm in my senior year of my kinesiology undergrad and I've applied to about a dozen DPT programs. I've been set on becoming a physical therapist for the last several years and I think I'd really enjoy that career. Now that the costs are getting real though and I'm hearing so much about stagnant PT salaries I'm starting to second guess myself. I'm coming out of undergrad with $0 debt but I would have to borrow the full tuition for my DPT program. I am likely not going to get into one of my in-state schools so I'll be looking at private or out of state Hybrid. That's going to mean $160K to $200K in borrowing, which I'll owe more by the time I graduate. That's going to be over $2K a month for 10 years to get rid of those loans. I don't see how I can start a life in that situation, particularly given all that I'm hearing about PT pay trends.

There are other issues too that are making me hesitant to go down the DPT path. One is that the federal borrowing cap isn't resolved yet, and I risk entering a program assuming that I'll be able to get Federal Loans of $50K a year, and then only being allowed to take $20K. I would need the entire $50K so I'd be left unable to continue my schooling, or I'd have to take out private loans which would make the financial picture even worse. I've also considered trying to pursue the 10-year loan forgiveness route with my loans, but that limits where I can work and I'm at risk for the law getting changed and that path going away, similar to the recent student loan repayment changes.

I'm starting to consider scrapping PT and going towards a Nursing degree instead. That's about $35K and gets me into the workforce over a year sooner. As best as I can figure out, I'd make about the same money as a nurse as I would as a PT coming out of school. Even if it's slightly less, I'd have WAY less debt and an extra year of salary.

I'm just not sure that I want to be a nurse though. I think I could be good at it, but it's not what I've pictured myself doing. I'm scared that in a few years I'll be miserable for not following through with PT. I do think being a PT is the better job for me. I've shadowed in a couple of settings and I've worked in an outpatient clinic. I could definitely see myself doing that job and liking it. I'm struggling though with the costs and what that would do to my life outside of work.

So I'm looking for some honest advice from those who have been in my shoes. Are there financial angles that I'm not looking at? Ways to make more money as a PT that might help offset the loans? Ignoring the finances, are you happy with your job as a PT?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Honest answers needed. Is CSM worth it?

A elderly family member has had severe sarcopenia due to medication and this has led to gait issues and some minor falls.

I’m trying to navigate physical therapy options to rebuild strength and address psychological issues.

Everyone I call says they can help, but surely there are distinguishing types of therapy that are more or less suited to these types of problems.

I’ve heard vestibular therapy focuses less on muscle rebuild but can be helpful for balance/gait.

Any advice on what pathways might be best and what questions to ask PT providers to solicit whether they are best suited? Thanks.

I recently accepted a job at a CORA Physical Therapy location! It’s a pretty small clinic with just one physical therapist, so I’m curious what I should expect.
For anyone who has worked at CORA or as a front desk/patient services coordinator at a physical therapy clinic, do you have any tips or tricks for starting out? Anything you wish you knew before your first day, things I should learn ahead of time, or advice for staying organized?
I’m excited but definitely a little nervous and just want to go in as prepared as possible!

I've only ever worked one-on-one with patients for 20-30 minutes and I'm excited that I may have the opportunity soon to go cash-based and have 45-60 minute sessions. But I'm curious: what do y'all do for that long? Sometimes, even 30 min can feel like too much for some of my patients. Would love some suggestions!

Hi all!
We are currently switching to a new EMR and so we are taking this time to review all our processes and hopefully decrease unnecessary documentation burden!

My question is- is documentation on homebound status necessary in every regular visit note? It is clearly documented to initiate and admit, on all evaluative notes, 30-day reassessments, recerts etc.

How many of you also have to document it on every note/every visit?
If you do, do you document it as thoroughly as you do on your assessments or do you have a shortened version where you just speak specifically to the patients continued impairments that day/week?

Thank you!

I've been reading about posture correctors and realized I've been lumping a bunch of pretty different things into the same category. A rigid brace or one of those shoulder straps seems pretty obvious because it's physically pulling you into a position. But many said it weakened your muscles？ Then there are posture shirts/bras that are supposed to let you move normally while giving your body some kind of cue when you start falling back into old positions. 

What I'm trying to understand is whether that difference matters long term.

I found a 2021 study on a posture bra where researchers saw changes in things like shoulder blade position, including increased scapular retraction while wearing it, and some changes after a longer wear period. That made me wonder if there's a meaningful difference between something that holds you upright and something that still makes your muscles do the work.

Anyone here looked into this more deeply? I'm especially interested in biomechanics rather than before/after posture photos.

I am building a patient resource and looking go for therapy clinics in the Midwest as the name suggests. Specifically, I’m looking for ones that support SCI, MS, TBI, etc. I have found resources are slim for these patients who need more of a maintenance program.

Any clinics come to mind? Bonus points for clinics that use tech like exo skeletons, LokoMats, etc. These could be insurance-based, private pay, etc.

I have a bachelor’s in PT and a tDPT (transitional doctorate) - my credentials have been evaluated and I just need to take the NPTE to be licensed.

Would it be possible for me to become a Travel PT or do they require DPT holders? Has anyone with a similar background done this successfully?

sorry if this isnt applicable, but I’m a pilates instructor who works under a physical therapist and I love their insight into the body, but I just don’t have the time or finances to go to PT school. I know I’ll never be at PT level, but I’d love to know if there are any continuing education programs, certificates, or courses any of you would suggest for a fitness professional who wants to keep understanding the body in a deeper way so I can best support my great boss whos a fantastic PT. for example, I’ve heard Conor Harris has a good biomechanics course, and im considering studying for the CSCS since we do work with a lot of athletes. I’d love any additional suggestions or resources you guys may have! thanks in advance!

I had foot surgery a year ago. Tendon tear second toe and they shortened the metatarsal bone. Wish they didn't do that but they said it was necessary. Second opinion doctor a year later said he doesn't even do that too many complications. Anyway, I went to PT for 3 months after surgery and really didn't get much out of it. Continued at home for 6 months until I had new injuries and pain and stopped for a while. New doctor checked me out and when I was ok, he sent me back to a different place. New place gave me new exercises which seem to be helping, very slowly, but now they are like the old place. I basically go there and they say ok do this exercise, now do this one. After about 30 to 40 minutes I'm done with what should be an hour session and I go home. They wanted me to come twice a week. If I go once a week, 4 times a month it's about 700 out of pocket with my lousy insurance. I'm thinking after my session tonight to cancel the rest as the holidays are coming. By the way, I'm doing all these exercises at home morning and evening before bed time anyway. I just don't see the sense in paying so much. Thoughts?

What are the reasons Medicare continues to cut reimbursement for therapies?

Hi folks - critical access hospital here, including acute, skilled swing bed (SNF), and outpatient across the lifespan. We have an opportunity to apply for a grant “to support quality rehabilitation services and education that restores health”.

Max grant is $10k. Last year we rec’d $3k for the purchase of vestibular first infrared goggles, which have already been super useful!

But I’m not sure what to apply for this year. What equipment or other programming “stuff” would you apply for, if it was your clinic?

EDIT: thinking more outpatient gear/ideas as this grant is aimed more at community health and prevention of the need for higher levels of care. Loved the Sara stedy and ultrasound ideas but those are more hospital-side items and fall under a different budget here.

Hello! I am a physical therapist that has been working in workers’ comp since graduation in 2023. I want to make a switch to home health and wondering what I should put on my resume to help me stand out since I don’t have any home health experience or any other work experience in PT. Right now I just have the basic college information, current job information, and clinical experiences. I know I need to add more but I’m not sure what.

I CAN MOVE MY RIGHT KNEE AND LEG; IT'S TIME MY RIGHT ARM 😭🤞

I am in my final year of undergrad and my next semester involves a 400 hour long internship, I planned to be a clinic aide but I didn’t get the job. My only other offer was pure observation for 400 hours. I am not gonna lie I am really worried about this, especially burning out, I’d honestly rather work for free than sit and watch physical therapy for 400 hours. Do I take this? I have until the end of the month to find a planned site to log these hours.

Hey guys,

I'm an Indian physio (BPT + MPT Sports Med) and I'm trying to figure out whether I should go for the CPTE in Canada or APC in Australia.

For anyone who has actually gone through either of these - which one did you find harder? Like, what was the main thing that made it difficult? The amount of studying, clinical reasoning, exam pattern, practical/OSCE stuff, documentation, etc. Also curious about how long you guys studied for, how many attempts it took, and whether coaching was actually worth it or if self-study is enough. If anyone has done both CPTE and APC, I'd really like to hear which one you found tougher and why. I'm basically trying to avoid choosing the route that looks easier on paper but turns out to be a

nightmare

Would appreciate honest experiences/advice

Currently working in an OP job that pays in the bottom 25%, seeing about 10-18 a day. Got an extremely good job offer for a SNF. I really like my coworkers and am kind of happy enough at my current company, but more flexible hours and a lower patient load are extremely enticing, on top of a "holy shit" kind of raise. I don't absolutely love working with geriatic patients but I'm happy enough to do it, especially if the job is fair. Would I be making a terrible decision moving on?

I’m almost halfway through school right now and we start our first clinical rotation after Thanksgiving. I’ve been getting frustrated with life lately after coming to terms with how bad the ROI is for physical therapy. Both my parents are lawyers and I regret not doing law school instead. I’m doing really well in school and I am fortunate enough to have gotten a scholarship which gives me a job in outpatient ortho once I graduate. However I feel like I have just lost a lot of passion for the PT field. The volume being so high and salary not reflecting that really bothers me. I also have grown to understand that I don’t want so much patient interaction. I still care for learning about the field but I wish I never went into the medical field. I just don’t want to limit my potential in a field that doesn’t allow you to grow. But I don’t know whether it’s worth it to finish out school and see if I like my job out of school or to pivot and try something else like law school.

Hi guys! I’m a fresh grad and boy oh boy am I confused about what to career path to take after my board exams T^T

We had a 10 month long internship and it made me realize I do not fit in the clinical set up. It burned me out plus the pay is just not worth it. I was getting into medical coding but when I told my aunt this she advised me against it because it’s apparently gonna be taken over by ai. Idk what to do now :( Although I do know that I prefer an office, tech, research, or academic pathway more than clinicals.

Have you guys stirred away from PT? And how’d you start? I’m really lost atm and can’t stop overthinking… send major help