Tips if you’d like to work in Physiotherapy Private Practice

A word fromTom Russell, the owner of Next-Gen Physio.

Although I now have 10 years experience in private practice, I still remember what it was like to be a new graduate. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with and mentor new grads as they transition into the workforce. The aim of this document is to share some practical tips and insights that can help you as you begin your career, especially if you’re considering working in private practice. Below are 10 tips that I think will be valuable as you get started—though there are certainly more than just these. Ten felt like a good starting point!

1. Gain Experience with Sports Teams
Volunteering as a sports trainer for different clubs and sports is invaluable. While the pay may not be amazing, the experience is rich. It exposes you to various injuries, enhances your clinical reasoning, and improves your hands-on skills. Plus, this kind of experience looks great to prospective employers and sets you apart when applying for roles in private practice.

2. Request to Shadow Physiotherapists
Reach out to physiotherapists you admire and ask if you can shadow them. This could be in private clinics you respect or with sports teams you’re interested in. Observing experienced practitioners in action gives you insights into how they handle cases, communicate with patients, and manage their workload. It’s also a great networking opportunity, potentially opening doors to future employment.

3. Consider Becoming a Personal Trainer
I completed a personal training course in my first year of Uni, and I couldn’t recommend it more for a physio student. It’s an excellent way to develop your knowledge of exercise prescription and biomechanics, both of which are crucial in physiotherapy. Plus, it’s a flexible job that can fit around your studies, providing you with hands-on experience and an income while you’re still in school.

4. Focus on Broad Experiences, Not Just Grades
While it’s great to aim for HDs, don’t get too fixated on them. Instead, try to consume as much varied content and gain as many different experiences as possible. Most private practice owners value diverse experiences over raw academic marks. However, be mindful that constant fails aren’t a good look either! Strive for balance—strong grades with a wealth of real-world experiences will make you a well-rounded candidate.

5. Choose Clinical Placements Wisely
When selecting your clinical placements, opt for those that reflect your desire to work in private practice. Whether it’s musculoskeletal, sports, or women’s health, choosing placements aligned with your interests will give you relevant experience and a better understanding of the day-to-day demands of private practice. These placements also allow you to build a network in the field you want to enter after graduation.

6. Understand That Manual Therapy Isn’t Dead
Despite the increasing focus on exercise-based treatments, manual therapy still has its place. Private practice owners recognise that patients need big-picture changes for long-term health, but they also understand that patients often desire immediate symptom relief. Providing hands-on treatment can be an effective way to gain patients’ trust and buy-in, which can then be leveraged to encourage the broader lifestyle or exercise changes needed for sustained recovery.

7. Be Flexible with Your Work Hours
Private practice often demands flexibility in your work schedule. Finishing at 7 PM on some nights and working on Saturdays is the norm, not the exception. Being open to these hours is essential, as it shows your commitment and ensures you can meet the needs of your patients. This flexibility can also be a key factor in securing and maintaining employment in a competitive job market.

8. Prioritise Mentorship Over Professional Development Dollars
When looking for a private practice to work in, professional development (PD) dollars are important, but don’t get to fixated on them. It’s crucial to ensure that the practice offers adequate mentoring time with experienced physiotherapists and a manageable caseload that doesn’t exhaust you. If you’re brainwashed into thinking that PD money is the be-all and end-all, you could find yourself overwhelmed. Without enough time to reflect on and consider your patients and their treatment plans, you’ll struggle to provide the best care and grow as a practitioner.

9. Understand That Private Practice Is a Business
Private practice physiotherapy is not just about providing excellent care; it’s also a business. Owners want to see that you won’t under- or over-service patients. New graduates tend to under-service their patients, often underestimating their own worth, which can lead to suboptimal outcomes. Under-servicing can result in inadequate care, while over-servicing can strain the patient relationship and potentially harm the practice’s reputation. Strive to find a balance where you meet patients’ needs effectively while maintaining ethical and sustainable practices.

10. Reach Out to Practices Early
Don’t wait for job advertisements to be posted if there are private practices you’re interested in working at. If there’s a clinic you like or wish to work at, contact them early in your final year. Express your interest, share your experiences, and show your enthusiasm. Many practices will appreciate your proactive approach and may consider you for future opportunities, even if they’re not currently hiring.

I hope these tips help you on your journey into private practice! If you have any questions or would like more tips or advice, feel free to reach out to me at admin@nextgenphysio.com.au