5 things I would do differently as a physiotherapy new graduate

I remember the excitement and the slight nervousness that comes with being a physiotherapy new graduate. I’ve been through the ups and downs, learned from my mistakes, and embraced the victories along the way. Now, as a seasoned physiotherapist, I’m here to share the wisdom that hindsight has granted me. Think of it as a virtual sit-down, where I spill the beans on the lessons I’ve learned and the changes I’d make if I could go back in time.

Wait before starting post graduation

Just like many other physiotherapy new graduates, I started getting ready for my master’s entrance exam right after finishing my internship. If you are sure about what you want to do in your career, it’s okay to start your post-grad studies right away.

But, if you have no clue about your future or are stuck deciding what to do after your BPT, taking a gap year might be a good idea. I strongly suggest getting some real-world work experience, even if you’re not sure about your career plans. Working in the real world is quite different from your college internship. It helps you grow as a person and opens your mind to new possibilities.

You can try to get an observership in the area you’re uncertain about. If you’re thinking about a management career, you can connect with physiotherapists on LinkedIn who have already gone down that path and ask them about their experiences. If you’re considering studying abroad, you can reach out to Indian students studying in those countries and ask them about their experiences. Some countries require you to have a certain amount of hands-on experience before pursuing a master’s. In that case, you can work on getting that experience while you also work on your applications.

Think about long term vision first before setting career goals

It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want when you’re figuring out your career goals as a new graduate in physiotherapy. My advice? Take a bit of time to sit down and really think about what you want. Writing it down can be super helpful because it gives you a solid starting point for setting your career goals.

Let’s break it down a bit. For example, if you like the idea of working from home and having regular hours, you might want to look into telehealth. If you want a more traditional career path but don’t want to stay in the clinic all the time, you could think about getting a management degree. And if you’re okay with long hours but want the freedom to run things your way, starting your own practice might be a great fit.

Once you’ve figured out what type of career suits your interests and the lifestyle you want, you can start setting your career goals. So, for instance, if you want to be a telehealth PT, you can start doing your PT consultations online to gain experience. You might also consider taking courses or attending workshops that teach you more about telehealth. If you’re aiming for a management degree, you can start preparing for the entrance exam. And if your goal is to start your own practice, you could look into pursuing a master’s or other courses after physiotherapy.

Work on building passive source of income right away

Passive income isn’t about making money effortlessly. In reality, all passive income streams require years of dedicated effort and consistent work over time. When you’re in your twenties, you have the advantage of time to begin building these income streams for the future.

For many staff physiotherapists in clinics or hospitals, salaries might not be sufficient. Therefore, as a new graduate in physiotherapy, it’s crucial to learn how to manage your finances. You can find more details in my article on ideas for passive income for PTs, but here’s a quick summary of options:

1. Starting a Blog or YouTube Channel: Sharing your expertise or interests can attract an audience and generate income through ads and sponsorships.
2. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services you believe in and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral.
3. Selling Digital Products: Create and sell digital items like eBooks, apps, or online courses related to your field.
4. Building a Membership Community: Develop a community where members pay for exclusive content or benefits.
5. Learning About Investments: Explore investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to grow your wealth over time.

These passive income options may require initial effort, but they can potentially provide financial security and freedom in the long run.

Find a career coach

Right after graduating, starting our careers can be tricky. For example, many new physiotherapy graduates don’t know what to do next after BPT. Some can’t decide if they should specialize in something specific or work in a regular clinic, and others wonder if they are better suited for a non clinical role. I see students confused all the time about which courses or certifications they should opt for.

In all these situations and at different times in your physiotherapy career, a physiotherapy career coach can help you figure things out. Your coach can also help you find a non clinical job, do well in job interviews, get ready for the interview questions, and negotiate your salary. Looking back, I wish I had someone to guide me in my career when I was just starting out. It would have helped me avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way.

Make self care a priority

I know it might sound obvious, but I have to admit that I used to take on more work than I could handle, and it led to me feeling completely burnt out. From my own experience, burnout wasn’t just about physical exhaustion – it really drained my mental and emotional energy too! It took a toll on not just my physical health but my mental and emotional well-being.

Now, I’ve learned to take steps to avoid getting to that point of burnout. Here are some things that have worked for me and could work for you too:

1. Create a to-do list and prioritize the most important tasks.
2. Get rid of as many unnecessary tasks as possible.
3. Recognize that your time and energy are limited, and plan your day accordingly.
4. Set aside at least 10 minutes each day for self-care activities, like taking a short walk.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your health as you build your career. To have a long and successful career, you need to prioritize your well-being first!

In conclusion, your journey as a physiotherapy new graduate is not just about clinical expertise but also about understanding yourself, setting the right course, and nurturing your own well-being. As you reflect on the insights shared here, consider them as a compass that can guide you on your path to a fulfilling career. The journey from a physiotherapy new graduate to an experienced physiotherapist is not always a straight line; it often resembles a meandering river with bends, rapids, and tranquil stretches. Yet, armed with the knowledge gained from these lessons, you can confidently paddle your way through.