How To Get a Nonclinical Physiotherapy Job?

After my Instagram reel about 9 nonclinical physiotherapy jobs went viral, many of you reached out to me asking how can a physiotherapist get a nonclinical job? The process can be complicated than it sounds and it may look different for different individual. But in this blog post today let’s get the basic overview of steps involved in finding a nonclinical physiotherapy job

If you are reading this article, my guess is you fall in one of these three categories: Maybe you are curious about the world of non clinical roles or you are motivated to find a non clinical role or you are frustrated with your current clinical work but are determined to build a career you love. No matter what your reason is, let me assure you that PTs can do a lot more than patient care. Surprisingly, many of the non clinical jobs do not require you to get a new degree. Your PT education can be more than enough. So, how do physiotherapists get non clinical jobs? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Understanding yourself:

Why do you want a nonclinical physiotherapy job?

Every physiotherapist has their own unique story. Start by thinking about what you want to achieve now. Some of you may want more money, or some may want better work life balance, some of you want a structured professional growth while some are excited about facing new challenges. It’s important to know that your goals are important and worth going after.

What is your long term vision?

Think about the lifestyle you wish to have 5 years down the lane. What type of work lights you up. Imagine your dream work arrangement is it work from home or in person, would like to travel for work? Do you want to flexible work hours or a fixed schedule. It is essential to think about these factors so that you can build your work around the life you desire than the other way around.

Step 2: Understanding nonclinical Physiotherapy opportunities:

Exploring nonclinical physiotherapy roles

Before embarking on the journey to a non-clinical career, it’s crucial to understand the diverse range of opportunities available. Non-clinical roles for physiotherapists span various sectors, including healthcare administration, education, research, health policy, and industry consulting. Some roles require combination of your clinical and non clinical skills such as telerehab consultant, health coach or insurance manager. While others are purely non clinical such as sales or marketing.

Shortlisting the roles based on your strengths, interests and your long term vision

Reflect on your interests and strengths to determine the most suitable non-clinical path for you. For example if you want remote roles, career in sales might not be a best option for you. On the other hand if you love to travel, becoming sales representative might be a good option. Figuring out your niche will guide your job search and help you tailor your skills to a specific field.

Step3: Building the skill-set:

Identifying transferable skills

Transferable skills are the set of skills or talents that can be used for multiple jobs, even if you change your career paths. These are the skills you acquired and nurtured in your previous job roles. Some of the common transferable skills of a clinical PT include Time management, Communication, Consultation, Empathy, problem-solving, and people skills.

Examples:

• Did you manage patient caseload effectively? That shows effective time management (Needed for leadership roles).
• Did you educate patients in simple language? That shows your ability to explain complex medical terminology in layman’s terms (Needed for content writing).
• Did you actively participate in medical camps? That shows communication skills (Needed for marketing and sales roles).
• Did you guide new PTs in clinic orientation? That shows experience in onboarding new talent and building relationships (Needed for HR roles).
• Did you create content for the clinic’s social media accounts? That shows a knack for content management (Needed for social media/content manager roles).

Acquiring additional qualifications

Depending on your chosen non-clinical field, acquiring additional qualifications may be beneficial. Certifications in project management, healthcare management, content marketing or business administration can enhance your credibility and competitiveness in the job market.

Step 4: Networking and Professional Development:

Building a Professional Network

Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process. Attend industry conferences, join relevant online forums, facebook groups and connect with professionals working in non-clinical roles. Reach out to the professionals in your desired roles on LinkedIn ask them about their company, workday etc. Establishing meaningful connections can provide insights, mentorship, and even job leads.

Engaging in Professional Development Opportunities

Stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops, and participate in webinars to enhance your knowledge and skills. Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development can make you a more attractive candidate for non-clinical positions.

Step 5: Preparing Your Application

Crafting a nonclinical resume and cover letter

Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant skills and experiences that align with the requirements of non-clinical roles. Highlight your achievements, leadership roles, and any non-clinical projects you’ve been involved in during your clinical career. Remember one of the biggest mistake I see physiotherapists doing is using the same clinical resume when applying for non clinical roles.

Utilizing online job platforms and resources

Leverage online job platforms, industry-specific websites, and professional organizations to explore job opportunities. Some of the online job platforms include Glassdoor, Indeed and LinkedIn. If you are looking for freelance work you can choose upwork or LinkedIn. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile that showcases your professional journey and aspirations, making you more visible to potential employers. If you are looking for entry level roles, Internshala can be a great platform for you in India.

Step 6: Preparing for Interviews

Showcasing your nonclinical potential

During interviews, focus on how your clinical experience has equipped you with the skills necessary for success in a non-clinical setting. Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability in your clinical practice.

Beyond interviews

The process of getting nonclinical physiotherapy job doesn’t end at getting called for an interview. Following the interview, it’s essential to express a thank you to the interviewer for their time and seek clarity on the next steps. Subsequently, two scenarios may unfold: you may progress in the interview process and potentially receive an offer. If an offer is extended, be ready to negotiate if necessary. However, if you don’t receive an offer, it’s crucial to follow up and request feedback to enhance your performance in future interviews.

Conclusion

Embarking on a non-clinical career as a physiotherapist requires careful planning, skill development, and a proactive approach. By understanding the landscape of non-clinical roles, identifying your strengths, building transferable skills, and networking strategically, you can successfully make the transition. Remember that the journey may involve starting at entry-level positions, but with determination and a clear focus, you can carve out a fulfilling and impactful non-clinical career path.

If you want more support in finding a nonclinical physiotherapy job, I encourage you to sign up for my one on one coaching session.