Why More Physical Therapists Are Leaving the Clinic
Burnout, debt, and lack of leverage are forcing PTs to look for other ways to make money.
Exploring New Paths in Physical Therapy & Med Sales
Why This Matters
Many physical therapists and rehab pros are hitting a crossroads—some are considering nonclinical roles altogether. Rising student debt, shrinking reimbursements, and limited business education are making the traditional clinical route tough to sustain.
Big Stat to Chew On
Out of around 260,000 physical therapists in the U.S., roughly 50,000 are looking beyond the clinic. That’s a huge shift—and it’s worth paying attention to.
What’s the Real Issue?
High turnover rates
Stubborn student loans
Stagnant salaries (especially when you factor in inflation)
On top of that, many PTs just aren’t trained in the business side—like sales, marketing, and customer outreach—which can make running a clinic feel like an uphill battle.
Surprising Opportunities
Daniel Walters, PT for over a decade, says nontraditional roles are opening up fast. Think:
Digital Opinion Leaders (DOLs): Put your clinical knowledge to work in a digital space.
Med Tech Sales: Your patient-care background is a major asset in pitching and explaining new technology.
Why Therapists Fit Perfectly
Communication Skills: You already know how to break down complex issues for patients.
Clinical Chops: Experience with real people means you understand the impact of new tech or treatments better than most.
Education Matters
Daniel’s work at Summit Professional Education focuses on targeted training to help therapists adapt and grow—so you’re not stuck in a rut, feeling behind on the latest trends or unsure how to pivot.
So...What Now?
If you’re curious about med sales, check out MedTechSalesPro.com.
If you need fresh skills or CEUs, look into Summit’s offerings and other programs designed to boost your business savvy.
Keep the Conversation Going
This is just the tip of the iceberg. More insights from Daniel Walters are coming in the next podcast episode. If you’re finding value in these discussions, a quick review of the podcast helps us shape future content to fit your needs.
Your Move
Share your thoughts on where physical therapy is headed—whether you’re brand new or already mulling a career shift. Let’s keep evolving our roles and pushing healthcare forward.
