How to Hire a Physical Therapist: Essential Tips for Effective Physiotherapy

Hiring the right physiotherapists can significantly impact your clinic’s success, but too many clinic owners approach the hiring process all wrong. Most therapists focus on interviews and tests that don’t correlate with real-world clinic performance. The result? A costly, inefficient hiring process that wastes time and resources, especially for those looking to hire the best talent for their clinic.

In this blog, I’ll share my proven 3-step hiring process, which has helped me find physiotherapists who generate an additional £18,000 in revenue in their first 90 days. Whether you’re a clinic owner or just looking to improve your hiring practices, this guide will help you avoid common hiring mistakes and set your clinic up for long-term success.

Step 1: Phone Interview to Assess Communication Skills & Cultural Fit

Most clinic owners skip straight to an in-person interview, but this often leads to biases and wasted time. Instead, we start with a phone interview. Why? The phone interview is an excellent way to gauge a candidate’s communication skills, tone, and overall demeanor without any physical biases. This helps us identify whether we’re on track to find the perfect candidate for our clinic.

During the phone interview, we ask key questions to get a sense of the candidate’s fit for your clinic and work environment.

One critical question is, “What do you know about our clinic?”

This simple question can tell you whether they’ve done their homework and whether they align with your core values. If they haven’t taken the time to learn about your clinic, it’s an immediate red flag.

We also use the phone interview to address salary expectations and other non-negotiables early on. If there’s a mismatch in salary expectations or core values, you can eliminate candidates right away and avoid wasting your time on further interviews.

Step 2: Zoom Interview to Evaluate Core Values and Alignment

Once a candidate passes the phone screen, we move to the Zoom interview. Zoom offers an advantage over in-person interviews because it gives candidates a chance to show you their environment and how they present themselves remotely. More importantly, Zoom allows you to focus deeply on core values, helping you find the right candidate and the perfect fit for your physio clinic.

Core values are the heart of a successful physiotherapist in private practice. You need to make sure their beliefs, work ethic, and attitude align with your clinic’s culture. We focus on questions like:

• “Tell me about a time when you exceeded expectations for a patient.”

• “How do you approach teamwork and collaboration with other staff members?”

These questions help us assess whether a candidate’s values align with our clinic’s mission. If they don’t, it’s crucial to cut the interview short. Hiring someone who doesn’t fit your clinic’s culture can lead to significant issues down the road. By focusing on qualified candidates who align with your clinic’s values, you can build a stronger, more cohesive team.

Step 3: In-Person Interview with Role-Playing to Test Clinical Skills

At this stage, you’re likely considering hiring this candidate. Now, it’s time for the in-person interview and role play. This is where we test a candidate’s ability to perform the critical tasks required for private practice physiotherapists. During the in-person interview, we ask scenario-based questions to assess their clinical and people skills. For example:

• “Tell me about a time you had to explain the treatment plan to a patient.”

• “What would you do if a patient’s progress plateaued and they needed more sessions?”

The goal here is to see how they handle real-world situations in a clinic environment. This stage also includes role-playing exercises to see how they approach patient interactions, treatment planning, and rehabilitation exercises. By simulating these scenarios, you get a clear sense of their baseline skill level and how quickly they can adapt to your clinic’s needs.

Are They Coachable? Assessing Adaptability and Growth Potential

One of the most important factors to evaluate during the interview process is whether a candidate is coachable. Even the best-trained physiotherapists may need ongoing mentoring to meet the unique challenges of private practice.

Ask yourself: Are they willing to learn? Do they exhibit a strong work ethic? Do they show a genuine desire to improve, and do they want to work within your clinic’s systems? Are they committed to improving their skills? If the answer is yes, they will thrive with the right onboarding process and mentoring.

Step 4: Selling Your Clinic to Top Candidates

After completing all three interview steps, you’ll have a solid understanding of the candidate’s core values, traits, and skills. But remember, they’re also evaluating you. In a competitive hiring market, it’s essential to sell them on why they should choose your clinic.

What makes your clinic stand out? Offer them ongoing mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a vision they can align with. If you offer strong support and a clear path for growth, top candidates will choose your clinic over higher-paying offers.

Conclusion: Hire Slowly, Fire Fast for Long-Term Success

The right hiring process is crucial to building a strong team and a profitable clinic. By following this 3-step process, you can make more informed, objective hiring decisions that will lead to long-term success. Remember, it’s not just about hiring fast—it’s about hiring the right fit.

This starts with a clear job description that outlines your expectations and attracts top talent who align with your clinic’s values and goals.

So, take your time, ask the right questions, and focus on core values and traits that align with your clinic’s goals. If you learn how to hire with a strategic approach, you’ll find physiotherapists who are not only skilled but also capable of generating additional revenue and protecting your clinic’s profit margins.

Bonus: Want a cheat sheet for this process? Reach out on Instagram or LinkedIn, and you’ll receive the full overview of my 3-step hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to hire physiotherapists for a private practice?

The best way to hire physiotherapists for a private practice involves a structured, 3-step process: a phone interview to gauge communication and core values, a Zoom interview to assess cultural fit and deeper values, and an in-person interview with role-playing to evaluate clinical skills and patient interactions.

How can I evaluate core values during the hiring process?

During a Zoom interview, ask scenario-based questions such as, “Tell me about a time when you exceeded expectations for a patient,” to understand a candidate’s values and how they align with your clinic’s culture. Ensuring alignment on core values is critical to long-term success.

What should I do if a candidate’s salary expectations don’t match my budget?

Address salary expectations early in the process (even in the phone interview) to avoid wasting time on candidates who aren’t a good financial fit. This saves time and energy by quickly eliminating candidates with unrealistic expectations.

What should I look for when hiring a physiotherapist in private practice?

Look for candidates who are not only skilled but also align with your clinic’s core values. Evaluate their communication skills, patient care approach, and ability to work as part of a team. Traits like adaptability, empathy, and problem-solving are key indicators of success.

How can I differentiate my clinic to attract top physiotherapist candidates?

Highlight the support and mentorship opportunities at your clinic. Offer professional development and a clear growth path within your clinic. Top physiotherapists value these opportunities just as much, if not more, than salary.

Why is mentorship important for new physiotherapists?

Mentorship provides new physiotherapists with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to succeed in private practice. It helps them adapt quickly, increase patient satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to your clinic’s revenue growth.

How long does it take to onboard a new physiotherapist successfully?

The time it takes to onboard a new physiotherapist varies but should include ongoing support, feedback, and training. With the right onboarding and mentoring system, physiotherapists can begin generating revenue quickly, often within their first 90 days.