In the world of cash physical therapy, the debate over whether to hire new grad DPTs or seasoned clinicians has been a hot topic lately. With many opinions floating around, it’s crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of both groups. Today, we’ll explore this important decision and help you navigate the hiring landscape.
The Experience Factor: New Grads vs. Seasoned Clinicians
When it comes to hiring, both new grad DPTs and seasoned clinicians can bring unique strengths to your practice. The key lies in understanding the specific needs of your business and the benefits that each type of candidate can offer.
New Grad DPTs: Fresh Perspectives and Eager Attitudes
1. Enthusiasm and Energy
New grads often come into the workforce with a fresh perspective and a strong desire to make a difference. Their energy and passion for physical therapy can be infectious, translating into better patient care and an uplifting work environment.
2. Adaptability and Learning Potential
Fresh out of school, new grad DPTs are eager to learn and are typically more open to new ideas and methods. They can quickly absorb information, allowing you to mold them into the clinicians you want for your practice.
3. Sales Skills and Patient Engagement
Surprisingly, many new grads excel in sales, especially in a cash-based model where building relationships is key. With the right training, they can quickly become proficient at communicating the value of your services and converting leads into loyal patients.
Experienced Clinicians: Knowledge and Expertise
- Clinical Skill Set
Seasoned clinicians come with a wealth of experience and clinical knowledge, which can be invaluable in managing complex cases. They often have a proven track record of delivering positive patient outcomes. - Established Patient Relationships
Experienced physical therapists may already have an established network of referral sources, which can be beneficial for your practice. They might bring in patients who trust their expertise, helping to grow your client base. - Mentorship Opportunities
Hiring experienced clinicians can also provide mentorship opportunities for new grads. Their insights can help foster a learning culture within your practice and benefit all staff members.
Key Considerations When Hiring
While both new grad DPTs and experienced clinicians can be great additions to your practice, there are several factors to consider when making your decision:
Practice Model: If you’re in a cash-based model, new grads may be a better fit, as they are often more adaptable and eager to learn the sales techniques that can help your practice thrive. Experienced clinicians might be more accustomed to insurance-based models and could struggle with cash pricing and patient conversion.
Team Dynamics: Consider the existing team dynamics in your practice. A mix of new and experienced clinicians can create a balanced team where everyone can learn from each other and grow collectively.
Hiring Philosophy: Your hiring philosophy should reflect the culture you want to cultivate in your practice. If you prioritize enthusiasm and adaptability, new grads may be the way to go. If you value mentorship and established expertise, seasoned clinicians might be more aligned with your vision.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to hire a new grad DPT or an experienced clinician comes down to the specific needs and goals of your cash physical therapy practice. Both groups have their pros and cons, and understanding what each brings to the table is crucial for your hiring process.
Don’t be afraid to look beyond the surface. Conduct thorough interviews and consider the personality, passion, and potential of each candidate. With the right approach, you can build a strong, dynamic team that will drive your practice to success.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
For a deeper dive into a cash physical therapists’ journeys, make sure to listen to the full podcast episode. Click here to listen to the episode: Hiring for Cash Physical Therapy Clinics: New Grads or Experienced Clinicians?
About Author:
Although the company eventually failed, it provided Jordan with invaluable learning experiences. He became passionate about designing world-class patient experiences and building efficient marketing & sales funnels for cash physical therapists. Utilizing this expertise, Jordan became the CMO of a well-known physical therapy media company, and consulted for and built marketing funnels for some of the top physical therapy business coaches.
Eventually growing tired of the typical agency and consulting grind, Jordan, alongside Max Zirbel, founded Clinical Marketer. They infused it with the hands-on support and mentorship that they benefited from in their initial venture. The company was a success from the start, aiding clinics in scaling to 6 and 7 figures in revenue. During its first launch, Jordan and his team met Dr. Ben Bagge, whom they later partnered with after helping him grow his business from $200K/year to over $1M/year in three years.
