Physical Therapist Job Satisfaction!
Reference:Eker L, T�z�n EH, Daskapan A, S�renk�k O. Predictors of job satisfaction among physiotherapists in Turkey. J Occup Health. 2004 Nov;46(6):500-5.
I want to share with my colleagues 7 facts from studies and reports done on job satisfaction amongst Phyios.
Fact #1: Physical therapy ranked highest in job satisfaction, according to a 2008 survey conducted by the University of Chicago. More than three quarters of physical therapists reported being “very satisfied” with their occupation. In a similar survey by the Wall Street Journal’s Career Journal, physical therapy rated one of the eight best careers, and the only health care professionals listed. (US News 2008)
Fact #2: From a financial and career growth and opportunity perspective Physical therapists ranked 7th in a list of 50 “Best Jobs in America” (featured in the November 2009 issue of CNNMoney.com)
Fact #3: A 2004 study showed that the most important predictors of job satisfaction were: 1) Leadership 2) Interpersonal relationships 3) Advancement and 4) Salary. (Eker 2004)
Fact #4: Approximately 57% of the physiotherapists who worked in the public sector and 40% of those who worked in the private reported that their job was stressful (Cyprus study). 21% of met the criteria for “burnout”. (Pavlakis 2010)
Fact #5: In comparison with non-pediatric physiotherapists, pediatric physiotherapists were three times more likely to report of feelings of high emotional exhaustion and distress. (Pavlakis 2010)
Fact #6: PTs reported that the most dissatisfying aspect of their work was the amount of paperwork. (Speakman 1996)
Fact #7: Job satisfaction was rated high if the PTs thought that they had sufficient independence in decision-making and were learning and improving in their work. (i.e. Continuing education courses / programs improve career satisfaction). (Speakman 1996)
Basic Conclusion: If you are a Registered Physiotherapist, consider yourself extremely fortunate. Your profession is consistently ranked as having one of the highest job opportunities and satisfaction. If for some reason you are currently dissatisfied with your PT career, it’s not a problem with the PT profession, it is likely your specific work situation. Perhaps it is time for some kind of a change in your Physio career path!
I truly welcome any comments or any feedback you may have.
Sincerely, Dr. Bahram Jam, Registered Physiotherapist info@aptei.com
References:
*Pavlakis A, Raftopoulos V, Theodorou M. Burnout syndrome in Cypriot physiotherapists: a national survey. BMC Health Serv Res. 2010 Mar *11;10:63.
*Speakman HG, Pleasant JM, Sutton GB. The job satisfaction of physical therapists. Physiother Res Int. 1996;1(4):247-54.
*US News Web site: http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-physical-therapist.html
Posted on: May 31, 2010
Categories: Relevant Physical Therapy Articles
