Are you considering a bold leap into the world of physical therapy private practice? Do you possess the drive and determination to create a thriving business that not only supports your patients’ wellbeing but also provides a livelihood for your employees? Let’s find out if you have what it takes to be a successful physical therapy practice owner!
Understanding Your “Why” as a PT Owner
Have you truly considered your “why” for wanting to go into private practice?
Understanding the driving force behind your decision can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process. Are you passionate about helping patients recover, or do you crave the freedom that comes with being your own boss? Whatever your reason, make sure it’s strong enough to sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs of business ownership.
The Discipline and Dedication to Startup a Private Practice
Let’s face it – physical therapy school was not designed to train you to become a practice owner. This means that you’ll need to possess an extraordinary level of discipline and dedication to succeed in private practice. Are you ready to put in the work necessary to bridge the gap between your clinical expertise and the business acumen required to run a profitable practice?
Key Elements to Succeed in Private Practice
As a physical therapy practice owner, you’ll need to master several key elements to succeed.
Some of the main areas of operations where we recommend mastery include:
- Business strategic planning
- Marketing and networking
- Financial management
- Billing and collections processes
- Staff management and leadership
- Quality, innovative patient care
Do you have experience or skills in these areas, or are you willing to learn and adapt? To thrive in private practice, you’ll need to become a true jack-of-all-trades, but also know when to delegate and outsource.
BEWARE: A Practice Owner is NOT a Clinical Director
Have you ever considered the difference between being a clinical director and a practice owner? While both roles require leadership and management skills, practice owners carry the additional responsibility of business operations and financial risk.
Are you prepared for the challenges that come with overseeing every aspect of your practice, from patient care to payroll? If not, you may want to gain more experience in a management role before taking the plunge into private practice.
Integrating Work-Life Balance as a PT Owner
As a practice owner, it’s essential to integrate work-life balance into your daily routine. Running a successful practice can be time-consuming and stressful, and it’s crucial to take care of yourself in the process.
How will you make time for family, friends, hobbies and self-care? Establishing a healthy work-life balance is vital for your long-term success and wellbeing as a business owner.
Recommended Business Tools for the PT Startup Owner
To bridge the gap between your clinical skills and business knowledge, you’ll need to arm yourself with the right tools and resources.
Here are some examples of essential business tools we recommend for the PT startup owner:
- Business plan templates and guides
- Marketing and advertising resources
- The right PT business model for your ideal scene
- An EMR system that matches your unique needs
- Innovative technology for patient care
- Human resources and staff management tools
- Professional development opportunities and mentorship programs
By investing in your physical therapy practice management education and elevating your skill sets, you can set yourself up for success as a physical therapy practice owner.
How to Get Started as a Physical Therapy Owner
Starting a physical therapy practice is not for the faint of heart, but with the right mindset, motivation, and resources, it can be a deeply rewarding endeavor. If you’re ready to face the challenges and embrace the responsibility of private practice ownership, you may just have what it takes to build a thriving business that benefits both your patients and your employees.
Learn more about what it takes in Brian Gallagher’s insightful podcast: Ep 255: Do You Have What it Takes to Start a Physical Therapy Practice?
So, do you have everything you need to start a physical therapy practice? Are you prepared to take the leap and become the go-getter practice owner you were destined to be? Here’s an easy way to get started: Schedule a free assessment call with our team to talk through the pillars of success that should make up your clinic’s foundation. Also, we’ve outlined the key areas to leave to specialists in our outsourcing guide. Download below:
