Written by the Andrew Morgan PT, DPT, MBA, COS-C
When asked to develop a blog post regarding career development hacks, I did not initially think that I really had a lot to share. I had never really seen myself as one who gave career advice. I have been a PT for 22 years. I developed my own career, but I also went at things in a somewhat unorthodox fashion. I worked for several companies. I got promoted. I started my own business, and earned my doctorate. I then left my own business, and it was at that point I began to think that I might have something to offer that I learned along the way. So, here are 5 career hacks for the therapy professional, in the world according to Andrew Morgan.
- Go for the advanced degree
While earning my MPT, I realized that I had a future in the administration aspect of the therapy world. While I swore I would never start my own business, I saw a knowledge gap in the curriculum at my university regarding preparation for the administrative aspects of our profession. I began my MBA in night school. When I eventually started my own business, I realized I could read a balance sheet and develop a marketing plan. The MBA was paying off already. When I finished my MBA, I promised myself I was done with school. I later decided to pursue my transitional DPT. The decision to pursue the doctorate opened several other career doors, including working as an instructor here at Summit.
- Pursue advanced certifications
Years ago I had the opportunity to hear Cindy Kraft speak on OASIS, and I was amazed at how she made such a boring topic so interesting (for the record, I speak on the topic, so I know it can be boring). What impressed me was how her mastery of the information allowed her to add humor and levity to an otherwise dry topic. What did I learn? It all starts with mastering the topic, which comes from obtaining advanced certifications.
- Take your continuing education seriously
There 2 questions I ask every time I interview a potential candidate. The first is to rate in order the following items: knowledge, integrity, and compassion. But, that is a topic for another blog post. The second is: what are the last 2 continuing education courses you took and what is something you learned and applied to your current practice. All of us are required to take continuing education, but unfortunately all therapists do not take this requirement seriously. I am here to say, take it seriously! Consider it required professional development.
- Watch current trends in healthcare regulations
This may sound like common sense, but I am constantly amazed at how few clinicians are aware of cuts in Medicare or changes in managed care authorization requirements. It amazes me, but I also understand. We all went to school to care for people, not to learn insurance and Medicare regulations. Unfortunately, we all must have a working knowledge of these topics in order to get paid and to avoid entanglements with regulatory authorities. Not only will this knowledge help you in documenting your current care, it can make you stand out with your boss for potential promotions.
- Join your professional association
As a 25-year member of the APTA, I am particularly passionate about this. I do not agree with all of the positions, but I understand the need for advocacy to help all of our careers. On top of that, your professional association gives you front row access to trends in healthcare (see number 4), discounted certifications (see number 2), and continuing education second only to your Summit All-Access subscription (see number 3).
Andrew’s Upcoming Live Webinar CE Courses:
April 12th 1st: 11:00am-1:00PM EST
Evidence-Based Rehabilitation of the Total Knee Arthroplasty
References:
EX: Davis, Kerry J. Autism in the Schools: IEP Best Practices at Work. SIG 16 Perspectives on School-Based Issues; March 2014, Vol.15, 32-37
About Summit Professional Education
Summit equips Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and SLPs with better continuing education courses that provide CEUs while impacting patient outcomes. Find high-quality on-demand CE along with the largest offering of live options — including live webinars, live streams, and in-person courses. Want to deep dive on a topic? Summit offers hundreds of 6-hour courses for the most in-depth learning!