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By necessity, the COVID-19 pandemic created a grand experiment in remote healthcare delivery. The verdict: Many types of care can be successfully delivered remotely while giving patients and practitioners added flexibility. This ongoing movement has seen the growth of remote physical therapy jobs and growing interest in how to find such roles. For licensed physical therapists (PTs) or new PT graduates, you can now consider remote physical therapist jobs to enhance work-life balance while still putting your training to good use.
Overview of the Physical Therapy Career
Physical therapists are advanced practitioners who have earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and are licensed in their state of residence. They’re skilled in physical rehabilitation for patients who may have chronic conditions or mobility issues, need pain management or are recovering from surgery. PTs often work alongside occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and other providers in a holistic rehabilitative program for patients.
RELATED: Career Options: Physical Therapist vs Occupational Therapist
As a highly skilled allied health profession, physical therapy jobs typically offer good salaries—averaging $54.32 per hour based on all PT jobs posted to Vivian Health the week of August 26, 2024. PT travel roles also offer good pay. Salaries for travel PT jobs averaged $52.57 per hour that same week, but some paid as high as $94 per hour depending on demand, location and specialty. Increased demand for physical therapy may increase salaries and the need for remote options.
Introduction to Remote Physical Therapy Jobs
Remote physical therapy provides flexibility for therapists and patients, facilitating a better work-life balance. Therapists can schedule sessions at their convenience, reducing commute times and allowing for a more diverse patient base. Patients can receive care from the comfort of their homes, making it easier to fit therapy into their daily routines. This approach also caters to individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas, ensuring they can receive care without the challenges of traveling.
Types of Remote Physical Therapist Jobs
For this blog post, Vivian focuses primarily on jobs that involve physical therapists interacting live, directly with patients, PT students or other clients. However, there are alternative ways to use your PT skills remotely, such as working as a writer or blogger about physical therapy issues, being a health and wellness content creator for media like YouTube or Instagram or marketing a physical therapy product or service. Such roles necessitate content creation skills in addition to your PT knowledge and training. The following five roles represent some common types of remote PT jobs.
1. Telehealth Physical Therapist
Telehealth physical therapists use video conferencing tools to conduct virtual sessions, similar to in-person work at hospitals or outpatient centers. Responsibilities include assessing conditions, developing treatment plans and guiding remote exercises. Proficiency with telehealth platforms is essential for effective communication and treatment. Therapists may also need to advise patients on purchasing PT aides like band stretchers and resistance equipment for home use.
Pros:
- Flexibility to work from home, with flexible hours
- Broader patient reach
- Reduced overhead costs and no outpatient facility fees
- Healthier work-life balance
- Increased job satisfaction
Cons:
- Potential technology barriers for some patients
- Online platforms may take a cut of your service fees
- Limited ability to perform hands-on assessments or guide patients with physical touch
- Patients may lack the aides available in a healthcare facility
2. Virtual Physical Therapy Consultant
Virtual physical therapy consultants offer expert advice and guidance on physical therapy practices. They work with healthcare organizations, insurance companies or private practices to develop protocols, review patient cases and provide second opinions. Unlike traditional roles, these consultants focus on advising rather than providing direct patient care.
Benefits:
- Flexibility in work hours
- Opportunity to impact multiple organizations
Challenges:
- Requires extensive experience and credibility—not readily accessible to recent grads
- May involve less direct patient interaction
3. Online Physical Therapy Instructor
Online physical therapy instructors teach courses and conduct training sessions for aspiring physical therapists or PT assistants. They work with universities, online education platforms or professional training organizations. This role demands strong communication skills and a deep understanding of physical therapy principles.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Doctorate and licensure
- Years of experience with direct patient care
- Teaching experience in an in-person academic setting is often required first
4. Remote Rehabilitation Specialist
Remote rehabilitation specialists focus on specific patient groups, such as post-surgery patients or individuals with chronic conditions. They design and monitor rehabilitation programs, ensuring patients adhere to their prescribed treatments. This role often involves close collaboration with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. To offer specialized care, becoming certified in a PT specialty, such as a Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist or Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, is usually helpful.
5. Fitness and Wellness Coach
Fitness and wellness coaches integrate physical therapy principles into fitness programs. They work with clients to develop personalized exercise plans that improve overall health and prevent injuries. This role involves using digital platforms to conduct sessions and track progress.
Generally, personal trainers don’t require licensure in the U.S., so if you stick to non-medical advice, you can do this type of work in any state and across state lines. At the same time, being a PT will undoubtedly give you a competitive advantage over other wellness coaches with less formal training. Although not required, you may be more marketable in this area if certified as a Sports Clinical Specialist.
Qualifications and Skills Needed for Remote Therapy Roles
To succeed in remote physical therapy roles, practitioners must possess the right mix of educational background, certifications and virtual work skills. The training necessary to become a licensed physical therapist will meet many of your needs. However, providing care remotely also warrants mastering a variety of tech skills and soft skills.
Essential Soft Skills:
- Communication: Effective verbal and written communication
- Empathy: Understanding and addressing patient concerns to build trust, particularly when you’re not present in person
- Problem-solving: Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and adapt treatment plans as needed
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with telehealth platforms (e.g., Zoom, Doxy.me) and electronic healthcare records (MyChart/Epic, etc.)
- Familiarity with digital patient management and scheduling systems (e.g., ZocDoc, etc.)
RELATED: Top 10 Reasons to Become a Physical Therapist
4 Key Steps to Securing a Remote Physical Therapist Job
1. Build Relevant Experience
Gaining experience in traditional physical therapy settings is the first step. This experience helps you understand patient needs and treatment techniques. Additional certifications and training in telehealth and remote care can also enhance your qualifications.
2. Develop a Strong Online Presence
Creating a professional LinkedIn profile is essential for networking and job searches. Join online physical therapy communities to connect with peers and stay updated on industry trends.
3. Search and Apply for Jobs
While some general job boards may not have many remote PT roles, specialized platforms can be more fruitful. Tailor your resume and cover letter, highlighting your remote work skills and experiences.
Search for PT jobs on:
- Vivian Health
- APTA Career Center
- Telehealth PT platforms
4. Prepare for Interviews
Employers often conduct remote work interviews through Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or similar platforms. Setting aside time before your interview is important to ensure your video and audio equipment is ready and that other digital distractions are turned off. This interview offers an ideal time to be focused and highlight your ability to communicate effectively over a screen.
As with any job, preparing a list of your previous work experience in physical therapy is helpful. You should also identify the aspects you like the most and the challenges you have overcome, either in in-person patient care or via previous telehealth roles.
RELATED: What States Need Physical Therapists the Most?
PT Remote Work Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Technical Difficulties
Remote physical therapy relies heavily on technology, which can sometimes fail. To overcome this, ensure you have reliable internet and backup devices. Familiarize yourself with troubleshooting common issues and have a support plan for patients who encounter technical problems.
Maintaining Patient Engagement
Keeping patients engaged during virtual sessions can be challenging. Use interactive tools, provide clear instructions and follow up regularly to ensure compliance. Building a strong rapport with patients also helps maintain their commitment to the treatment plan.
Balancing Remote Work with Personal Life
Work-from-home physical therapy jobs can blur the lines between professional and personal life. Establish a dedicated workspace and set clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Schedule regular breaks and stick to a consistent routine to avoid burnout. When working with a patient on their physical challenges in an intimate care setting, creating a workspace free from loud noises inside or outside your home or office and not letting a child, family member or pet interrupt your session is essential.
Growth of Telehealth and Physical Therapy
In recent years, telehealth services have grown, including online urgent care, mental telehealth and treatment for everything from hair loss to erectile dysfunction. Meanwhile, a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that in 2017, 46% of hospitals offered at least one form of telemedicine, which rose to 72% by 2021. Physical therapy is following these overall trends, with several PT-specific online platforms available.
Meanwhile, the overall growth of PT jobs is substantial due to the aging U.S. population and more active lifestyles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates demand for physical therapists will grow 15% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average of all jobs.
Most states explicitly allow remote healthcare, though it remains in a gray area in some states. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) maintains a list of current state regulations. Regardless, if you provide services that fall under the usual scope of practice of a physical therapist license, you must at least be licensed in the state where you are physically present. If your telehealth services cross state lines, you will probably also need to be licensed where your patient is receiving your care or get privileges in that state through the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Check with each state’s regulations to ensure you remain compliant.
Future of Remote Physical Therapy
The future of remote physical therapy looks promising, with emerging trends and technologies driving its growth. Innovations like virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to revolutionize remote therapy by enhancing treatment effectiveness and patient engagement. VR can create immersive therapy environments, making exercises more engaging and effective.
Meanwhile, AI can assist in patient assessments, treatment customization and progress tracking.
Predictions:
- Increased adoption of remote physical therapy due to its convenience and accessibility
- Growing insurance company recognition and coverage of remote PT services
- Top employers providing remote fitness services as an employee perk
Staying Ahead:
- Stay updated with industry trends and advancements.
- Pursue continuous education and training in new technologies.
- Network with other professionals to share knowledge and best practices.
Moving Toward Your Work-from-Home Physical Therapy Job
Remote physical therapy offers numerous benefits and opportunities for both practitioners and patients. The flexibility, wider reach and potential for innovative treatment methods make it an exciting field. Physical therapists transitioning to remote roles should build relevant experience, develop a strong online presence and stay updated with emerging trends. By doing so, they can enhance their careers and contribute significantly to advancing remote healthcare.
Regardless of where you see yourself in your physical therapy career, we can help you find jobs anywhere in the U.S. Download the Vivian app to get started.
