Start a PT Practice 101

The basics: How to start a physical therapy business

The traditional physical therapy model is on its way out. After seeing the writing on the wall, Sarah and Kate opened their own private practices in 2016 and 2017. We now consult with others who have ambitions of doing the same. Those interested in this course have the foresight to understand why moving away from a high-volume, corporate model is the best choice for both patients and practitioners. Keeping this in mind, we explore the realities of the current healthcare landscape and guide students toward making a thoughtful choice about payment model that works with their market, location, and individual goals.

Our goal is to give you a realistic breakdown of what a cash-based, out-of-network, or hybrid practice looks like and what it takes to be successful in this model. This is not a cookie-cutter approach that applies to everyone- we take an individualized approach and recognize that the reality of opening a practice in every state is different, and that every student is approaching business ownership with their own goals. Our students understand that opening a practice does not come without significant time, effort, and energy (and homework!) but are committed to providing quality care on their own terms.

Start a PT Practice 101

This 8-module, self-paced online course aims to provide students with an outline of how a successful start-up physical therapy practice can be achieved. Our goal is to give you a realistic breakdown of what a practice could look like and what it takes to be successful in this model.

This course is meant for physical therapists in the beginning stages (or even just the contemplation stage) of opening a physical therapy practice. In this course, we cover:

• how to get started

• marketing strategies

• administrative processes

• basic legalities of opening a practice

• how to manage conversations with patients and how to market yourself

• why niches and specialties can help an out-of-network practice thrive

• basics of managing your practice’s finances

• branding

• choosing your location

• why and when an out-of-network or cash practice model works

• when and where an insurance model might be best

• choosing whether to accept an insurance contract

• how to handle worker’s comp and motor vehicle accident claims

• resources and suggestions for products and processes to use (EMR, accounting, systems)

  Course Registration: $675

• Course Format:

  • Homework assignments in a private Google doc (shared between you and the instructors, with feedback for every module)

  • Recorded lectures for each module