Is the pendulum swinging back?

Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, Jun 2001 by Cassady, Sandra L

Is the pendulum swinging back?

Over the recent years we have experienced some challenges within health care and the profession of physical therapy. For the first time in recent history, the supply of physical therapists exceeded the demand and the unemployment rate climbed within our profession. In some parts of the country and some practice settings, physical therapists were being laid off and others reported a reduction in work hours. New graduates were finding that they needed to be flexible and relocate to find employment. They were competing for positions and really polishing their resumes' to get their foot in the door; sometimes settling for a per them or part time position to gain experience.

This past weekend, our senior students returned to campus for their comprehensive exams, final evaluation sessions, and to participate in graduation ceremonies. When asked about their success in the job hunt, 80% reported that they had already managed to secure a position. This is even more amazing when you consider that about half of this graduating class desired to stay within a 25-mile radius of our location. Several students reported receiving more than one offer.

Positions for full time physical therapists are showing up in the weekend classified advertisements. One evening last week, our family time was interrupted by phone calls from two headhunters working to recruit physical therapists for positions elsewhere in the state. I used to be bothered by those calls, this time they felt good!

These events left me wondering-is the pendulum swinging back? Are significant changes happening throughout the country or is this unique to our Midwest community? If you have some interesting news or thoughts to share, send them to me or consider sharing in a Letter to the Editor.

Sandra L. Cassady, PhD, PT

Editor