Are Canadian Physiotherapy New Graduates Work Ready for Private Practice?

Our study aimed to build on existing work and explore the work readiness of new graduate physiotherapists for private practice from the perspectives of employers, educators and new graduates within a Canadian context.

In this cross-sectional, descriptive study we developed and administered an online questionnaire to recent Canadian physiotherapy graduates, private practice employers and academics. The questionnaire explored the work readiness of new graduates related to the Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada and specific constructs associated with working in private practice.  We analysed responses using descriptive statistics for Likert-based and closed survey questions, and we used conventional inductive content analysis to analyse respondent comments. 

Our results suggest that Canadian new graduates have the foundational clinical skills required to work in private practice but need to further develop clinical reasoning skills, have difficulty managing larger or more complex caseloads, and lack confidence. Respondents highlight insufficient education particularly related to the business of private practice, managing larger or more complex caseloads, diagnosis and prognosis, establishing a plan of care, and autonomy in decision-making as barriers to a successful transition to working in private practice. While barriers exist, it is important to acknowledge that most respondents believe new graduates are employable based on their enthusiasm and motivation for learning. Our findings underscore a shared responsibility between academics, employers and graduates for the work readiness of physiotherapy graduates. Respondents suggest at least one year of working in private practice before the majority of graduates are actually work-ready for private practice.

Physiotherapy graduates struggle with the business aspects of working in private practice, managing large and complex caseloads, and autonomy of decision-making.  There is a shared responsibility between academics, clinical educators, employers and new graduates themselves to bridge the gap between the entry-to-practice education program and meeting the expectations of the private practice work environment.

New graduates are employable and competent in many aspects related to private practice; opportunities exist for physiotherapy programs to enhance their curricula in business and financial management, marketing, caseload development and maintenance, with additional education in musculoskeletal management. Employers have an opportunity to support work readiness through structured mentorship and a gradual transition to the rigours of independent practice.