You’ve been offered a job and it seems great, you are extremely excited to start your career as a physiotherapist. Before getting ahead of yourself, it is important to be diligent before signing a contract. How does the company want to structure your position – as an employee or an independent contractor?

Usually reserved for larger, more established practices and government positions.
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Pros:

• Stability in work and pay/ job security
• Structured mentorship
• Leave entitlements
• Industrial relation protections
• Employee benefits

Cons:

• Lack of flexibility in schedule
• Package may be structured differently
• Less flexibility to take on other work

Being hired as an employee is straightforward for most graduates, so we will focus on the independent contractor side of the business, since many positions in private practice function this way.

As an independent contractor you have the right to decide where, when and how your work is done. This is extremely important to remember. With the added risk of being self-employed, you gain the flexibility in your schedule and hours.

To check whether the terms of your contract mean indicate that you are an employee or  a contractor please visit the ATO calculator here  and contact the fair work ombudsman here.

TIP: Before accepting a position and starting your career, it is highly suggested that you shadow another physiotherapist at the clinic during a busy day.
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This is good for two reasons:

1. To observe the flow and atmosphere of the clinic
2. To observe the amount of patient traffic

​If you sense an unfriendly atmosphere, an inefficient clinic operation, or a lack of patient traffic, don’t assume it will change once you accept the position. Unfortunately, building a full caseload takes a lot of time and effort, and the location and reputation of the clinic plays a large role in the amount of new patients that walk through the door. Don’t expect to start off extremely busy right away as a new grad until you build your reputation as a clinician. Also, the time of year you start your career will impact how busy you will be. Many physiotherapy clinics have slow periods, such as right after the holidays and during the summer months. Also, there will be many days where a patient will not show up for an appointment or will cancel at the last minute. Remember, as an independent contractor, you only get paid when seeing a patient.

More common in smaller physiotherapy clinics and small-medium sized companies.
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Pros:

• Flexibility in schedule and place of work
• Can deduct business expenses

Cons:

• Less stability in your job
• Have to budget for income tax
• No benefits/employee entitlements (eg. Leave)

Due to the lack of: benefits, job security, vacation, holiday pay, bonuses, and consistent work hours, independent contractors usually receive a higher percentage of billings. As a new graduate, your pay will likely be structured as a fee for service. This model means you are only getting paid when you see a patient.  Typically the fee split is percentage based and can range from 35-50%. New graduates normally receive a lower percentage to start. Percentage will increase with experience, continuing education courses, and negotiation skills.

​You’ve written the exam, and you’ve practiced and performed the practical exam. Now it’s time to venture into the real world and start looking for work.
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Where do you find positions?

​​Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, physiotherapy is a relationship and rapport building profession. The first step to finding a job that is suited to you is to reach out to your contacts, whether they are classmates, former students, clinical instructors or friends. A quick phone call is best, otherwise an email stating that you are looking for work may have you landing your first job before you know it.