The 5 biggest challenges in hiring physical therapists (and how to overcome them)

As a practice owner in Switzerland, you know it all too well: finding qualified physiotherapists is becoming increasingly challenging. Despite attractive employment conditions and high salary levels, the Swiss labor market for physiotherapists faces an increasing shortage. Studies indicate that the demand for physical therapists continues to rise, while the supply of qualified professionals is lagging behind.

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In this article, we'll discuss the five biggest obstacles to hiring physical therapists and — more importantly — how to overcome them successfully, whether you're looking for locally trained therapists or international candidates.

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1. Competing in a tight labor market with cantonal differences

The labor market for physical therapists varies greatly from one canton to another, especially in terms of salary level and workload. Graubünden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Aargau offer the highest earning opportunities, while Obwalden, Wallis and St. Gallen have lower fees. These differences make it more difficult for some regions to attract and retain talent.

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The solution:

• Develop an attractive “employer brand” that highlights the unique benefits of your practice and region
• Offer a competitive salary (around 80,000 CHF for beginning therapists) plus attractive fringe benefits
• Create clear career paths with opportunities for specialization and professional development
• Promote your region's lifestyle benefits (nature, recreation, work-life balance)
• Invest in modern facilities and equipment that optimally support the work of physical therapists
• Provide flexible work models that suit different phases of life (part-time, job-sharing)

By emphasizing both the professional and personal benefits of your practice and region, you stand out in the competition for talent.

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2. Offer more than just a big salary

In Switzerland, physical therapists earn well compared to other countries in Europe, that is known. But in the battle for talent, a good salary alone is no longer enough. The best physical therapists look beyond just the monthly amount in their bill: they're looking for a practice that really values them.

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The solution:

• Make your salary package transparent and attractive, with clear steps for growth
• Think outside the box with bonuses for specializations or bringing in new patients
• Offer ambitious therapists the chance to co-own your practice
• Go beyond the standard package with extras such as a generous training budget or sabbatical opportunities
• Invest in talent who wants to develop specializations that will help your practice excel
• Be concrete in your vacancies about what you have to offer financially, without vague promises

By showing physical therapists that you're offering them more than just a salary, you're attracting the kind of talent who not only comes for the money, but also for a practice that invests in their future. That makes the difference between a candidate who leaves quickly and someone who contributes to the success of your practice for a long time.

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3. Specialization and professional development

Physiotherapy is becoming increasingly specialized, and patients expect more and more expertise in specific areas. Attracting therapists with the right specializations, or facilitating specialization courses, is a challenge for many practices.

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The solution:

• Provide clear training programs and budgets for continuing education
• Facilitate internal knowledge sharing between colleagues with different areas of expertise
• Consider a mentoring program where experienced specialists mentor newer therapists
• Collaborate with Swiss physiotherapy courses to offer internships
• Encourage participation in professional networks and departments
• Reserve paid hours for professional development and study time

By investing in the professional growth of your team, you not only increase their professional competence, but also their commitment to your practice.

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4. Reduce administrative burdens

Physical therapists in Switzerland spend a lot of time on administration, at the expense of patient care and job satisfaction. This administrative burden is a common source of frustration and can be an important factor in choosing an employer.

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The solution:

• Deploy user-friendly practice software that streamlines administrative processes
• Provide good administrative support so that therapists can focus on treatment
• Optimise work processes to prevent duplication of work
• Offer regular training courses on efficient documentation and billing
• Automate routine tasks where possible (appointments, reminders, invoices)
• Create standardized documentation templates that save time

By reducing the administrative burden, you make the profession more attractive and enable therapists to spend more time caring for patients. This is an important advantage that you can explicitly mention in your recruitment activities.

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5. Using international expertise

Given the shortage of Swiss physical therapists, many practices are looking for international candidates. This presents specific challenges, but also offers opportunities to enrich your team with diverse perspectives and expertise.

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The solution (that we can help you with!) :

• Provide a smooth recognition process for foreign diplomas at the SRK
• Bid language support with subject-specific terminology in the regional language
• Create an inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is valued
• Set up a clear induction program that explains the Swiss healthcare system
• Help with practical issues such as housing and integration into the local community
• Facilitate knowledge sharing where international therapists can contribute their experience

By properly integrating international expertise, you will strengthen your team and broaden the treatment options for your patients.

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Finding the perfect match in a changing healthcare system

The Swiss health system is currently undergoing significant changes, including discussions about tariff structures and increasing specialization. Hiring the right physiotherapists - whether they are trained in Switzerland or internationally - has become even more important in this context.

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At takeoff, we understand these challenges like no other. If (no standard) mediation agency with extensive experience in the Swiss physiotherapy world, we know the market inside out. In addition to helping you find the perfect match for your practice, we also provide support for learning German and the complete recruitment, SRK and integration process. In addition, with our community, we ensure that physiotherapists immediately feel at home. The result: happy employees who stay with you longer (we guarantee at least 1 year!)

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Want to learn more about how takeoff can help your practice find and retain talented physical therapists? Discover here how we can also perfectly support your practice.