The demand for allied health professionals – particularly occupational and physical therapists –continues to outpace supply across industries. Whether in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, or schools, these essential workers play a critical role in patient care, recovery, and overall well-being. Yet, Millbrook Support Services (Millbrook) and its clients, like many organizations nationwide, are feeling the strain of this workforce shortage.
Why Is There a Shortage?
Several factors contribute to the declining availability of occupational and physical therapists:
- Aging Population: The increasing number of older adults requiring rehabilitation services has placed a heavier demand on the workforce. More patients need care, but there aren’t enough therapists to meet these needs.
- Burnout and Workload Issues: High patient loads, administrative burdens, and burnout drive many professionals to seek alternative careers or early retirement.
- Limited Educational Pipeline: While demand has grown, the number of graduates from occupational and physical therapy programs has not kept pace. Strict accreditation requirements and lengthy degree programs may deter potential students.
How Bad is The Shortage?
Occupational Therapists (OTs):
- Projected Growth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists is expected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations – which will add 9,8000 new job openings annually.
- Educational Trends: There has been a 23% decline in applications to master’s and doctoral OT programs over the past six years, indicating a shrinking pipeline of new professionals.
Physical Therapists (PTs):
- Projected Growth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2023 to 2033, adding about 36,800 new positions.
- Vacancy Rates: According to Vivian the American Physical Therapy Association, as of mid-2023, outpatient clinics reported an average vacancy rate of 10%, with one in every three clinics having an opening for a PT.
What Needs to Change?
Millbrook and its clients have observed firsthand the challenges posed by the shortage of occupational and physical therapists. While no single solution can resolve this growing crisis, there are several industry-wide approaches that could help mitigate the issue. Based on insights from staffing experts and healthcare organizations, below are some potential strategies to alleviate the shortage:
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Pay rates for occupational and physical therapists must reflect the value and demand for these roles. Increasing salaries or improving benefits could attract and retain more professionals. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration between staffing agencies and healthcare organizations to ensure compensation structures support long-term workforce stability.
- Expanding Travel Opportunities: Just as travel nursing has helped address shortages in nursing, expanding travel opportunities for allied health professionals could help redistribute talent to high-need areas. More flexibility in job placements could also make these careers more appealing.
- Educational Incentives & Accessibility: Schools and policymakers need to invest in growing the pipeline of allied health professionals. Expanding scholarships, reducing tuition costs, and creating more accessible pathways to certification could encourage more students to enter these fields.
- Early Career Exposure & Recruitment: Raising awareness of these professions in high schools and colleges could encourage more students to pursue them. Outreach programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities can highlight the rewarding nature of these careers.
Looking Ahead
If the shortage of allied health professionals isn’t addressed, the consequences will be far-reaching – longer wait times for therapy services, decreased quality of patient care, and increased strain on existing providers.
Organizations like Millbrook and its clients are already seeing these effects firsthand. To combat this crisis, systemic changes in pay structures, job flexibility, education, and workplace conditions are necessary. Investing in the future of occupational and physical therapy is not just a workforce issue – it’s a matter of ensuring quality care for the communities that need it most.
At Millbrook Support Services, we specialize in connecting top talent with opportunities across the healthcare spectrum. If you’re looking for your next role or seeking to fill critical positions, apply today or text us at 516-218-9600 to connect with a recruiter!
About the Author
James Paterek, a dynamic human capital & technology industry leader, is the Chief Executive Officer of Millbrook Support Services, a nationwide healthcare staffing & workforce solutions company with offices in Millbrook, NY, Manhasset, NY, and Gilbert, AZ. Millbrook, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), supplies Physicians, Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers and Allied Healthcare staffing services to government and commercial clients across North America. Moreover, Millbrook is a GSA-Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract holder of the 621 I for Professional & Allied Healthcare Staffing Services with a geographical coverage area encompassing all 50 States including Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
