Factors Affecting Recruitment of Physical Therapy Personnel in Utah

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study assessed the current and future needs of physical therapy personnel in Utah, including both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. SUBJECTS: Three hundred twenty-two health care facilities selected from four major employer groups in Utah and a total of 590 physical therapy personnel were surveyed. Two hundred forty-four health care facilities (76%) and 198 physical therapy personnel (33.6%) responded. METHODS: Two survey instruments were developed: one to assess the current and future supply and demand of physical therapy personnel in Utah, and the other to determine recruitment and retention factors. RESULTS: Utah health care facilities projected a need for 46 additional physical therapists and 28 additional physical therapist assistants in 1992. Surveyed physical therapy personnel reported feeling satisfied with the profession and had chosen the profession through a person of influence. Freedom on the job and development of skills were the most often mentioned determinants of job satisfaction, and pay and benefits were the major determinants of retention. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Physical therapy personnel should have a role in recruitment efforts. Physical therapy personnel have many options for employment and often choose to seek a diversity of opportunities for better compensation.