Episode 11: Lessons Learned While Starting Out as a Physical Therapist
Owen's Journey from Passion to Profession
In this episode of the Real Life School podcast, we dive into the world of physical therapy with our guest, Owen Campbell, a physical therapist with over a decade of experience. Owen shares insights into starting and running a successful physical therapy clinic, including initial costs, challenges, and the pathway to profitability.
Owen’s journey into physical therapy began during college, where he combined academic training with hands-on experience in clinics. After finishing his degree and his license, he kicked off his career working at a large corporation before he ventured into managing and eventually running his own practice.
Later, Owen’s career shifted from working under a corporate structure to managing a clinic that was struggling. His ability to turn the clinic around using lessons learned from his first job proved the impact of effective management in healthcare settings. Eventually, Owen’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own mobile physical therapy service, Simplify Motion PT, which became profitable within three months.
For anyone looking to start their own business, Owen shares that the initial costs can be surprisingly low for mobile service (versus traditional brick and mortar), with basic startup expenses around $2,000. The biggest investment comes from physical therapy education.
Throughout the podcast, Owen provides practical advice for anyone looking to enter the physical therapy field. He stresses the importance of gaining as much hands-on experience as possible, even if it means volunteering or working in lower-level positions initially. This is important l not only for building skills but also for making sure you’re passionate and committed to physical therapy before taking on student debt.
“Just ask questions to the old people. Ask them: How’d you do it? What’d you do? Is this worth it?””
Owen shares that it’s important to always keep learning and remain adaptable. Whether it’s reading, mentorship, or finding professional development activities, staying updated and continuing your education is vital to keeping your business fit.
This episode is an inspiring story of how passion, perseverance, and continual learning can lead to a fulfilling and successful career no matter what industry you’re in.