This National Physical Therapy Month, we’re not just celebrating the impact PTs make every day—we’re looking ahead to the future of the profession itself.
Across the country, the need for physical therapists is growing, but the workforce is stretched thin. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), nearly 50% of PTs report feeling burned out, and the U.S. faces a shortfall of up to 22,000 PTs by 2030 if trends continue. At the same time, new graduates carry an average of $116,000 in student loan debt, making it harder than ever to enter and stay in the profession.
At Confluent Health, we believe solving this workforce crisis starts with building a stronger talent pipeline.
That’s why we’ve launched two groundbreaking initiatives designed to attract, support, and retain the next generation of PTs:
The Confluent Health Scholars Program
The cost of education is one of the greatest barriers for aspiring PTs. The Confluent Health Scholars Program helps remove that barrier by offering tuition support and direct pathways into meaningful careers across our national network. This program not only creates opportunities for students, but it also strengthens our profession by ensuring bright, passionate clinicians have the resources to succeed.
The Loan Incentive for Therapists (LIFT) Program
Student loan debt is a major factor driving clinician burnout. Our LIFT Program provides student loan repayment support for eligible PTs, OTs, and SLPs who choose to begin their careers with Confluent Health. By easing this burden, we empower our clinicians to focus on what matters most: patient care, not financial stress.
Together, these programs demonstrate our commitment to investing in people—not just today, but for decades to come.
As we celebrate National PT Month, we’re reminded that the future of musculoskeletal health depends on the strength of our workforce. By building clear pathways into the profession and supporting clinicians throughout their careers, Confluent Health is helping ensure PT remains accessible, effective, and sustainable for generations.
At Confluent Health, stronger PTs mean stronger patients and stronger communities.