Are You Cut Out to Be a PT Consultant?

• Consulting PTs must decide which type of clients they want to work with.
• The transition to consultation as a sole source of income is gradual.
• PT consultants' first clients are often other PTs.
• Initial consultation efforts are often taken in addition to full-time employment.
• Eventually, PTs may realize that their primary source of income has become consultation.
• PT consultants may broaden their client base to include other healthcare professionals and organizations.
• Some PT consultants develop skills in consulting that do not require physical therapy expertise.
• Many PT consultants narrow their expertise to specific areas within physical therapy.
• Figure 5-1 provides a self-test to help PTs determine their consulting interests.
• Few professionals set out to become consultants.

Are you a physical therapist interested in consulting? Take this quiz to learn about the gradual transition to consultation as a source of income, the types of clients you may work with, and how to determine your consulting interests. Explore the skills needed for consulting and how to broaden your client base beyond other PTs. Take Figure 5-1's self-test to discover if consulting is right for you. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about this growing field within physical therapy.