Clinician Crossroads: Results From The Non-Clinical Career Quiz

Is the daily grind of clinical practice starting to get you down? Maybe you’re wondering if there’s a way to use your skills and experience without the physical demands and endless paperwork (re: insurance headaches) of clinical life.

If you’ve been considering a career pivot, you’re definitely not alone! Countless rehab professionals are exploring non-clinical career options. While leaving patient care used to feel almost taboo, this type of career shift has become much more popular…and we wanted to learn more about the why behind this trend.

So, we created the Non-Clinical Career Quiz, and the results are fascinating!

Caveat: we’re committed to gathering as much data as possible, so this article will probably evolve over time. The more people who take the quiz, the more comprehensive a picture we’ll get — so don’t hesitate to take the quiz if you haven’t done so already!

We’ve put together an extensive analysis of our findings based on the nearly 4000 participants’ responses. Below, we’ll share the main reasons driving PT/OT/SLP professionals’ desire to leave patient care. We’ll also discuss the non-negotiable factors driving these decisions, as well as the exciting career paths they’re pursuing!

The big picture: key insights from the quiz

Snapshot of our community: who took the quiz?

Let’s kick things off by looking at who, exactly, is taking this quiz 🙂

It’s no surprise that physical therapists make up a significant portion of the respondents, but it’s exciting to see strong representation from our occupational therapy and speech-language pathology colleagues, too!

This confirms that the desire to explore non-clinical careers is resonating across all three rehab disciplines.

NOTE: These charts are interactive! Press (or hover) for helpful highlighting and more numbers.

Clinical experience of quiz takers

While we see strong representation across all experience levels – from new grads to clinicians with 30+ years in practice – mid-career professionals are the clear majority.

Clinicians with anywhere from two to 15 years in the clinic are the most heavily represented in our results.

This indicates that those considering a career shift seem to feel the itch for change sooner than later, and they might be hoping to dive into new careers ASAP to, for lack of a better term, cut their losses.

Main reasons for leaving patient care

A burning question we always have is....drumroll, please....why are clinicians exploring non-clinical careers? Sure, we have our biases and assumptions (largely based on anecdotal reports) but we wanted some hard data to give us more clarity into overarching trends.

The following chart reveals the primary drivers causing the mass clinical exodus, and it's more than just "burnout."

After all, burnout can strike anyone in any profession, so we wanted to know what drives burnout specifically within the therapy disciplines. It turns out that the biggest factor is a feeling of sheer hopelessness toward today's healthcare system. More specifically, quiz respondents feel demoralized by the constant focus on keeping insurance companies happy, rather than centering care on patients' needs.

Frustration with paperwork and insurance companies aside, though, lack of career growth and feeling like you "always have to be on" are also major factors. This data highlights the real challenges clinicians face, and if you keep reading, you'll learn how factors like years in practice and discipline impact these primary drivers toward career change.

Non-negotiables in a non-clinical career

The next big question is what rehab clinicians simply *must have* in their next chapter. Everyone has different non-negotiables, but we wanted to see some trends!

The below chart breaks down those must-have elements that are top priorities as clinicians consider a career shift. And it's clear that flexibility and financial stability are key!

"Matching Salary" and "Flexible Hours" rise to the top of the graph below, signaling that clinicians aren't willing to sacrifice their income or work-life balance in a new career. We'd be remiss not to point out that some career pivots do involve a temporary pay cut, but the overall earning potential in the non-clinical world typically far outpaces that of patient care in the long run.

Take a closer look at what quiz-takers had to say on the matter...

The #1 aspect clinicians would miss about patient care

Even as clinicians consider leaving patient care, there's a lot to love about the clinical life. Personally, our team really enjoyed the camaraderie of working on a team. That said, we knew our experiences were exactly that — our experiences. We wanted a better idea of what rehab professionals, on the whole, might miss the most about clinical life.

The following chart reveals the number one thing PT, OT, and SLP professionals say they would miss most if they left patient care. Turns out that, despite strong personalities, bodily fluids, and the insistence of some people on discussing politics (just...don't!), the patients themselves are the best part about being in therapy!

"The patients" overwhelmingly tops our list, followed by "The camaraderie" and "The stability." These results really underscore the bittersweet nature of this career transition – clinicians are seeking change, but deeply value the relationships and purpose they find in patient care.

Non-clinical career sectors

We were very curious to see what types of sectors were most attractive to career changers. After all, there are non-clinical roles in just about every type of industry out there. From education to healthcare, a clinician can find a home doing work outside patient care.

The graph below reveals the industries that hold the most attraction for rehab professionals.

As you can see, the tech industry emerges as the clear frontrunner!

"Tech" roles are, by far, the most popular primary outcome, significantly outpacing other areas like "Healthcare," "Business," or "Education." This really highlights the strong pull of the tech sector for clinicians seeking non-traditional paths.

If you keep reading, we'll share some insights as to why we think so many rehab professionals are specifically drawn to tech. In due time 🙂

Diving deeper: emerging patterns and discoveries

Discipline & career shift

We've always wondered whether PT vs. OT vs. SLP makes much difference in clinicians' desire to change careers. And, obviously, we want to know whether therapist vs. assistant has a significant bearing on the factors we measure in our quiz.

It really stands out how many SLPs identify "not liking being ‘on’ all day" as a major factor.

Then, when you look at OTAs and PTAs, you see that "healthcare becoming all paperwork" is a really prominent concern. Incidentally, we always thought assistants had it *slightly* easier than therapists, paperwork-wise, but these results underscore how deeply those systemic shifts in healthcare are being felt across different roles.

Interestingly, the above chart reveals a striking similarity in non-negotiable priorities across OT, PT, and SLP.

While there are subtle variations, the overall pattern shows that clinicians in all three professions largely agree on what's most important in a non-clinical career. "Matching Salary" and "Flexible Hours" consistently rise to the top across disciplines, with "Remote Work" also emerging as a significant universal priority.

It seems that when it comes to "must-haves," clinicians — regardless of their discipline — are seeking similar key elements in their non-clinical paths.

Experience matters - career stage shapes clinicians' priorities & pain points

Does career stage also play a role in shaping these motivations and priorities?

After all, we've heard new grads complaining of burnout and physical strain as much as we've heard veteran therapy professionals lament how much healthcare has changed over the years.

In this section, we'll shift our focus to examine how "Main Reasons for Leaving Patient Care" and "Non-Negotiables" vary across different experience levels, from those just starting out to seasoned clinicians.

Based on the findings above, here's what we see:

• For clinicians in their early careers (0-5 years), the pressure of being "on" all day with patients stands out as a major driver for considering non-clinical options, potentially pointing to lack of mentorship, a harried pace not being conducive to learning, and even potential challenges in setting boundaries.
• For those in their mid-career (6-10 years), the lack of upward mobility in clinical roles becomes a more prominent frustration, suggesting a desire for career advancement beyond traditional patient care paths. Lack of recognition, lack of pay, and lack of leadership opportunities don't matter much until we see our peers' career advancements eclipsing our own (usually minus the debt we incur).
• For clinicians with 31+ years of experience, dissatisfaction with the healthcare system and the physical toll of clinical work rise to the top, highlighting system fatigue and the body's limitations after decades in practice.

All things considered, we want to know: does what's considered a "must-have" in a non-clinical role change as clinicians progress through their careers? Let's see how priorities evolve with experience:

For those in the early to mid-career phase, you can really see how Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a major factor – it makes sense when you think about tackling student loans early on, right?

Then, as we look at those with 31+ years of experience, "Part-Time Work" and "Less Travel" jump out as top priorities. This reflects a natural shift toward work-life balance (and possibly wanting to dial back a bit after a long and dedicated career).

And, throughout all career stages, the consistent importance of "Matching Salary" and "Flexible Hours" is very evident – those core needs stay pretty constant no matter where you are in your journey!

The bittersweet goodbye: what clinicians miss most about patient care

With any major life change there's going to be certain amount of fear. Call it FOMO, or call it analysis paralysis, but making a big career change is TERRIFYING.

The good news is that understanding what you still love about clinical life can help you choose the right non-clinical role. You don't have to "throw the baby out with the bath water," as the saying goes 🙂

So, what do clinicians like most — er, think they'll miss most if they leave the clinic — about patient care?

Unsurprisingly (or maybe surprisingly...it depends on the person!), the patients themselves top the list, and overwhelmingly so!

Even when driven to consider non-clinical paths, therapy providers maintain that the patient connection remains deeply cherished.

This is especially poignant when you consider why some are leaving. For those feeling burdened by healthcare paperwork, unrealistic insurance demands, ridiculous productivity expectations, or physical limitations, the fundamental patient relationship isn't the problem! If anything, that bond is what clinicians value most and are reluctant to lose if they land a non-clinical role.

Beyond individual patients, the bonds between coworkers are also cherished. The support system of colleagues who share the same demanding and meaningful work cannot be understated.

For those feeling drained by always being "on" with patients, this team connection is especially vital, offering crucial support. And, even for clinicians seeking "upward mobility," the stability of clinical work – that predictable expertise – emerges as a surprisingly missed aspect. Seeking advancement doesn't negate the comfort and mastery found in their current roles; sometimes, we miss what we leave behind.

Ultimately, "what's missed most" reveals a deep appreciation for the inherently rewarding core of clinical practice: patient connection, team support, and purpose. These deeply meaningful aspects endure, even as clinicians explore new paths, shaping their values and journeys forward.

The silver lining is that there are tons of non-clinical roles out there where you can form deep bonds with clients, teammates, and even patients (yes, there are patient-facing roles that involve zero clinical care) — and many of these roles involve leveraging your existing expertise!

The tech magnet: what's driving clinicians to non-clinical roles in technology?

Throughout our quiz data analysis, one career outcome has consistently risen to the top: tech. But why?

What is it about the technology sector that holds such appeal for PTs, OTs, and SLPs considering leaving patient care? In this section, we'll unpack the key factors driving this career fitness trend and explore the specific allure of technology for non-clinical clinicians.

One of the most striking aspects of the tech trajectory is its incredibly broad appeal. Regardless of the primary "why" behind considering a non-clinical career, tech consistently emerges as a top outcome. Whether clinicians are feeling bogged down by healthcare paperwork, seeking greater upward mobility, or yearning to escape the "always on" demands of patient care, tech roles seem to offer a compelling solution. It's as if the diverse landscape of the technology sector holds answers to a wide spectrum of clinical pain points.

This chart breaks down the "Main Reasons for Leaving Patient Care" specifically for those that received Tech outcomes from our quiz.

The appeal of tech seems especially strong for mid-career clinicians. Our data reveals a sweet spot for the tech trajectory among those with 2-15 years of clinical experience. For these professionals, tech isn't just a "plan B" or a way out of burnout – it's a strategic career pivot.

After building a solid clinical foundation, mid-career clinicians possess a wealth of domain expertise, problem-solving skills, and patient insights that are incredibly valuable in the burgeoning health tech sector. Tech offers a compelling avenue to leverage their hard-earned clinical knowledge in new and innovative ways, providing fresh challenges and significant career growth potential.

And, let's be real, therapy disciplines attract compassionate people, but they also attract whip-smart, ambitious, and sometimes even competitive types.

Tech presents the opportunity to quickly ascend the career ladder — plus, it presents the sweet allure of "disrupting healthcare as we know it," as so many digital health companies aspire to do...

Now, while tech takes center stage, it's also crucial to acknowledge the significant interest in the healthcare industry. This path represents a different, but equally valid, motivation.

For many clinicians, the goal isn't necessarily to leave healthcare entirely, but rather to redefine their roles within it. Those drawn to the healthcare sector often seek to leverage their clinical expertise to improve systems, drive innovation from within, or transition into roles that offer better work-life balance and less physical strain, while still remaining connected to the healthcare world they know and care about.

Wrapping up: what the data tells us & what's next

So, what are the big-picture takeaways from our deep dive into Non-Clinical Career Quiz data?

One thing is abundantly clear: clinicians considering non-clinical careers are driven by a powerful combination of push and pull factors. They are seeking to navigate very real frustrations within the current healthcare system: the paperwork overload, the lack of upward mobility, and the constant demands on their time and energy.

Yet, even as they explore new paths, the deep value they place on patient connection and team camaraderie shines through, highlighting the bittersweet nature of this career shift. And when it comes to where they are looking to go, the technology sector stands out as a dominant and broadly appealing trajectory, offering solutions for a wide range of motivations.

But perhaps the most important insight is this: exploring a non-clinical career isn't about leaving your skills and passion behind. It's about recognizing the immense value you bring as a PT, OT, or SLP professional: your problem-solving abilities, your patient-centered approach, and your deep understanding of health and function. And it's about seeking new and innovative ways to apply those talents. Non-clinical careers offer a vast landscape of opportunity to expand your impact, achieve greater work-life balance, and discover fresh professional fulfillment.

Ready to take the next step in charting your non-clinical course? Here's how you can explore further:

• Take the Quiz (If You Haven't Yet!): Curious about your ideal non-clinical sector? Take the Non-Clinical Career Quiz to get personalized insights into potential career directions tailored to your skills and interests.
• Dive Deeper into Non-Clinical Career Options: Explore our resources and blog posts to learn more about specific non-clinical career paths for PTs, OTs, and SLPs. From rehab liaison roles to health tech and beyond, the possibilities are wider than you might imagine! Visit the Start Here page or our blog to explore our most popular articles.
• Join The Non-Clinical PT Community: Connect with over 50k fellow clinicians exploring non-traditional careers! Join our online community on Facebook and LinkedIn to share your journey, ask questions, and find support and inspiration from others who understand the path you're on.
• Take a free lesson (or two!): Check out our mini-course that provides a strategic look at what it means to go non-clinical, and then take the first lesson of Non-Clinical 101 for free!
• Looking for a non-clinical job? Join our e-mail list. Most Sundays, you’ll get non-clinical job listings, discounts on non-clinical courses, and more!

Your clinical expertise is incredibly valuable and transferable – and the world of non-clinical careers is vast and waiting to welcome your unique skills and insights. We hope this data-driven exploration has empowered you to take confident steps towards charting your ideal non-clinical course!