Exploring the job satisfaction and career progression of musculoskeletal physiotherapists working in private practice in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing workforce numbers, new graduate physiotherapists are reporting short career intentions due to low job satisfaction. Job satisfaction improves retention among allied health professionals, however we have limited understanding of its influence specific to physiotherapists.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore factors contributing to the job satisfaction of musculoskeletal physiotherapists working in private practice across different career stages (new graduates, graduates, postgraduates, and owners) in Western Australia.

DESIGN: Mixed-methods design with an anonymous self-administered survey capturing job satisfaction and employment characteristics of Western Australian physiotherapists working in private practice. Factors including peer support and mentoring, career progression and professional development were explored.

METHOD: Physiotherapists were recruited through snowball sampling, with 60 practices approached to participate. Survey results were analysed using linear regression models and basic thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Two-hundred and five surveys were completed by physiotherapists across 52 practices. The mean job satisfaction score was 41.9 out of 50, and increased job satisfaction was associated with practice ownership, salary satisfaction, established career pathways, and access to mentoring and professional development.

CONCLUSIONS: Practice owners were significantly more satisfied with their job compared to new graduate, graduate and postgraduate physiotherapists. Findings illustrated the changing needs for support across different career stages, the importance of accessible senior clinicians, and the limited recognition for the efforts made by physiotherapists to pursue ongoing education.