Chain clinics vs small boutique clinics for a new grad physio, pros and cons? (Australia)
Hi everyone,
With mid-year graduation coming up, I’m starting to look for my first physio role as a new grad in Australia (or be even more specific, in Melbourne). I’m planning to apply broadly and keep my options open, but I’m trying to understand what might be better for long-term career development if I’m lucky enough to receive more than one offer.
For a new graduate, what are the pros and cons of joining a larger clinic group/franchise, such as Back In Motion, Kieser, Lifecare, etc., compared with joining a smaller boutique clinic with one or only a few locations, especially if it is led by an excellent, experienced physio founder?
Some of the things I’m thinking about are:
- New graduate training and mentoring
- Whether KPIs are usually reasonable, or mainly focused on billings/retention (really don't want to burnout in my early career)
- Workplace culture and whether junior physio feel supported
- Transferability of skills if I later decide not to stay in standard private practice MSK, for example moving into occupational health, community/NDIS, GP clinic roles, hand therapy, etc.
- Opportunities for interstate work or career mobility within Australia
- Any considerations for international new grad, as I’m still learning how the Australian physio job market works
I understand it probably depends a lot on the specific clinic, manager, mentor, and team culture rather than just the brand name. But I would really appreciate hearing from people who have worked in either setting. Thanks in advance!