Should You Specialize?

The short answer: Yes! I highly encourage anyone looking for career growth to consider specializing.

That being said, there are several variables to weigh before deciding whether specialization is the right path for you. Below are key factors to consider before diving into a specialty.

Where Are You in Your Career?

Are you fresh out of school, or do you have 15 years of experience under your belt? Your current stage in your career can play a significant role in this decision.

For new graduates, residency programs are often recommended to help prepare for specialization. This can be advantageous because, as a new grad, you’re still in the early stages of learning and can be more easily molded for success in passing specialty exams.

On the other hand, pursuing specialization later in your career can be more challenging. I learned this firsthand after failing my OCS exam. Despite having nine years of clinical experience, I struggled with the exam because of the gap between real-world practice and the specific research-based answers required on the test. While my clinical experience gave me flexibility and the ability to treat patients effectively without rigid diagnoses, it didn’t translate well into formalized exam preparation. This example highlights that waiting too long to specialize could make the process more difficult.

Cost

Specialization isn’t cheap. Between preparation courses and exam fees, the financial investment can be significant. Be sure to plan for these expenses before committing.

In some cases, your employer may offer financial support for specialization if you agree to work with them for a set period. Residency programs also come with financial challenges, as they often involve lower pay despite increased work hours. Be sure to factor in these financial considerations when making your decision.

Time Commitment

The time and effort required to prepare for specialization exams can be intense. When I was preparing for my OCS exam, I worked a 40-hour week while studying every evening and on weekends. This left little time for personal health, family, sleep, or relaxation, which increased my stress levels significantly.

While it is doable, it’s important to understand the time commitment involved so you can prepare accordingly.

Will Specializing Help Your Career Trajectory?

This is a critical question to ask yourself. If your long-term goals involve working within a specific sub-field, advancing in your career, earning higher compensation, or opening new doors, then specialization can be a great opportunity.

However, if specializing won’t change your day-to-day work, compensation, or growth prospects, it might not be worth the time and effort. Carefully evaluate how specialization aligns with your career goals.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some of you may already know that you want to specialize to gain credentials and secure your dream job. Others may still be unsure about the direction they want to take.

At the end of the day, if you foresee yourself staying in the physical therapy industry, want to continue learning and improving your skills, and aim to build more confidence in your abilities and patient outcomes, specializing is an excellent way to achieve these goals.

Despite failing my OCS exam, I successfully earned my manual therapy certification, and going through that process was transformative. It gave me a deeper understanding of anatomy, differential diagnosis, and treatment techniques. Without that experience, I wouldn’t have the same level of confidence or the patient outcomes I achieve today.

If you’ve carefully considered the factors above and feel that specialization is right for you, go for it! You won’t regret the positive impact it can have on your career trajectory.