
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
Tanner Welsch DPT
Do you feel burned out, not appreciated, undervalued both financially & professionally? Realized working in the health industry is not all it was promised to be? Are numbers & the bottom line prioritized over your health, job satisfaction, & high quality patient care causing you to dread going into work?
You want to make a non-traditional career change but face sunken tuition cost, judgment for wanting to leave a secure career in the health field, & unsure about which alternative career direction to take? But know there has to be a better work life balance.
It is ok to want a career change, maybe even one outside of your profession. You are not a bad person for wanting this & you are not alone!
My name is Tanner, and I'm a physical therapist myself, on a mission to uncover and document the world of alternative non-traditional careers & income opportunities for rehab professionals (OT, COTA, PT, PTA, & SLPs). My goal is to provide a guide(s) you can follow to a career or business with more freedom, income, and fulfillment.
This podcast will help you discover, learn, & gain insights by having honest authentic conversations with therapists who felt: burnout, undervalued, dreaded going to work every morning, stuck with debt, guilt for wanting to leave their career, & unable to get out of a toxic work environment. As they share the outcomes they achieved from their alternative career transitions: built a business that allowed them to spend more time with their family, be more fulfilled, have more autonomy, & build something for themselves. Or landed a job that truly made the most of their skills with less stress & more fulfillment.
Other main topics you will hear in detail are: alternative income, personal finance, side hustles, & starting your own business.
What are you waiting for? You have been thinking of this change for far too long. Click play to discover the next phase of your career and develop an actionable plan to make it a reality :)
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

TJ4: How to Create More Alignment in Your Life 045
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
02/08/24 • 22 min
#045 This is the fourth solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. Do you feel tied down by a career that doesn't resonate with your true self? What is the most valuable thing in your life? In this episode, we will listen to two previous guests who've broken free from traditional roles and found harmonious life alignment.
We get up close and personal with Meredith Castin, who traded her burnout as a physical therapist and started The Non-Clinical PT, and Lauren Schipper, who rolled the dice on a new adventure as an artisanal dice maker. Together, we'll explore the value of time and the art of intentional living that aligns with our authentic selves. We will break down, what they learned from their experiences and from their stories, how their experience applies to our lives, and how you can start your life alignment journey.
We will reflect on the inner conflict between your public and private identities and the importance of aligning your career with your core values. We all need to, unplug and, find ways to relax and unwind but paying attention to what fills us up and what drains us is a really simple guide to help us decide what and how to spend our time. Join me as we inspire each other to prioritize what matters most and courageously step towards our life by design, with the Rehab Rebels community by your side to cheer you on.
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/045
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

Entrepreneurial Insights from Nora Bachman, Pediatric Physical Therapist Turned Practice Owner 034
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
10/26/23 • 48 min
#034 Ever wondered what it takes to break the mold and start your own business in the healthcare field? Prepare to be inspired by our guest Nora, a pediatric physical therapist (PT) who's stepped out of routine hospital settings to create her own pediatric PT practice. Nora turned her passion for pediatrics into a rewarding venture, offering services to families who might not usually have access to physical therapy.
Nora's journey from hospital to private practice is filled with valuable insights. Her transition was marked by an interdisciplinary experience, a move to sunny California, and finally, the brave decision to set up her own practice, "Nora B, PT". This new chapter brought along its set of challenges - liabilities, the pressure of providing services to a diverse clientele, and the introduction of a revolutionary program, Dynamic Movement Intervention. But Nora handled them with the resilience of a true entrepreneur.
Navigating the world of entrepreneurship is no small feat, and Nora candidly opens up about this. Building "Nora B, PT" from the ground up, she stresses on the importance of having a strong support system, the necessity of a flexible mindset, and the crucial role of professional mentors and friends. With her story, Nora offers invaluable insights for anyone thinking about owning a business, laying bare the personality traits that can make or break an entrepreneur. All in all, this episode with Nora is an enriching journey into the realm of pediatric physical therapy entrepreneurship that you simply cannot miss!
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/034
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

Unraveling Trauma-Informed Care: A Conversation with Rachel Archambault, SLP Program Specialist 033
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
10/12/23 • 61 min
#033 Ever dealt with a traumatic experience and wondered how to respond? Join our guest, Rachel Archambault, a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and Program Specialist, as we explore the world of trauma-informed care. Rachel narrates her career transition in therapy and how a life-changing event at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School redefined her approach in this field.
Rachel is sharing how the trauma she experienced helped her discover her purpose in life. She realized she was not interested in the therapy side or the monotony of being a SLP. And now, as a program specialist, she doesn’t feel like she needs to be in treatment and she gets to present trauma-informed care to all of her district, especially the SLPs that she supports and advocates for.
We are going to learn about what trauma-informed care is and its importance as rehab professionals, practical ways to manage stress and trauma, and how therapy can be a rock during tumultuous times. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/033
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

The Making of a Successful Private Practice with Erin Gaul SLP 044
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
02/01/24 • 31 min
#044 Learn from our latest guest Erin Gaul, a speech-language pathologist who became a successful business owner. Do you suffer from a heavy workload? Has that made you think about setting up your own private practice? This episode guarantees to give you an in-depth perspective on this career transition as a rehab professional!
Discover Erin's experiences at Gallaudet University, her time working in a preschool, and what she learned from her first jobs. We chat about her transition from a mobile therapy service to a brick-and-mortar private practice, discussing the initial fears, challenges, and ultimately, her triumphs. She emphasizes that her ultimate success has come from delivering high-quality services and earning the loyalty of her clients.
You'll also get a glimpse into her day-to-day life, the struggle of saying no, and the reality of owning a private practice - because it is not for everyone. Tune in to hear Erin's story which resulted in her successful private practice!
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/044
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

TJ3: Finding Your 'Why'. Career Change and Personal Growth 043
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
01/25/24 • 20 min
#043 This is the third solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. How do we find purpose when we've hit rock bottom? Our host can attest to this journey of seeking clarity in life's darkest moments. There's profound wisdom embedded in these trials, and they can be the stepping stones to finding your 'why', a powerful force that brings meaning to our lives and prevents us from falling prey to the sunken cost fallacy. Tanner shares a story about the lowest point in his life (referenced back in episode #040) about stress and how that led him to his 'why' and clarity with his life journey.
This longing for a change gave birth to Rehab Rebels, a platform designed to share inspiring stories of professionals who've boldly transitioned to new career paths. The crucial lesson from this journey? Living a guided, and purposeful life: a life by design. We will discuss the mindset shifts you need, the skills you'll gain, and practical tips on aligning your purpose with your skills.
This episode is for listeners who are not sure what career or life direction to take, and who want to have both clarity and a guide regarding career and life decisions, which can lead to a better sense of purpose and more fulfillment in life. We will answer questions like "What is the definition of your 'why'? and '"How do you start your why?".
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/043
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

From Speech Language Pathologist to Online Entrepreneur with Julia Kuhn SLP 042
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
01/18/24 • 31 min
#042 Transitioning from a traditional career path to an alternative one is not an easy journey, but it can be a rewarding one. Our latest podcast episode features Julia, a Speech Language Pathologist who successfully transitioned to become a travel therapy influencer and online entrepreneur. A desire to travel and a dissatisfaction with her job led her to explore the world of travel therapy. Despite housing contracts and fluctuating income, she was driven by her love for travel and the opportunity to expand her skills and experiences.
Throughout her journey, Julia realized the potential for an online platform to support others in their travel therapy assignments. She launched her own digital marketing agency and began creating resources to help other therapists navigate the complex world of travel assignments. Today, she runs a successful online business, offering courses, blog posts, and a job board to those interested in travel therapy.
In this episode, we will learn that the journey to becoming a digital nomad requires a certain level of risk-taking, and the ability to adapt to different working conditions. As an entrepreneur, Julia stresses the importance of networking and gaining the necessary skills for your desired field. She encourages others to be proactive in their job search and to not be deterred by failures.
Julia's story is a reminder that it's possible to reshape your career to align with your passions and lifestyle. Whether you're a therapist looking to transition to an alternative career or someone simply interested in the world of travel therapy, Julia's journey provides valuable lessons and insights.
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/042
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

TJ2: What Career Options Do We Have as Rehab Professionals? 041
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
01/11/24 • 26 min
#041 This is the second solo episode of the Transition Journey (TJ) series. Are you a Rehab Professional who doesn’t stand the workplace anymore? Do you want to get out but don't know what your options are? I will finish sharing the personal story of episode #040, and we will see what I learned from my own passed workplace, what I would have done differently, and how the experience changed me.
In this episode, we will see what you can do if your workplace environment doesn't get better even after addressing the problems, we will cover the 4 fundamental career categories, we will explain the top 25 careers that rehab rebels are transitioning into as well as other guests have done, and we will discuss what might be preventing you from making this change.
We will challenge you to ask the tough questions that lead to career satisfaction. From academia to administration, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each transition, ensuring you're well-equipped to make your next move. Fear is a natural part of change, but together, we are turning that fear into action. Let’s kick-start a new chapter in our careers, shall we?
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/041
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

From Physical Therapist to SAHM & Podcaster with Kara Infante DPT RR 032
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
09/28/23 • 56 min
#032 Kara Infante shares her career journey from military wife and physical therapist to SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) and podcaster. Being a military spouse and starting a family made her want to have flexibility in a job that allows her to still be there for her family.
Kara is sharing how the “feast and famine” world of seeing patients was not working for her anymore. And how she spent many hours thinking about the identity shift and the guilt of not using the degree she spent so much money and time for. However, she knew she needed to take this risk because her mental sanity was at stake.
We are going to learn about the reasons for being an entrepreneur and a SAHM, the legality of your business, and how to get clear on the reason why you want to start a business.
Catch this new episode of Rehab Rebels out now on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and all podcast platforms available.
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/032
Complete the podcast listener survey here :)
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

Reiki, Hypnotherapy, & the power of mindset with Rayne Smyth PT RR 031
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
09/14/23 • 28 min
#031 Rayne Smyth shares her career journey from Physical Therapy into hypnotherapy. We talk about the power of mindset and surrounding yourself with a positive environment. She also shares with us how she works with moms that have the so-called “mom guilt”.
Rayne tells us how through the study of craniosacral therapy she learned what “direction of energy” is through Physical Therapy, which opened her to the concept of Reiki. This was the catalyst for her to go from the fact-based science of Physical Therapy to a spiritual level, managing health through the mindset by guiding people to a calm state. She decided to start teaching Reiki on the side while working full-time as Physical Therapist. This surely got her some pushback but that didn’t stop her and now she is solely focused on her business of hypnotherapy for moms.
She left her job to stay home and take care of her daughter who was struggling with mental health. It was a full-time job and she had no choice but to find a way to work that also gave her the freedom to be present for her children who needed her constantly.
Catch this new episode of Rehab Rebels out now on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and all podcast platforms available.
For links and show notes, head to:
https://rehabrebels.org/031
Complete the podcast listener survey here :)
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!

From Physical Therapist to Tech Entrepreneurship with Maggie Bergeron PT 046
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals
02/15/24 • 36 min
#046 Listen to Maggie's journey from physical therapist to tech entrepreneur, a story that will inspire anyone considering a career pivot. As co-founder of Embodia, she unpacks the trials from the stability of a physical clinic to the dynamic world of a digital startup.
Starting her own practice was a leap of faith for Maggie, driven by a combination of professional frustration and a lack of adequate mentorship as a new graduate. In this episode, you will hear that Maggie emphasizes that aligning yourself with the right individuals can be the catalyst for success, and the implications of knowing who owns the tech companies you engage with in your decision-making process.
The closing of her clinic to focus on Embodia serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurial life. This episode is for those thinking about the idea of leaving a career or job they are not happy with.
Join us as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Maggie and her tech startup Embodia. Perhaps you'll find what you need to make a transition in your career.
For links and show notes, head to: https://rehabrebels.org/046
Start your Rehab Rebel Journey! Receive access to FREE monthly progress updates, interview schedule, and a BONUS Top 25 Alternative Careers List for Rehab Professionals when you Start your Rebel Career and be part of the Rehab Rebels Tribe!
Join us on Instagram and Facebook or your favorite social media @rehabrebels!
Subscribe through Apple Podcast or Spotify!
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals have?
Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals currently has 68 episodes available.
What topics does Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Alternative Health, Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Business and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals?
The episode title 'Bringing a Healthcare Product to Market with Shehla Rooney PT 067' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals?
The average episode length on Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals released?
Episodes of Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals?
The first episode of Rehab Rebels: Alternative Career Paths for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, & Speech Language Pathology Professionals was released on Mar 16, 2022.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ