Maximising Clinic Revenue and Growth Through Student Placements

Article written by Katie from Thrive Business Coaching. See original post here

Good Morning!

How has your week been?

This week I want to talk to you about student placements. Running a successful physiotherapy clinic is no easy task, especially when balancing patient care, business growth, and financial sustainability. However, integrating student placements into your clinic’s model can be a game-changer, offering a unique opportunity to enhance revenue, improve recruitment, and foster professional development. I recent spoke to a fellow clinic owner who has built a thriving system through student placements, generating significant additional revenue while improving both clinic operations and patient experience. She shared with me that her clinic now takes between six to eight students at a time, adding around £30,000 annually through placement tariff money. This may sound overwhelming at first, but taking on multiple students isn’t much more work than handling one or two, thanks to the processes she’s put in place. The key is gradual integration. Start small—perhaps with three students, which is the minimum recommended for the model to be financially viable. Even with just a few students, clinics can bring in an extra few thousand pounds a month.

Placements were once viewed as something clinics did out of goodwill. However, the landscape has shifted. Today, student placements are an integral part of business strategy and revenue diversification for many clinics. They’re not just about adding a stream of income—they offset the costs of other valuable aspects of the business. For many clinic owners facing tight cash flow and low margins, student placements present a viable way to diversify income and relieve financial pressure. Many clinic owners aren’t taking home the income they deserve for the hours they put in. By incorporating student placements, you can better manage cash flow while strengthening your clinic’s service offerings.

Beyond the financial benefits, student placements serve as an excellent recruitment tool. You get to work with students before they graduate, essentially making the placement period an extended interview process. By the time they complete their placement, they’re familiar with your clinic’s culture, values, and operations, making them far more likely to hit the ground running as a full-time staff member. This drastically reduces the time it typically takes new hires to build up a clinical caseload.

Students today are also becoming more selective. Many no longer see the NHS as their only option and are actively seeking placements in private practice. This shift allows clinic owners to attract and retain top talent who are eager to work in a setting that values work-life balance and career growth. Introducing students into your clinic isn’t just about filling out paperwork and getting some extra hands on deck. It’s about strategically integrating them into your business model. Placements can even support your CPD (Continuing Professional Development). Having students around can help you to stay sharp, as you’re frequently asked questions that reinforce clinical knowledge and current best practices. This can act as an internal CPD program, benefiting your staff while also meeting necessary training requirements.

Additionally, patients often appreciate being treated in a teaching environment. It demonstrates that your clinic is forward-thinking and committed to the next generation of healthcare professionals. For patients who prefer not to be treated by students, there are systems in place to accommodate them as well.

If you’re considering incorporating student placements into your clinic, the process is simpler than you might think. For Physio First members, there’s the added benefit of a free 30-minute consultation with Carys Roberts to explore how student placements can work within your business model. For non-members, you can visit the Swan Physio Signets website for more information, including details on costings and how the commission-based payment structure works.

One of the best parts? You only pay once you take on students. This approach removes financial barriers and allows clinics to start benefiting from student placements without a large upfront investment. Student placements offer a powerful way for physiotherapy clinics to grow sustainably, increase revenue, and improve recruitment—all while enriching the educational experience for future physiotherapists. Whether you’re looking to diversify your clinic’s income streams or streamline recruitment, student placements provide a flexible and financially rewarding strategy.

Have I got you thinking? If you would like to spend the day with me learning more about how you can transform your clinic then grab your ticket now to my Clinic Growth Live Event! You have until 8pm tonight to grab our last early bird offer. Grab your ticket here, its going to be an eye opening and inspiring day!

Katie X