Meet 7 Employers Hiring DPT Students at the Free Clasp Virtual Career Fair

You didn't choose physical therapy for the paycheck. But as you start looking for your first PT job, the financial reality catches up fast. Early-career PTs carry an average of $142,489 in education debt ($152,882 counting all non-mortgage debt), according to APTA's 2020 Impact of Student Debt report. Meanwhile, entry-level physical therapists earn about $66,935 a year on average, according to PayScale data cited by PT Progress. That's a debt load roughly double your income, and it becomes its own weight to carry.

That's why the employer you choose matters. Some physical therapy employers contribute toward your student loans — on top of your salary — as part of your benefits package. On October 20, seven of them are hiring at Clasp's free Virtual Career Fair for Physical Therapy Students.

PT Virtual Career Fair at a Glance

• When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM ET (drop in anytime)
• Where: Online — join from any computer, tablet or phone
• Who: Physical therapy students graduating in 2026, 2027 or 2028
• Employers: 7 physical therapy employers hiring new grads, with repayment offers from $25,000 to $50,000 toward student loans, paid over 2–5 years of employment¹ ²
• Cost: Free

How Employer Student Loan Repayment Works in Your First PT Job

Clasp connects healthcare employers with therapy students before they graduate. Employers on the Clasp platform can commit to you early — one to two years before graduation — and agree to make periodic (usually monthly) contributions toward your student loans once your employment begins. Those payments sit on top of your salary, the same way a 401(k) match or health insurance would.

The employers at this event are offering from $25,000 up to $50,000 toward student loan repayment for qualifying PT students, depending on the employer and subject to program terms.¹ ²

On October 20, seven of those employers are gathering in one place for a free virtual career fair — and they're actively reviewing applications from students graduating in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Register free for the October 20 Virtual Career Fair →

Physical Therapy Employers Hiring New Grads at the Career Fair

These physical therapy employers are hiring DPT students graduating in 2026, 2027 and 2028 across outpatient, hospital and rehab settings — and each offers student loan repayment on top of salary:

Brooks Rehabilitation | Florida | Up to $25,000 over 3 years. A nonprofit rehab system based in Jacksonville, ranked the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital in Florida and among the top 20 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2025–2026), with about 50 outpatient clinics across Northeast and Central Florida. Clinicians here go through structured residency and fellowship training, so it's a strong pick if you want deep clinical development early.

Confluent Health | AZ, CA, FL, KS, MO, MT, NY | Up to $36,000 (Montana) or $25,000 (all other states) over 5 years through the Loan Incentive for Therapists (LIFT) Program. One of the largest therapy networks in the country, with 1,000+ locations and a company-wide focus on upskilling clinicians. Strong choice if you want clinical depth and room to grow long-term.

HealthPro Heritage | FL, IL, CA, TX, NY, SC, MA, NJ, CT, OH, NH, NC, GA, VA, IN | Up to $26,250 over 5 years. A therapy network operating across 15 states, with a range of clinical settings and a focus on giving therapists the freedom to practice the way they're trained to.

Professional Physical Therapy | NY, NJ, CT, MA, NH | Up to $50,000 over 5 years, paid annually, through the RISE Program. Founded by physical therapists in 1999, with 200+ locations across the Northeast. Clinical education runs from residency all the way to senior leadership, so there's a built-in path for growth.

Therapy Partners Group | Ventura County, Bakersfield and the Bay Area, CA; Tucson, AZ | Up to $30,000; amount and term vary by location. Therapist-led and built for clinical independence, with a national platform behind it — for PTs who want to practice on their own terms without losing the resources of a larger organization.

UNC Health Appalachian | Boone, North Carolina | Up to $25,000 over 2 years. A three-hospital system in the Blue Ridge Mountains and part of the UNC Health network — big-system resources with a genuine small-town feel, and the shortest repayment timeline in the group.

Valley Health | Virginia and West Virginia | Up to $30,000 over 3 years. A Winchester, Virginia–based health system serving the Shenandoah Valley region, with clinical settings ranging from acute care to outpatient specialty, plus relocation assistance.

How the Virtual PT Career Fair Works

The career fair runs 6:00–8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, October 20. It's completely virtual, completely free, and you don't need the full two hours — most students spend 15–30 minutes, browse the employer booths, and connect directly with recruiters through chat or short video calls.

You can ask about repayment terms, locations, what a typical first year looks like, and whether positions are open for your graduation year. Recruiters are there specifically to talk to students like you.

Bonus: visit every employer booth during the live event to get a $30 gift card.

Why Start Your PT Job Search Before Graduation

Employers review applications on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the better.

This event is open to PT students graduating in 2026, 2027 and 2028 — so whether you're a couple years out or closer to the finish line, now is the time to start the conversation.

The Clasp Virtual Career Fair on October 20 is the fastest way to meet multiple employers at once, ask your questions directly, and figure out whether any of these programs are a fit.

FAQ: New Grad PT Jobs and the Virtual Career Fair

Who can attend this physical therapy career fair?

Physical therapy students graduating in 2026, 2027 or 2028. Participating employers are actively reviewing applications from students within two years of graduation.

What kinds of PT jobs are available?

Employers are hiring new grad physical therapists across settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals and inpatient rehab. Ask recruiters which roles and locations are open for your graduation year.

Do student loan repayments come out of my salary?

No. Loan repayment contributions are paid on top of your salary, like health insurance or a 401(k) match.

What happens if I leave the job early?

Payments your employer has already made are yours to keep — there are no clawbacks. If you leave, your employer stops making payments and you're responsible for your remaining loan balance.¹

Does it cost anything to attend or apply?

No. The career fair is free, and students never pay a fee to participate in Clasp's loan repayment programs.

What if I can't make the live event?

Register anyway. We'll send you details about the employers offering student loan repayment to graduating physical therapists.

Find Your First PT Job: Register for the Free Career Fair

Tuesday, October 20 · 6:00–8:00 PM ET · Online. Registration is free and takes about a minute.

¹ Program terms vary by employer. Eligibility requirements apply, and program selection is not guaranteed. If qualified, selected, and employed by a participating employer for a specified employment term, the employer will pay up to a specified amount toward your eligible, synced student loans in installments via the Clasp platform, once your employment begins. In case of voluntary employment termination or termination with cause, failure to meet the terms of your educational loan repayment agreement, or in the event you choose to leave the program at any time, you are responsible for any remaining outstanding loan balance. You are personally responsible for the financial obligations under your loan agreement(s). Any agreement between you and your employer is entirely separate from your loan obligation(s) and will not in any way offset your obligations to your lender unless payments are made by you or any other party on your behalf. For full program details, visit clasp.com/pt.

² You may be subject to income tax for some or all of the loan contributions made by your employer on your behalf. Consult a tax professional if you have questions regarding the tax consequences of your employer's student loan repayment program.