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Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapy Careers: Benefits Beyond the Basics

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When considering a new career opportunity, most healthcare professionals expect to see medical, dental, and vision insurance on the benefits list. Those benefits are important—but they’re also common. The real question is: What else does an organization offer to support your career, well-being, and future?

At Tx:Team, we believe our therapists deserve more than the basics. We recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise our clinicians bring to patients every day, and we’ve built a benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal success.

A Workplace Built by Therapists, for Therapists
Even though skilled therapists are in high demand, finding an organization that truly understands your profession can be challenging. This is especially true if you’ve taken time away from your career to raise a family, care for loved ones, or pursue other life goals.

At Tx:Team, therapy isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We understand the unique challenges and rewards of healthcare because our organization was founded on a passion for delivering exceptional patient care. Our clinicians are at the heart of our success, changing lives every day through compassionate, personalized treatment.

We are not a traditional staffing or placement agency. Tx:Team partners with likeminded healthcare organizations and builds teams, not placements. Collaboration, support, and shared success are woven into everything we do.

We focus on finding the right fit for your talents, allowing you to thrive in an environment where your skills are valued and respected.

Patient-First Care with 1:1 Treatment
One of the benefits our clinicians value most is our commitment to one-on-one patient care. Really. We aren’t kidding.

In a healthcare environment where productivity demands often compete with patient outcomes, Tx:Team prioritizes meaningful patient interactions. Our therapists have the opportunity to provide highly personalized, patient-centered treatment, allowing them to focus on what matters most—helping patients achieve their goals.

This approach leads to better outcomes, stronger patient relationships, and greater job satisfaction.

Comprehensive Health Benefits
We offer robust healthcare coverage to help protect you and your family.
• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Short-Term , Long-Term, Company paid Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Options
• Critical Illness & Accident Coverage

Investing in Your Professional Growth
At Tx:Team, we believe that learning should never stop. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced clinician, we provide multiple opportunities for professional development.

Continuing Education Support
• Annual Continuing Education Allowance
• Monthly in-person educational opportunities
• Access to clinical resources and training
• MedBridge subscription with unlimited CEU opportunities and Home Exercise Programs

Specialty and Certification Development
• National certification opportunities
• Support for specialty practice growth
• Personalized learning pathways

Mentorship Programs
We are deeply committed to developing future leaders and clinicians.
Benefits include:
• New Hire Mentorship Programs
• Leadership Development Opportunities
• Support from Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement professionals
• Ongoing coaching and career guidance

Financial Benefits That Support Your Future
Planning for the future is just as important as succeeding today.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Cafeteria Plan Options
• and more

Join an Award-Winning Team
Tx:Team is proud to have been named one of Indiana’s Top Ten Best Places to Work, reflecting our commitment to creating a supportive, engaging, and rewarding workplace culture.

When you join Tx:Team, you’re joining more than a company. You’re joining a team that values collaboration, professional growth, individualized patient care, and the well-being of every associate.

If you’re looking for a place where your expertise is appreciated, your development is supported, and your work truly matters, we invite you to explore a career with Tx:Team.

Your next opportunity could be the perfect fit.
Apply today and discover the difference of being part of Tx:Team.


Career Opportunities in Indiana & Maryland

Stroke Support Month – The Power of Rehabilitation Through Every Stage of Recovery

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Stroke Support Month – The Power of Rehabilitation Through Every Stage of Recovery

Each May, Stroke Support Month shines a light on the millions of individuals and families impacted by stroke—and the journey of recovery that follows. A stroke can change life in an instant, affecting movement, communication, thinking, and independence. While every stroke is different, one thing remains consistent: rehabilitation therapy plays a vital role in helping people rebuild their lives.

Recovery is not a single moment—it is a journey that unfolds over time. From the earliest days in the hospital to long-term outpatient care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy work together to support recovery, maximize function, and restore confidence.

 Understanding Stroke Recovery

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage that can affect the body in many ways. Individuals may experience:

  • Weakness or paralysis
  • Difficulty walking or balancing
  • Trouble speaking or understanding language
  • Challenges with daily tasks
  • Memory, attention, or problem-solving difficulties
  • Swallowing or voice changes

Recovery looks different for everyone, but therapy is most effective when it begins early and continues as long as progress is possible.

 Therapy in the Hospital: Beginning the Recovery Journey

Rehabilitation often begins within days of a stroke while a patient is still in the hospital. This early phase focuses on stability, safety, and preventing complications.

Therapists may help individuals:

  • Sit up and begin moving safely
  • Stand, transfer, or take early steps
  • Swallow safely to reduce risk
  • Start basic communication

These first steps are critical in setting the foundation for ongoing recovery and regaining independence.

 Therapy at Home: Building Independence

After discharge, many patients continue therapy through home health services. Receiving care in a familiar environment provides comfort while allowing therapy to focus on real-life tasks.

In-home therapy helps individuals:

  • Regain strength and balance
  • Practice walking, dressing, bathing, and other daily activities
  • Improve speech, thinking, and swallowing skills
  • Reduce fall risk and increase confidence

This stage supports the transition from hospital to everyday life, helping patients rebuild independence safely.

 Outpatient Therapy: Maximizing Long-Term Recovery

As strength and endurance improve, many individuals move on to outpatient therapy. This phase focuses on higher-level goals and long-term function.

Outpatient therapy may include:

  • Improving walking speed, distance, and endurance
  • Refining arm and hand function
  • Enhancing communication and cognitive skills
  • Supporting return to work, hobbies, and community activities

Recovery can continue for months—or even years—with consistent therapy and support.

 The Power of Rehabilitation: A Team Approach

Stroke recovery is most successful when therapies work together. Each discipline plays a unique and essential role:

 Physical Therapy: Rebuilding Strength and Mobility

Physical therapists help individuals regain movement, balance, and coordination. Therapy may focus on:

  • Improving strength and endurance
  • Restoring safe walking and mobility
  • Reducing fall risk
  • Managing pain, stiffness, or muscle tone changes

 Occupational Therapy: Restoring Daily Independence

Occupational therapists focus on meaningful daily activities and independence. They help with:

  • Dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating
  • Using the affected arm or hand
  • Cognitive skills like planning and problem-solving
  • Adaptive tools and home modifications
  • Returning to work and hobbies

 Speech Therapy: Supporting Communication and Swallowing

Speech-language pathologists address communication, cognition, and swallowing. Therapy may include:

  • Improving speech clarity and language skills
  • Addressing memory and attention challenges
  • Supporting voice strength
  • Treating swallowing difficulties

Together, these therapies address the whole person—body, mind, and communication—ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.

 Recovery Doesn’t Stop—And Neither Does Support

Progress after a stroke doesn’t end at discharge. Many individuals continue to make meaningful gains long after the initial event. Rehabilitation empowers survivors to:

  • Regain skills
  • Adapt to changes
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Reconnect with loved ones
  • Reclaim their sense of self

Every step forward—no matter how small—is significant.

 Honoring Strength During Stroke Support Month

This Stroke Support Month, we celebrate the resilience of stroke survivors, the dedication of caregivers, and the expertise of rehabilitation professionals who guide recovery every step of the way.

Whether recovery begins in the hospital, continues at home, or progresses through outpatient care, therapy plays a powerful role in helping individuals move forward with strength, confidence, and hope.

If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, rehabilitation therapy can make a difference—at any stage of the journey.

Bundle Up and Stay Busy: The Importance of Staying Engaged in Winter

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As winter sets in, it’s easy to retreat indoors and let routines slip, but staying mentally and socially engaged during the colder months is just as important as physical activity. Keeping your mind sharp and connected can boost cognitive health, reduce stress, and prevent the isolation and seasonal blues that come with shorter days.

For older adults, winter can present additional challenges. The cold weather and reduced social interaction may lead to physical or cognitive decline. Watch for signs of isolation, depression, or a decrease in physical activity, as these can affect overall well-being. Occupational and speech therapy can help older adults stay engaged, maintain independence, and address any changes in their physical or cognitive abilities during the winter months.

Create a Daily Routine

Establishing a daily schedule, even if it’s flexible, can help maintain focus and provide structure during long, dark days. Include time for activities that challenge your mind like the ones listed below.

Explore a New Hobby and Stimulate Your Mind

Take up a new skill or hobby, such as crafting, painting, or playing a musical instrument, and incorporate brain-training activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or memory games. Engaging in both creative and cognitive exercises helps keep your mind sharp and provides therapeutic benefits to support your mental well-being.

Read or Learn Something New

Whether it’s a book, an online course, or an educational podcast, keeping your mind engaged with new information can enhance cognitive function and mental health.

Stay Social

Regularly interact with friends, family, or peers, whether through video calls, in-person meetings, or group chats. Social interaction boosts mood, reduces feelings of loneliness, and helps maintain mental health.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Spend time focusing on the present moment through deep breathing exercises or meditation. These practices help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Volunteer or Help Others

Engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering can boost mood and give you a sense of purpose. Helping others provides social connection and can help alleviate feelings of isolation.

Staying active in mind and spirit throughout the winter season is key to maintaining a positive and resilient outlook. These simple steps can help you navigate the colder months with energy, clarity, and a renewed sense of well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges in maintaining cognitive or physical health this winter, consider exploring the benefits of occupational and speech therapy. Our blogs on debunking myths on occupational therapy and speech therapy are a great starting point to learn about the vast treatments of conditions that OTs and SLPs complete acress the lifespan.

Ask an Expert: Why Do I Need Speech Therapy If I Can Talk Fine?

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Question: Why do I need speech therapy if I can talk fine?

Answer: Though our title of Speech-Language Pathologist suggests we focus on speech only, our scope of practice is much broader!

In addition to speech and language, SLPs assess and treat swallowing disorders and cognitive-linguistic impairments. Swallowing treatment addresses difficulty chewing and swallowing, and can include instruction in exercise, diet texture analysis, and training for compensatory techniques. Cognitive-linguistic treatment addresses changes in cognitive function and may include training in techniques to enhance memory, orientation, problem solving, and executive function skills.

Lisa Pinnell, CCC-SLP

Rehabilitation for Stroke Survivors: Speech and Motor Recovery

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May is National Better Speech & Hearing Awareness Month, and we thank all Tx:Team Speech-Language Pathologists for their continued dedication to their patient, their community, and to Tx:Team. During this month, we want to raise awareness about hearing and speech problems, and to encourage people to think about their own speech and hearing and seek assistance through a Speech-Language Pathologist.

You may wonder, what does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?

A Speech-Language Pathologist provides skilled therapy services to stroke survivors in the areas of dysphagia, communication and/or cognitive impairments. As we know, seeking medical services immediately while experiencing signs/symptoms of stroke is critical because, “Time lost is brain lost. Every minute counts.”

Therapy services should be implemented as soon as the patient is able to participate, as early intensive therapy may lead to better outcomes. Depending on the location and severity of the stroke as well as impact on functioning, a patient may participate in skilled services while in the hospital and subacute rehab with home health or in the outpatient setting.

Impairments treated by a Speech-Language Pathologist are varied secondary to location of the stroke and may include the following:

A swallowing disorder known as Dysphagia may demonstrate impairments in oropharyngeal functioning. A patient may have an objective swallow study completed such as a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) or a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) to assess oropharyngeal functioning, rule out risk of aspiration, and recommend an appropriate diet texture/liquid consistency that may need to be modified. The objective swallow study will also drive the Speech Therapy plan of care to provide appropriate swallow rehabilitation including recommendations, exercises, and strategies to facilitate safe intake of least restrictive diet to maintain nutrition/hydration orally.

Communication impairments include motor speech (Dysarthria or Apraxia) with deficits in articulation, respiration, and resonance via reduced coordination and strength as well as motor planning. Receptive and/or expressive language deficits (Aphasia) to understand communication (verbal and written) as well as being able to express wants, needs, thoughts, etc. to familiar and unfamiliar communication partners. A stroke survivor may also experience Dysphonia, which is a voice disorder with deficits affecting vocal quality and vocal functioning. A Speech-Language Pathologist will provide rehabilitation services as well as educating and developing appropriate compensatory strategies to enhance a patient’s ability to communicate independently without fear, frustration, or embarrassment.

Cognitive impairments may include deficits in memory and attention skills, which can directly impact their ability to communicate in addition to impaired safety awareness impacting a patient’s ability to maintain a level of independence.

It is important to recognize that a Speech-Language Pathologist will be a part of a Stroke Survivor’s multidisciplinary team. Research indicates, “Screening for dysphagia (within 24 hours) and communication impairment (within 48 hours) is critical in working toward optimal outcomes for stroke survivors,” indicating the need for immediate medical attention if someone demonstrates the signs or symptoms of a stroke.

 

Johanna Ebbs, MS, CCC-SLP is an outpatient Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in a wide variety of speech-language & cognitive abilities. She has extensive experience treating the adult neuro population and is LSVT LOUD® Certified. Johanna also treats patients undergoing/following treatment for head and neck cancer.

 

References:  

1. CDC. (2022, November 2). About Stroke | cdc.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm#print 

2. Dilworth, C. (2008). The role of the speech language pathologist in acute stroke. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 11(Suppl 1), S108–S118. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9204112/ 

 

Debunking Speech-Language Pathology Myths

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In honor of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we’re dispelling some misconceptions to highlight the vital role of speech therapy.

Myth #1: Speech therapy is only for those with lisps or stutters.

While addressing lisps and stutters is indeed a common aspect of speech therapy, it encompasses a far broader spectrum of issues, including problems with expression, sound production, comprehension, speech clarity, hearing, cognition, swallowing, and memory.

Myth #2: Speech therapy is only for children.

Contrary to popular belief, the benefits of speech therapy extend across the entire lifespan. From the earliest stages of development to the golden years of adulthood, individuals of all ages can reap its rewards. Speech-Language Pathology focuses on motor speech function, cognitive-language abilities, voice, and swallowing to help each patient reach their highest level of function and independence. Even in adulthood, tailored speech therapy programs are available to address the needs of those affected by disease, traumatic injury, or disorders of the nervous system, aiming to enhance functionality and elevate overall quality of life.

Myth #3: Speech therapy is only for talking.

Beyond speech, therapy plays a crucial role in addressing various challenges beyond verbal expression. Through targeted exercises and techniques, speech therapists help patients enhance cognitive abilities, memory retention, and improve swallowing function, thereby enhancing overall communication and quality of life.

Speech therapy encompasses interventions for memory, cognition, and swallowing issues, commonly associated with conditions like stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease, among others. Furthermore, individuals affected by cancer in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, as well as those recovering from head and neck injuries or surgeries, may also benefit from speech therapy interventions.

By dispelling these misconceptions and highlighting the multifaceted nature of speech therapy, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of speech-language pathologists in enhancing communication and quality of life for individuals across diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

We thank our Tx:Team Speech-Language Pathologists for the invaluable work they do every single day in improving the lives of their patients.

Ask an Expert: My Speech is Fine, Why Do I Need to See a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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My speech is fine, why do I need to see a Speech-Language Pathologist?

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) works with individuals from birth to end of life while focusing on swallowing, voice, communication, and cognitive disorders as well as enhancing speech skills.

An individual may be referred to a SLP because:

  • Their voice is not as strong as it used to be and they are unable to communicate with loved ones at a family gathering.
  • They may begin to experience difficulty while chewing their favorite food and/or coughing while drinking a glass of water.
  • They may have difficulty recalling the birthdays of their family members.
  • They are unable to express their thoughts to participate in a meaningful conversation.

A Speech-Language Pathologist aims to enhance an individual’s quality of life to participate in daily activities that require more than just their speech.

 

Johanna Ebbs, MS, CCC-SLP, LOUD® Certified

Speech-Language Pathology…Because Communication is Important

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May is National Better Hearing and Speech Month, which is an opportunity to raise awareness about not only communication disorders, but also the treatments available.

Millions suffer with brain fog, difficulty eating and drinking, and general speech and language problems – and these issues were only amplified in the years following COVID.  These problems can affect a person’s quality of life. Speech Language Pathologists treat a wide range of disorders in both adults and children. With early identification and intervention, clinicians can help to improve communication, increase confidence, and help patients return to the activities and daily life they enjoy.

Many people aren’t aware of how a speech-language pathologist can help.

Speech-Language Pathology, or what is commonly known as Speech Therapy, assesses and treats speech disorders and communication problems. It helps people develop skills like comprehension, clarity, voice, fluency, and sound production. Speech Language Pathologists, or Speech Therapists, can treat childhood speech disorders or adult speech impairments caused by stroke, brain injury or other conditions. Speech-Language Pathologists work with their patients to identify areas for improvement and work to develop each patient’s individual goals.

Speech therapy offers skilled treatment designed to assist and restore speech and language problems caused by illness or injury that may affect:

  • Cognition, comprehension, memory
  • Swallowing and other oral motor problems
  • Communication and hearing
  • Expression

Does Speech Therapy make a difference?

Adult patients can improve the quality of life with speech therapy after a stroke or traumatic injury as well as those patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or Alzheimer’s. For children, speech therapy is most successful when started early and practiced at home with a parent or caregiver.

Some of the speech improvements that patients experience are a louder and clearer voice, better speech intelligence, a more natural rate of speech, and more robust facial expressions.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Speech Therapy, find a Speech Language Pathologist in your area.  Why?  Because communication is important.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month – #Take6forPD

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According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, every six minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the United States.

April is Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Awareness Month and along with the PD Community, we are encouraging everyone to take six minutes in an effort to raise awareness, advance the research, and become knowledgeable of the available treatments for this disease. With someone being diagnosed every six minutes, that totals 90,00 people per year in the United States alone.  Let’s be advocates.

Beyond awareness comes treatment. At Tx:Team, we have Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists who are trained and certified in treating patients with PD. One treatment program which has been proven beneficial is the LSVT BIG® and LOUD® Program.

How do the LSVT programs benefit Parkinson’s patients?

Parkinson’s can impact function in everything a person does at home, at work, and in their community recreational pursuits. The LSVT programs help patients to maintain movement and voice for normal function in everyday life beyond medication and repetitive, non-direct task training exercises utilizing principles of neuroplasticity backed by years of research. It takes all 16 visits (four times per week for four weeks) to achieve carry over so that by the end of one month, patients know how to move BIGGER and be LOUDER all the time.   

A unique feature of LSVT BIG® and LOUD® is that it recognizes there is an internal cuing proprioceptive issue in individuals with Parkinson’s such as softer voice and smaller movements, in people that are unable to recognize their deficits the majority of the time.   

What is the focus of LSVT BIG®?

  • Faster speed  
  • Greater arm swing   
  • Longer steps  
  • Overcoming difficulty getting through the doorway  
  • Longer distance  
  • Faster clothing donning  
  • Grasping materials during meal preparation  
  • Legible handwriting  
  • Amplitude of movement when showering  

What is the focus of LSVT LOUD®?

  • Louder voice that is not hoarse  
  • Improved facial expression   
  • Reduction of monotone speech  
  • Improved emotion  
  • Using more words  

Who would benefit from BIG® and LOUD®?  

Patients who have a decline in the amplitude of their movement, voice, posture, and balance in addition to reduced speech intelligibility are motivated to participate in all required sessions.  

Why are these programs so important to this patient population?  

LSVT BIG® and LOUD® assists this patient population in maintaining, enhancing, and slowing progression of Parkinson’s Disease, which in return facilitates their ability to maintain a level of independence with the following skill sets essential for daily living:   

  • Changes in cognitive function. People with PD can still learn, but it might take longer and require more repetition of practice. As a patient progresses, the therapist will work on dual tasking so you can keep moving bigger and being louder while doing something else at the same time. For example, getting dressed and talking, walking while carrying something, or tapping your leg while reading.
  • Changes in movement amplitude. Commonly, people with PD have difficulty with activities they didn’t before. As a patient progresses, utilizing larger movements helps patients return to these activities without cues and assistance. 
  • Changes in communication. People who have PD have soft speech and feel that they are talking WNL while others “need a hearing aid.” However, people may begin to feel embarrassed with social isolation. As a patient progresses with continuous use of a loud voice, they are able to participate in conversations without feeling excluded while maintaining their dignity.
  • Changes in emotional regulation, pacing, attention, cardiovascular health, sleep, and confidence can also be seen!  

If you have any more questions about the LSVT program for BIG® or LOUD®, find a certified therapist in your area or visit this website.

 

Nidhi, Alita, and Johanna are all experienced therapists in the Outpatient Clinic setting in Frederick, MD.  They work collaboratively together to support and treat patients with a variety of neurological diagnoses. Nidhi, Alita, and Johanna enjoy the relationships they foster with their patients, and they love to help them achieve their functional goals.

Nidhi Talpade, PT, DPT, BIG® Certified
Alita Borkar, MA, OTRL, BIG® Certified
Johanna Ebbs, MS, CCC-SLP, LOUD® Certified.

Speech-Language Pathology for COVID-19 Long-Haul Symptoms

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With an estimated 10 to 30% of COVID-19 survivors experiencing long-haul symptoms including brain fog and swallowing difficulties, speech-language pathologists can help in regaining their functioning and quality of life.

May is national Better Hearing and Speech Month, which is an opportunity to raise awareness about not only about communication disorders but also the treatments. One set of difficulties that people have for months after contracting COVID-19 include brain fog, difficulty eating and drinking, and speech and language problems. This can affect return to work, the ability to take care of one’s family, and overall recovery.

Many people aren’t aware of how a speech-language pathologist can help. SLPs individualize treatment based on the person’s challenges. SLPs can help with both short and long-term difficulties, including:

Cognition

Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. This can prevent a return to work and impact their ability to tend to family responsibilities. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication—such as re-learning conversational rules or understanding the intent behind a message or behind nonverbal cues. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.

Swallowing

People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs use different types of tests to determine what happens when a person swallows and how the related muscles are working—helping a patient’s medical team, including the SLP, decide on the best course of action with the patient and their family. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.

Communication

People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID-related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these challenges, consider working with a speech-language pathologist to regain your quality of life!