When I created a poll in the Facebook Group about what content people wanted to learn, the top request was "Brief summaries of specific nonclinical careers." Fortunately for me, once I found out about Utilization Review, I focused my job search almost exclusively on Utilization Review. However, I realize Utilization Review isn't for everyone. I hope to use the next upcoming blogs to provide information about other nonclinical career options. Today, I will focus exclusively on 1: Clinical Rehab Liaison.

1) Clinical Rehab Liaison

I don't have statistics on what is the most popular nonclinical career, but Clinical Rehab Liaison would likely be toward the top of the list. This was one of the few nonclinical careers I submitted a resume for before I got my job offer at naviHealth.

What is a Clinical Rehab Liaison? It is a role that combines clinical judgement, sales and marketing to determine whether someone is a good candidate for Acute Inpatient Rehab/Inpatient Rehab Facility (AIR/IRF).

What disciplines can be Clinical Rehab Liaisons? It depends on the company, but I have seen liaisons have a variety of licenses: OT/COTA, , PT/PTA, RN/LVN, RT, SLP and SW.

What companies hire Clinical Rehab Liaisons? The majority of companies are going to be from the larger nationwide inpatient rehabs like Encompass, Select, Kindred, HCA and Post Acute Medical. There are other more local ones that have multiple sites like Baylor Scott & White Health in the North Texas area. Local AIRs/IRFs may also be an option. You could search for names of what facilities are in your area through the Medicare Compare website. Personally, if I was looking for this role, I would start looking at the top ranked rehabs from US News and World Report to see if any of those rehabs have openings because it would be much easier to sell a "product" that has a national ranking.

What is the salary for Clinical Rehab Liaisons? From my research, it can vary widely based on the company because it is a sales role. Most give a base salary with the opportunities for bonuses on a monthly/quarterly/annually basis. The base salary is often slightly less than that of a clinician, but the bonuses can make it as much or more than a clinical role.

Who would find this an ideal career? Someone who wants to continue to have face-to-face interactions with clients, enjoys marketing to potential referrals, and can take rejection well from referrals and insurance companies.

Who would this not be an ideal fit for? Someone who wants to work remotely, dislikes the idea of doing sales/marketing, or is opposed to being on the phone often.

My experience: I applied for 1 Clinical Rehab Liaison position because I knew what it was like to have to advocate for a family member to go to AIR/IRF. As Pre-Service Coordinator, I speak with multiple Liaisons every work day, and I would just provide a couple of insights to consider:

1) The success of the job can rely heavily on things outside your control. Insurance companies, clinicians from referral sources, competing rehabs and more will help decide whether or not a member admits to the rehab you work for.

2) They are often asked to do tasks with a relatively short window of time. A few examples would be:

a) obtaining updated clinicals

b) contacting a physician or physician extender to do a peer-to-peer call.

I hope this blog was helpful in providing insight into other nonclinical career options outside of Utilization Review. I look forward to sharing more paths in the upcoming blogs!

Are you a clinician who wants to join the nonclinical world? The most important thing you need to start is to have a good nonclinical resume! You can download my free e-book Nonclinical Resumes That Get Interviews!

Once you feel ready to submit applications or have struggled getting interviews with your applications, sign up for a resume review! Click here to sign up for your a 1-on-1 time that works best for you!