Month: December 2024

Employee vs. Independent Contractor: How to Make the Best Choice

Since 1978, Nyman Associates has worked with educators and allied health professionals to help them find meaningful employment in settings that value their expertise and training. Over the decades, we have matched thousands of Special Education Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists/Counselors, Occupational Therapist (OTs), Physical Therapists (PTs), Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and support personnel with school districts and hospitals throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Nyman is unique in that we offer educators and clinicians employment, not contractor positions. However, when selecting a place to work, candidates often ask “what is the difference between an employee and a contractor?”. Understanding when contractors are considered employees can help you decide if a job offer, including pay and benefits, meets your needs and goals. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions about the difference between employee and independent contractor status.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between an Employee and a Contractor?

This question is frequently asked by those attending school to become a clinician or in the early stages of their career. An employee is an individual employed by a business or organization, such as a hospital, medical practice, school, school district, or agency.

Here are some key features of being an employee:

• Direction and Control: The employer typically can direct and control the work performed by the employee, including when, where, and how the work is done.
• Benefits: Employees often have access to benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, professional development funds, and sick time.
• Taxes: The employer is responsible for withholding income, social security, and Medicare taxes from the employee’s paychecks.

An independent contractor is a self-employed individual who provides services on a contractual basis. What is the difference between an employee and a contractor? Here are a few:

• Control Over Work: Independent contractors have more control over how they accomplish their work. The organization hiring them is only interested in the work’s results.
• No Benefits: Benefits are a big difference between employees and independent contractors. Contractors are responsible for managing their health and life insurance, retirement funds, and self-employment taxes since they’re considered business owners.

Are Contractors Considered Employees?

Sometimes, the difference between an employee and an independent contractor is unclear and can be subject to legal interpretation. However, businesses and organizations want to correctly categorize workers, as it is essential for compliance with labor laws and tax regulations.

What is the difference between an employee and a contractor, then? Here are some real-life examples. In both healthcare and education settings, employees could include doctors, nurses, teachers, and administrators. In contrast, independent contractors might include visiting specialists, consultants, substitute teachers, or clinicians who provide specialized or short-term services. 

Are contractors considered employees? Not really. While a contractor may perform work for the business or organization, they will receive no benefits as a clinician and may have few safeguards or support systems to fall back on if troubles arise. 

An Example of the Difference Between an Employee and a Contractor

If you look at the employment opportunities on our website, you’ll see that Nyman Associates hires educators and allied health clinicians to work in school districts and hospitals. We are currently looking to fill many open positions! Let’s walk through a breakdown of the expectations with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) as they explore the difference between employee and independent contractor status in determining if working for Nyman is right for them.

What can an SLP employee expect from working with Nyman Associates?

What is the difference between an employee and a contractor? Take a look at what we have to offer and see for yourself! With all our listed positions, you will be an employee with Nyman Associates. Because of this, we do the following for you:

• Handle taxes and payroll.
• Determine your eligibility for health insurance, retirement plans, professional development, etc.
• Communicate on your behalf with the school district or hospital to ensure professional standards and expectations are met. 
• Provide support if you encounter obstacles or need professional guidance.
• Ensure the work environment is safe and student/patient-focused so you can do your best work.
• Help grow your career meaningfully at each stage of your life. Our opportunities are available part-time and full-time.
• Need support with caseload, schedule development, or technology? We’re here to help!

At Nyman Associates, we understand that the most significant difference between an employee and an independent contractor is the financial uncertainty and work-life balance pressure contractors often experience. This is why we encourage all current SLP independent contractors to consider working with us. Not only will you be rewarded by doing work you’re passionate about, but you’ll also experience a friendly, professional atmosphere. Leave the taxes, red tape, and administrative work to us!

Connect with Nyman Associates

Located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Nyman Associates has nearly fifty years of experience helping Educators and Allied Health Clinicians secure meaningful employment. We know the difference between an employee and an independent contractor! That’s why all positions we offer are for direct employment, not independent contractor positions. Fill out our contact form, and a member of our support team will contact you. If you have questions about what the difference is between an employee and a contractor and what positions might be a good fit for your skills, they’ll provide all the answers.

We look forward to helping you find a position that appreciates your training and professional experience.

Learn How to Cure Burnout at Work and Create a Burnout Recovery Plan

Clinician burnout is an increasing phenomenon in many healthcare professions, and speech-language pathology (SLP) is no exception. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. SLP burnout can severely impact both personal well-being and professional efficacy. High caseloads, emotional fatigue, and administrative burdens can take their toll. Understanding how to cure burnout at work by creating a burnout recovery plan is crucial for delivering quality care.

What Is Clinician Burnout?

Unfortunately, this topic isn’t often discussed when you’re in college preparing to become a clinician. Burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. SLP burnout often manifests as a sense of being overwhelmed by the workload, emotionally drained, and questioning one’s efficacy in one’s role.

6 Strategies for How to Cure Burnout at Work

1. Prioritizing Tasks: Whether you’re working as an employee or an independent contractor, identify tasks that are urgent versus those that are important. Use tools like to-do lists or digital planners to organize your workflow.
2. Setting Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Learn to say no when necessary.
3. Stress Management Techniques: Practice mindfulness or meditation to center yourself. Deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial.
4. Professional Support Networks: Engage in peer discussions or join professional networks to share your experiences of SLP burnout.
5. Ask for Resources: Advocate for resources or support from management. Presenting data-driven arguments can make your case more compelling.
6. Collaboration: Foster collaboration among colleagues. Sharing responsibilities and supporting one another can reduce clinician burnout.

8 Steps for Creating a Burnout Recovery Plan

1. Evaluate Personal and Professional Goals: Reflect on what you want to achieve. Are there areas where you need more balance?
2. Identify Triggers: Use reflective exercises such as journaling to pinpoint specific stressors.
3. Goal Setting: Break down goals into small, manageable steps. This makes them easier to accomplish.
4. Flexibility: Adjust your goals as needed. Flexibility will allow you to adapt when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Daily Routines: Schedule breaks throughout your day for moments of relaxation or to walk outside.
6. Self-Care Activities: Engage in rejuvenating activities such as reading, practicing yoga, or spending time with loved ones.
7. Review Process: Set aside time to assess your progress toward reducing clinician burnout.
8. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge small victories along the way—every step is worth celebrating!

Tired of SLP Burnout? Contact Nyman Associates

You owe it to yourself to prioritize your health and happiness. By taking steps toward overcoming clinician burnout, you’re paving the way for growth and fulfillment. Nyman Associates has been in business since 1978 and has decades of expertise in helping SLP clinicians, School Psychologists / Counselors, Physical Therapists, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) find meaningful positions that lead to long, rewarding careers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Fill out our contact form, and we will help you find a position that meets your needs.

Explore how to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist, or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

Since 1978, Nyman Associates has provided staffing services in the allied health professions. Because of this, we are uniquely positioned to offer insight on how to become a clinician in these areas. If you want to know how to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist, or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, read on for a general overview of the requirements.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Being a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can be very rewarding as you help individuals of all ages improve their quality of life by addressing their speech and communication challenges. Here are some career pathway tips for how to become a clinician in this field:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s degree is the first step. Courses you might consider include:

• Linguistics
• Psychology
• Language development
• Anatomy

Step 2: Obtain a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

A Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is essential. These programs involve both coursework and clinical experience with speech, language, and swallowing disorders and audiology/audiometry.

Step 3: Complete a Clinical Fellowship

A Clinical Fellowship is where you get hands-on experience learning how to become a clinician under the mentorship of an experienced SLP.

Step 4: Get Certified

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) credential. It requires applicants to have a graduate degree, complete the fellowship, and pass an examination.

Step 5: Obtain a State License

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final step in how to become a Speech-Language Pathologist! Licensing requirements vary, so check the regulations for the state where you intend to practice.

How to Become a Physical Therapist

Becoming a physical therapist requires dedication, passion, and several years of rigorous study. Here is some guidance for how to become a clinician in this rewarding profession.

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

• Most physical therapy programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.
• A degree in a biology-related subject or exercise science provides a good foundation.
• Take chemistry, physics, psychology, biology, statistics, and anatomy courses.

Step 2: Gain Experience

Many graduate-level physical therapy programs recommend that applicants have some experience in the field. This could include working as an assistant to a physical therapist, an athletic trainer, or providing physical education.

Step 3: Obtain an Advanced Degree in Physical Therapy

You must graduate from a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Upon completing your program, you must pass the Physical Therapist board exams.

Step 4: Get Licensed

Congratulations! You’ve reached the last step in how to become a Physical Therapist! Licensing requirements vary, so investigate the regulations of the state where you want to work.

How to Become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst 

As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you specialize in understanding and modifying human behaviors. As there are many pathways to this profession, we’re offering a general overview of how to become a clinician in this field.

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree

The first step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a field such as psychology or education. To sit for the BCBA exam, you must also hold a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in psychology and complete courses required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

2. Complete Supervised Independent Fieldwork

Supervised independent fieldwork hours under the supervision of a BCBA are mandatory.

3. Pass the BCBA Exam

After completing the fieldwork, you can take the BCBA exam. 

4. Apply for Certification

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final step in how to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst! After completing the BCBA exam, you can apply for certification. 

How to Become a Clinician with Nyman Associates

Located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Nyman Associates has nearly fifty years of experience with Speech-Language Pathologists, School Psychologists / Counselors, Physical Therapists, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts. All available positions are for direct employment and are not contractor positions. Fill out our contact form, and we will help you find a position that values your education and professional experience.