Objective To explore the problems and give reasonable advice by investigating the current situation and needs of rehabilitation professionals nationwide. Methods This research investigated the rehabilitation institutions invested by Disabled Persons' Federation system, sanitary system, privately-run institutions and People's Insurance Company from March to July, 2015 to collect data of rehabilitation physicians and therapists, in which the questionnaire survey, expert consultation and on-spot investigation were used. Results The survey issued 416 questionnaires, 329 questionnaires were recalled, and 261 out of them were eligible. The profession titles of rehabilitation professionals were generally low, 39.3% were below the primary profession title; rehabilitation professionals were lack of educational background, 34.2% were college degree or below; low salary lead to low competence to other industries, 66.4% employees were paid 2000 to 4000 Yuan (RMB) per month; rehabilitation institutions were most in need of rehabilitative physicians, speech therapists and psychotherapists; lack of professionals, lack of bonus and space limitation ranked the top three of the restrictive factors. Conclusion At present, the contradiction that the quantity and quality of rehabilitation talents cannot meet the increasing demand of rehabilitation is becoming more and more prominent. To solve the root of the problem, we need to start with the cultivation of talents, and the government needs to give policy support, open green pass and give strong assistance in cultivation of talents, academic title evaluation, salary levels, and policy guarantee system of rehabilitation to promote the rapid, sustaining and healthy development of rehabilitation industry.