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Is Travel Physical Therapy for You?

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Ashley Hotovec | June 5th, 2023

Imagine a life where you can satisfy that travel itch, pursue your passion for therapy, all while also earning a rewarding amount of compensation. Welcome to the life of a travel physical therapist. If you’re an avid traveler, love an independent lifestyle, and want to learn new PT skills, traveling physical therapy could be for you. Sound like something that’s up your alley? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Travel Physical Therapy?

Rather than being employed directly by a specific facility or clinic, a travel physical therapist collaborates with a recruiter from a travel healthcare agency. Recruiters assist you in arranging your assignment in different locations, typically spanning 13 weeks. The settings most assignments are found include:

  • Hospitals
  • Residential and rehab facilities
  • Doctor’s offices
  • Home health environments

Travel physical therapy is an exciting and fulfilling career that blends the thrill of travel with the meaningful impact of providing healthcare. As a travel PT, you have the opportunity to:

  • Explore new places
  • Assist patients in their recovery
  • Gain new skills

Whether you’re treating patients in bustling cities, remote towns, or breathtaking coastal areas, each assignment offers a chance to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and environments.

What are the Benefits?

There are a lavish number of benefits to becoming a travel physical therapist, but we will keep this short and sweet. Here are the top 5 perks we’ve rounded up:

  1. Flexible Schedule
    1. More control over your schedule
    2. Want to take a break after your 13-week assignment? Or would you rather head straight to your next assignment? The choice is up to you!
    3. Great work-life balance
  2. Satisfy Your Desire for Adventure
    1. Travel where you want, when you want to
    2. Check off states on your bucket list
    3. Fall in love with a new city
  3. Gain Valuable Experience
    1. Get exposed to new, challenging situations
    2. Improve your adaptability, self-reliance, and resilience
    3. Learn new strategies to enhance your clinical skills
  4. Meet New People
    1. Build your network and professional connections
    2. Learn from your peers
    3. Guidance and support throughout your journey
  5. Competitive Compensation
    1. Higher pay than traditional staff jobs
    2. Receive housing and meal stipends
    3. Travel reimbursements provided
    4. Pay your school loans faster

Can I Travel as a New Grad?

We’re sure you’ve heard that for some specialties, you need so many years of experience to start your travel career. However, if you’re a PT new grad, you’re in luck – it is possible to start right after graduation!

As a new grad it’s essential to have:

  • Solid foundation of clinical knowledge and skills
  • Licensure and/or certification in states you wish to practice
  • Ability to adapt and eagerness to learn

Typically, in a traditional staff job, you would have a mentor for a long period of time. As a traveler, you may have less time with your mentor. This is important to keep in the back of your mind as a new grad in case you need to seek guidance elsewhere.

Ready to start traveling and exploring your options? Be sure to check out the travel physical therapist jobs we have to offer and start your adventure today!

View Travel PT Job Openings

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