Becoming a traveling physical therapist comes with many upsides, including the opportunity for work-life balance, high demand, great pay, exposure to a variety of healthcare settings, and job satisfaction.
There are five essential steps to becoming a travel physical therapist. From obtaining the necessary education and licensure to exploring travel therapy agencies and honing your clinical skills, this article will guide you through the process of becoming a traveling physical therapist.
Being a travel physical therapist (PT) comes with several benefits that make it an appealing career choice — including flexibility. Travel PTs have the freedom to choose their assignments, locations, and work settings, allowing them to tailor their career to their preferences. This flexibility extends beyond just the work itself. They also have the opportunity to explore different parts of the country while on assignment, satisfying their wanderlust and experiencing new cultures and environments.
Travel PTs often enjoy a better work-life balance compared to their permanent counterparts because they have more control over their time off between contracts. This allows them to spend quality time with family, pursue personal interests, or simply recharge before embarking on their next job.
The variety of assignments and locations also adds excitement to the job. Travel PTs can work in different settings every few weeks, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, and encounter diverse patient populations. This exposure not only enhances their professional skills, but provides a unique opportunity for personal growth.
Travel PTs often receive competitive compensation packages, housing allowances, and other financial incentives. These perks, combined with the ability to see new places and experience different cultures, make being a travel PT a rewarding healthcare career choice.
The current job outlook for physical therapists is high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the employment rate of physical therapists will grow 17% from 2021 to 2030. The need for physical therapy is larger than the number of physical therapists available, causing an abundance of jobs but a shortage of therapists. This makes the market for traveling physical therapists great, knowing there will be no shortage of work in the near future.
Some of the most common reasons a facility might need a travel PT include a therapist going on maternity leave or short-term disability for an injury, a sudden influx of new patients, or a permanent position PT leaving on short notice before they can find a replacement.
There are many travel therapist contracts available in rural areas all over the country, where they have a harder time keeping long-term staff. These facilities may use travel therapists year-round because they don’t have any candidates for the permanent job.
A physical therapist is one of the highest-paid professionals in the allied health field, which means traveling physical therapists have the opportunity to earn even higher pay.
In addition to competitive pay, some staffing agencies also provide various benefits and incentives to attract and retain talented therapists. These perks can include weekly allowances, reimbursement programs, health insurance, continuing education opportunities, referral bonuses, and cash bonuses.
One of the significant advantages of being a physical therapist that travels is the availability of tax-free stipends for housing and food. The amount of these stipends may vary depending on the state and facility you work in, but they can significantly impact your annual income. Traveling physical therapists often receive their stipends alongside regular weekly deposits, enhancing their overall pay.
So, as a traveling physical therapist, you can expect not only a generous salary but additional benefits that contribute to your overall financial well-being.
If you're a current physical therapist looking to embark on an exciting journey as a traveling physical therapist, we've got you covered. To help you get started on this rewarding path, we've outlined five essential steps that will pave the way for your transition.
From obtaining the necessary licenses to choosing an assignment location and finding reputable travel PT jobs, these steps will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to become a successful traveling physical therapist:
Make sure you have enough experience to get started
Understand licensure requirements for travel PT
Choose an assignment location
Search for travel PT jobs
Find housing after signing your travel physical therapy contract
The amount of experience required to become a travel physical therapist can vary depending on the individual and their level of confidence and comfort. There are no set rules dictating the exact amount of experience needed before embarking on a travel assignment. It ultimately comes down to how you feel as a clinician and your agency.
If you feel confident in your abilities, consider yourself a quick learner, and aren't afraid to ask questions, then go for it! Trust in your skills and embrace the new challenges and opportunities that come with being a travel PT. On the other hand, if you feel more comfortable gaining some work experience before taking on a travel assignment, that's perfectly valid too.
It's important to check in with yourself and determine what you're truly comfortable with. Remember that regardless of your level of experience, you will be expected to be clinically competent right from the start of your assignment.
Understanding licensing requirements is crucial for those working in travel physical therapy. When pursuing a travel physical therapist career, it is essential to know how and where to obtain a license. Each state has its own specific requirements for licensure, which may include educational qualifications, passing standardized exams, and completing background checks. Research the process for getting a license for each state where you plan to work to ensure compliance. A good place to start would be the PT compact.
Some states participate in the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows eligible physical therapists to obtain a compact license that grants them the privilege to practice in member states without going through the full licensing process for each state. However, it's important to note that not all states are members of the compact, so you should always verify the participating states before relying on this option.
In addition to individual state requirements, PTs should familiarize themselves with their travel physical therapy contracts. These contracts outline the terms of employment, including licensing requirements, duration of assignments, and compensation packages. Understanding the contractual obligations and rights as a travel PT is crucial for a successful and fulfilling experience.
By understanding how and where to obtain licenses, being aware of the variations in requirements between states, and considering the implications of travel PT contracts and the compact, aspiring travel physical therapists can navigate the licensing process more effectively. This knowledge ensures compliance with regulations and facilitates a smooth transition between assignments in different locations.
When choosing a location for your travel physical therapy job, there are a couple of factors to consider:
Demand or need for PTs in the area
Cost of living
Quality of life you will have there
When considering a career in travel therapy, look at the demand for travel healthcare professionals in different states or regions. By identifying locations where there is a high need for travel healthcare professionals, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing high-paying jobs.
The demand for travel therapy can vary across states and even within different specialties. Researching current trends and market updates can provide valuable insights into which areas are experiencing a higher demand for a traveling physical therapist. This information allows you to strategically plan your career path and target locations that offer ample opportunities for employment.
Taking the time to assess the demand for travel therapy in various states or regions will empower you to make informed decisions and maximize your professional growth and earning potential.
When considering a career as a traveling physical therapist, it is essential to take into account the significant differences in the cost of living compared to your current home state. Conducting thorough research on average housing prices, transportation costs, and general expenses in the areas you are interested in will help ensure that the salary and benefits offered align with the local cost of living.
You need a clear understanding of how far your income will stretch and whether it will cover your essential needs and allow for a comfortable lifestyle. The cost of housing can vary significantly between states and regions, impacting your overall budget. Transportation costs such as fuel, public transportation fares, and commute should be considered, along with general expenses like groceries, healthcare, utilities, and entertainment.
By thoroughly researching and comparing these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether the salary offered for the position aligns with the local cost of living, ensuring financial stability and a rewarding experience as a traveling physical therapist.
Assess how you'll like living there when choosing potential assignment locations. One aspect to consider is the climate of the location. Some individuals may thrive in warmer climates with abundant sunshine and outdoor activities, while others may prefer cooler temperatures and winter sports.
Recreational activities are another important factor to consider. Researching the availability of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, parks, beaches, or skiing resorts can provide insights into the level of physical activity and leisure options available in the area. Access to recreational facilities and amenities promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle, allowing you to make the most of your free time and unwind after work.
Cultural amenities also play a significant role in assessing the quality of life in a potential assignment location. Consider exploring the local arts scene, museums, theaters, music venues, and restaurants to get a sense of the cultural richness and diversity of the area.
This information will help you make informed decisions about which locations align with your personal preferences and contribute to a positive and fulfilling experience as a traveling PT.
In order to land a travel job, you first need to nail the interview. Here are the top physical therapist interview questions, along with a downloadable master list. To find travel physical therapy jobs in most states, there are several resources available. Online job platforms like Marketplace have job postings dedicated to healthcare professions, where you can search and filter by physical therapy travel positions.
Marketplace provides a convenient way to search for jobs based on location, specialty, and desired travel contract length. By utilizing resources like Marketplace, a physical therapist can access a wide range of travel job opportunities and easily navigate the process of finding assignments in their preferred locations.
Finding housing after signing travel contracts can be a challenge. The nature of travel physical therapy assignments often requires therapists to "hit the ground running" and start working shortly after arriving at their new location. This leaves limited time to search for suitable housing options. Searching for short-term housing that meets your specific needs and preferences can add to the difficulty.
However, there are other resources available to simplify the process. One is Furnished Finder, which specializes in providing furnished housing options specifically tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals. Furnished Finder offers a wide range of housing options across various locations, allowing travel PTs to find accommodations that suit their preferences and budget. Using Furnished Finder can alleviate the stress of searching for housing independently and can provide peace of mind by offering pre-vetted options that are conducive to the demands of a physical therapist lifestyle.
Luckily, this is already integrated into Marketplace so you can search for jobs and housing all in one place.
With the convenience of ready-to-move-in furnished rentals, physical therapy travelers can focus on settling into their new assignments smoothly and efficiently. By utilizing platforms like Furnished Finder, they can find suitable housing options that meet their needs, making their transitions between assignments more seamless and enjoyable.
Finding your next travel job opens up a thrilling career path filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. By utilizing Marketplace, specifically designed for healthcare traveler jobs, you can navigate the process with ease and feel confident in your job search.
With research and a proactive approach, you can embark on a fulfilling journey as a travel PT, ready to conquer new horizons and make a positive impact on patient outcomes and lives.