Starting a career as a travel physical therapist (PT) is a fantastic opportunity to combine a love of patient care with a taste for adventure. As a travel PT, you’ll have the chance to expand your professional expertise by working in various settings. You’ll also experience new communities, explore different parts of the country, and – most importantly – make a real difference in places where your skills are needed most.
If embracing a career helping folks while exploring new places sounds exciting, read on for a deeper look at what it takes to become a travel PT – and how to make your temporary stays feel more like home.
What is a Travel PT & What is Travel Physical Therapy?
Travel physical therapists (PTs) work similarly to travel nurses. They take on temporary assignments at hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even patients’ homes through home health agencies. Travel PTs help to fill in staffing gaps to ensure quality patient care, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Why Become a Travel Physical Therapist?
Travel PT is a perfect fit for physical therapists who enjoy flexibility, love exploring new environments, and value professional growth. Here are just a few of the many perks that come with being a travel physical therapist:
Opportunity to Broaden Your Skills
Each new assignment brings unique challenges and learning opportunities. Working in different environments and with diverse patient needs allows you to expand your clinical skills and adaptability.
Higher Earnings Potential
Because travel PTs often work in high-demand areas and travel for work, they typically enjoy a higher salary than their permanently-placed counterparts. Additionally, travel PTs frequently receive benefits like housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and health insurance, making it a financially rewarding career path.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
One of the best parts of travel physical therapy is choosing when and where to work. This flexibility allows you to take time off between contracts, pursue assignments in locations you’ve always wanted to visit and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Career and Personal Growth
The travel PT lifestyle fosters resilience, independence, and a sense of adventure. You’ll meet new colleagues, adapt to different healthcare systems, and work with patients who bring their own unique backgrounds and needs to the table.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Travel Physical Therapist
Do the benefits of being a travel PT appeal to you? Maybe you’re already on your path to becoming a physical therapist – or perhaps you’re settling on a career track or are hoping to make a career switch. No matter where you’re starting your journey, we’ll break down the steps to becoming a traveling physical therapist.
1. Earn Your Credentials and Licensure
To start, you’ll need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. This is essential groundwork for any licensed PT, but to practice, you’ll also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
After passing, you’re ready for state licensure – which means meeting the requirements in each state where you’d like to practice.
If you’re eyeing a multi-state travel career, check if your states of choice are part of the Physical Therapy Compact. This agreement among certain states simplifies the licensing process for physical therapists who want to practice across state lines, making it easier to hop from one assignment to the next.
2. Gain Some Experience (Optional but Recommended)
Though it’s possible to jump into a travel PT role straight out of school, most agencies prefer candidates with at least one year of clinical experience. Taking a year in any clinical setting, whether in a hospital, outpatient, or private practice, allows you to hone your hands-on skills and build confidence with a team of veteran providers around you.
Having some experience can help prepare you to step into new facilities and adapt to their procedures and workflows. Some agencies do take on newer graduates, so if you’re fresh out of school and ready to explore, don’t hesitate to reach out to see what’s possible.
3. Find a Great Staffing Agency
A trustworthy staffing agency is a travel PT’s best friend. Staffing agencies do the legwork of matching you with assignments, negotiating your contracts, and often handling some of the logistical hurdles, like housing or state licensing. Ready to find an agency? Look for an agency specializing in travel healthcare or, better yet, travel therapy specifically.
Your agency will have the inside scoop on competitive pay, the best contract terms, and the locations that need physical therapists. Many agencies also offer benefits like healthcare, travel reimbursement, and housing stipends, which add to the appeal of the travel PT lifestyle.
4. Sort Out Your State Licenses
When you start an assignment in a different state, there will likely be a new licensure process to navigate. The Physical Therapy Compact can simplify things if your states are part of it. In other cases, you might need to apply and pay for multiple licenses.
Remember: many agencies will help with licensing, especially if you’re interested in working across several states, so be sure to ask your agency contact about assistance in this area.
5. Prepare for Your Assignments
Once you’ve accepted a contract, you’re on your way! Your agency will provide information about your role, offer up facility details, and tell you your start date.
Still, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your new temporary facility’s protocols, familiarize yourself with local patient care standards, and pack for the specifics of your new destination.
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Finding Housing for Travel PTs: Furnish Your Space with CORT
Since assignments for travel PTs typically last around 13 weeks, finding the right housing is a key piece of the puzzle. Some agencies offer housing options or stipends, but finding a comfortable space is essential when you’re constantly on the move. Imagine arriving at your new assignment to find a fully furnished living room, a cozy bedroom setup, and even the small touches that make a place feel welcoming, like lighting and decor. Can it be that easy? Yes – and that’s where CORT Furniture Rental comes in. CORT offers a range of stylish, high-quality furniture solutions designed for people like you who are always on the go.
Whether you would prefer a Move-In-Ready® furniture package or to choose your furniture and customize your set up to perfectly fit your taste, CORT takes the stress out of making each temporary residence feel like home. Plus, with services that include delivery, setup, and pick-up when it’s time for you to move again, they handle all the logistics so you can focus on your patients and your new community. Before you head off on your first assignment, get started with CORT online or visit a location near you today!
