Travel occupational therapy jobs allow you to work in different locations for short term assignments, usually a few weeks to a few months. These jobs offer variety in healthcare settings and great pay to see new places. In this article you’ll learn about the benefits, how to get started, top companies to work with, required skills and common challenges.
Quick Facts
- Travel occupational therapy jobs pay more than traditional jobs, sometimes up to $3,000 a week and extra benefits like housing stipend.
- A solid education and NBCOT certification are required to start a travel occupational therapy career along with mentorship in various settings.
- Travel OTs must navigate state by state licensure and can use resources from companies to simplify the process and develop strong organizational and interpersonal skills to manage the challenges of the job.
Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs
Travel occupational therapist jobs are a growing field in healthcare. These professionals help improve the quality of life for people with various conditions in different settings. Demand for travel OTs is increasing and the profession is expected to grow big time in the next few years. This is why temporary staffing solutions are needed in various healthcare settings from hospitals to home health.
Travel OTs do various tasks such as evaluating clients, developing individualized treatment plans and educating families on care strategies. Unlike their stationary counterparts, travel OTs work in different settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics and home health with assignments ranging from 8 to 13 weeks. This flexibility allows them to adapt their skills to different patient population and each assignment is a new and exciting experience.
Specialized companies take care of the logistics for travel occupational therapists so they can focus on patient care. These companies offer a wide range of job opportunities so travel OTs can find a job that matches their skills and career goals.
Working in different roles and locations, travel OTs have a dynamic and exciting career that keeps them busy and challenged.
Benefits of Travel OT Jobs
One of the top benefits of travel occupational therapy jobs is the potential to earn more. Travel OTs can earn way more than their staff counterparts, sometimes up to $3,000 a week in certain locations. Depending on experience and location, they can earn $50 to over $100 an hour, it’s a financially rewarding job.
Besides the big salaries, travel OT jobs offer comprehensive benefits that add to the overall compensation, often including housing stipend, meal stipend and health insurance. Plus flexible scheduling allows travel OTs to choose their work locations and duration, a perfect balance between work and personal life. This geographic flexibility and short term commitment is a big advantage over traditional occupational therapy jobs.
The travel OT lifestyle offers different experiences in various healthcare settings, broadens skills and professional networks. Exposure to different clinical environments makes therapists like Hayes more adaptable. This diverse experience is not only professionally enriching but personally fulfilling as therapists get to travel to new places and cultures while advancing their career.
How to Start a Travel Occupational Therapy Career
To start a travel occupational therapy career, a solid educational foundation is required, aspiring travel OTs first need to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with courses in anatomy and psychology. Then they need to get a Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy to be eligible for certification.
Passing the NBCOT exam is the next step to practice occupational therapy in the US. Once certified, therapists can start looking for job placements. Travel OTs can find jobs through travel employment agencies or apply independently. Travel therapy companies often have dedicated teams to help with the credentialing process, making it easier to get multiple licenses.
New therapists may feel uneasy in new settings. Mentorship from state OT organizations can be a big help and guidance. Shadowing professionals in the field, as recommended by experienced therapists like Maggie Hayes, gives valuable insight into the impact and importance of occupational therapy.
With the right preparation and support, you can start this exciting career.
Top Companies for Travel Occupational Therapist Jobs
TLC Nursing is the premier provider of high paying travel occupational therapist (OT) jobs across the country. With personalized guidance from senior recruiters, you’re matched to assignments that fit your skills, preferences and career goals. TLC offers unmatched benefits including competitive pay packages, housing stipend, licensing support and professional development resources.
The iTraveler by TLC Nursing app takes convenience to the next level, allows you to browse opportunities, manage applications and plan your travel. From short term assignments to long term career growth, TLC Nursing ensures your travel therapy journey is rewarding and stress free. Join a network that values your expertise and helps you thrive in different healthcare settings across the country.
Skills for Travel Occupational Therapists
To be successful in travel occupational therapist jobs, you need a broad skill set. Strong communication skills are necessary to explain treatment plans to patients and work with local healthcare teams. Problem solving skills are also important to address unexpected situations that arise in different healthcare settings.
Adaptability and flexibility are key for travel OTs. Maggie Hayes shares how her role has broadened her scope of practice to work with different populations. Patience and compassion are important to support patients through their rehabilitation process. Resource availability varies by assignment, so travel OTs should bring personal materials and use online OT resources to supplement their practice.
Building quick relationships and self care are equally important for traveling occupational therapists. Being able to connect with new teams and take care of yourself ensures travel OTs can succeed in their role. These skills allow travel OTs to work in different healthcare settings and provide good care to their patients.
Licensure for Travel OTs
Licensure is a big part of a travel occupational therapist’s career. Licensure requirements vary by state, often requiring proof of supervision under a licensed OT, ID and licensing fee. Each state has different requirements including the possibility of having to complete specific continuing education units (CEUs) and submit original academic transcripts.
Processing times for OT licenses vary. Alabama and Montana take about a week, Wisconsin and Louisiana take 6-10 weeks. The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact is an option, allowing OTs to work in multiple states with a license from a participating state. Currently travel OTs have to get a license for each state they work in as there is no multi-state license for OTs.
When transferring licenses between states, therapists have to provide verification of all previous OT licenses and transfer their NBCOT scores. Knowing the scope of practice laws in each state is important for travel OTs to be compliant and practice effectively. With proper planning and support from travel therapy companies, licensure can be manageable.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Traveling occupational therapists face different challenges, planning their personal life due to unpredictable job placements and short notice for changes. This uncertainty can make it hard to have a stable routine and personal commitments.
To overcome these challenges, travel OTs should develop strong organizational skills and communicate with their agencies. Being proactive and flexible helps manage the uncertainty of assignments. Having a network of fellow travel OTs and local contacts is a great resource and emotional support.
Getting involved in local activities and connecting with colleagues helps travel OTs feel more part of their temporary community. This social integration can reduce feelings of isolation and make transitions smoother. Addressing these issues head on allows travel OTs to have a fulfilling and balanced career.
Safety and Security for Travel OTs
Safety and security is important for travel occupational therapists due to their work environment and frequent relocations. To protect personal information, travel OTs should use strong passwords and consider two factor authentication. These measures help protect against common online threats like online attacks, phishing attacks and unsecured Wi-Fi networks that can compromise personal data. A comprehensive security solution can add to these measures.
Managing safety and security proactively allows travel OTs to worry less about their patients. This means being aware of their surroundings especially in new environments and following standard safety protocols. Travel OTs should also have emergency contact information readily available and know the local emergency services.
By doing this travel OTs can create a safe working environment for themselves. Focusing on security allows them to put their energy and attention to providing good care to their patients and have several wins for a successful career.
Travel OTs Stories
Travel OTs stories bring the profession to life, showing the adventures and experiences that come with the job. For example Hayes has visited 23 national parks and explored different landscapes across the US and Canada. These testimonials show the fun of discovering new places and cultures as a travel OT.
Traveling alone can be scary but connecting with colleagues and getting involved in local activities helps build a social network. These interactions provides companionship and makes the travel more enjoyable and fulfilling.
These stories can inspire others to start their own travel OT journey. Learning from their peers, aspiring travel OTs can get valuable insights and feel more confident to pursue this career.
Conclusion
In summary travel occupational therapy jobs offer professional growth, personal fulfillment and competitive pay. From the flexibility and variety to the essential skills and support from top agencies this career has many opportunities for dynamic and ambitious people. Face the challenges, prioritise safety and seek mentorship to thrive in this career. Travel occupational therapy world is waiting for you—are you ready to join?
FAQs
Where do travel OTs work?
Travel OTs work in various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities. These roles give them experience in different healthcare environments.
What is the highest paying OT job?
The highest paying OT jobs are usually found in research and development, home health and skilled nursing facilities, with travel OT jobs ranging from $95,000 to $171,000 per year. Specialising in physical rehabilitation can also increase earning potential significantly.
What qualifications do I need to start a travel OT career?
To start a travel OT career you need a bachelor’s degree, a Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and pass the NBCOT exam. These qualifications ensures you are ready for varied and challenging environments.
How do travel OTs earn more than staff OTs?
Travel OTs earn more than staff OTs by getting weekly pay that can be over $3,000 and extra benefits like housing and meal stipends. This compensation structure makes travel positions more attractive.
Recommended for Travel OT Jobs
TLC Nursing is a trusted partner for travel OTs looking for top notch opportunities across the US. With competitive pay packages, full benefits and seamless job placement TLC Nursing has got you covered at every stage of your travel therapy career.
Need housing assistance, licensing support or a recruiter who gets you? TLC Nursing goes the extra mile to provide personalized service and professional growth opportunities. Try TLC Nursing today and take your travel OT career to the next level.
