Travel therapy means working as a physical therapist in different locations, a dynamic lifestyle and many professional perks. Physical therapists get to travel, earn competitive pay and hone their clinical skills. In this post we’ll go into the top benefits of travel physical therapy and how it can help your career.
Quick Hits
- Travel physical therapy is work and adventure in one, get to travel and impact lives.
- The pay is big, travel PTs can earn 2-3 times more than traditional roles, plus tax-free stipends.
- Flexibility is key, travel therapists can choose their contracts and downtime, so it’s easier to balance work and personal interests.
What is Travel Physical Therapy?
Travel physical therapy is a unique and exciting healthcare career where physical therapists work temporary contracts in different locations. Often facilitated through travel staffing companies or recruiters, travel physical therapists, also known as travel PTs, provide physical therapy services to patients in various settings such as hospitals, clinics and rehab centers. This career path allows physical therapists to work in new environments, see different patient populations and conditions and hone their clinical skills. By becoming a travel physical therapist you can see different healthcare systems, advance your professional expertise and have a career that’s work and adventure in one.
Why Travel Physical Therapy?
Being a travel physical therapist is an exciting and ever-changing experience, perfect for people who love diversity and adventure. Being an adaptable person is key in this field, as it allows therapists to thrive in different settings and overcome unique challenges. This career path is different from traditional positions by exposing the therapist to new surroundings and cultural experiences regularly. The idea of being paid to travel to destinations from Bali to New York City is a dream for many physical therapists. The combination of work and travel not only pays but also adds richness to your life. As travel physical therapists see patients all over the world, they multiply their professional impact beyond local boundaries. Serving patients in many locations allows you to impact different patient populations positively, adding an extra layer of fulfillment to this already fulfilling career.
Travel PT Benefits
One of the biggest perks of a travel job as a travel PT is the pay. Physical therapists who choose to do travel assignments get paid way more than their permanently placed colleagues, with average earnings ranging from 1.5 to 2 times more and in some cases 3 times more. Included in these big earning packages for travel physical therapists are tax-free stipends for housing, meals and other expenses which adds to their bottom line. On an annual basis, a therapist in this role can earn around $105,516 – that’s a big deal. Plus, employment through a travel company means paid time off and other benefits. So the role of a travel PT is not just for those looking for big pay, but also for those who want flexibility with temporary roles and overall job satisfaction in a dynamic environment.
Travel Physical Therapist Salary and Benefits
One of the biggest reasons to consider a career as a travel physical therapist is the higher salaries and benefits compared to permanent positions. Travel physical therapists can earn between $1,600 and $2,000 per week, some assignments up to $3,400 per week. Plus competitive pay, travel PTs often get tax-free stipends and other benefits like housing stipends and meal stipends which adds to their overall compensation. The ability to choose from different assignments and locations allows travel physical therapists to customize their career to their personal and professional interests, a level of autonomy and work-life balance that’s hard to find in traditional roles.
Grow Your Clinical Skills Through Travel Assignments
Being a travel physical therapist isn’t just about the pay and adventure. It’s an opportunity to grow your clinical skills. By working in different settings, you get to experience different environments that will help you determine what setting is best for your practice style. Exposure to different hospital systems provides unique learning and professional growth opportunities as you experience different healthcare environments across the country. That variety helps you grow professionally through exposure to multiple treatment techniques and environments. With each new job comes new patient care practices, so you get to expand your knowledge and skills. You’ll get familiar with different documentation styles and healthcare regulations, making you more adaptable as a physical therapist. Exposure to different rehab methods adds to your therapeutic toolbox. Working with different demographics helps not just cultural competence but also flexibility – a must-have for any physical therapist. Adjusting to new locations and patient populations helps you grow on both personal and professional level. Travel PT roles develop skills that are transferable across the health industry, making you more marketable in the profession.
Adventure and Exploration in Travel PT
Being a travel physical therapist is like being a researcher and being satisfied professionally. But finding jobs and housing in the same location when traveling with another healthcare worker can be tough. Traveling to different locations like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago adds to your career with different cultural experiences. The nature of traveling in physical therapy combines wanderlust with professional responsibilities. When you’re not working, there’s plenty of time to get into the local scene – whether it’s attending festivals, eating at family-owned restaurants, or discovering hidden gems like natural pools and scenic trails. This work-life balance reduces work fatigue and makes your professional life sustainable and enjoyable. Constantly being in new environments helps you grow personally, broadens your perspective and increases your cultural awareness. Each new city or state you work in becomes another chapter in your life story, that’s what makes being a travel PT so rewarding.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
One of the best benefits of travel PT jobs is the flexibility. Unlike permanent roles, travel PTs have a lot of control over their workload, they decide how many contracts to take on each year to balance work and personal interests. Travel physical therapists can take time off between contracts without needing approval, to recharge or pursue other interests. This flexibility can be used to reconnect with family, travel for fun or just rest. Travel therapists can have the same benefits while being in new locations. More time off, change of scenery and unique job opportunities help reduce burnout that comes with a permanent position. This career control is a big plus, that’s why travel physical therapy is perfect for work-life balance.
Challenges of Travel Physical Therapy
Travel physical therapists have many benefits but they also face unique challenges. Developing soft skills like negotiation, adaptability and flexibility is key to overcoming these challenges. Finding short-term housing is a tough task that requires thorough planning and may cost extra. Having a tax home to receive tax-free stipends can mean overlapping living expenses. The lifestyle of travel physical therapists is about adjusting to new environments and systems of work which can be isolating. With each new job comes the challenge of learning new clinical procedures, something some may find overwhelming. The unpredictable nature of contracts – controlled by medical facilities and hospitals – can be uncertain due to last minute cancellations. Within the industry’s recruitment sector – which operates on a commission basis – it’s common for agents to place therapists into less lucrative or less popular jobs. To get better jobs, travel physical therapists need to keep the lines of communication open with recruiters. This may mean changing recruiters when necessary to get better job opportunities.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure is key for travel physical therapists. The PT Compact allows therapists to work across member states with a single ‘compact privilege’ which reduces the cost and time of getting multiple licenses. Typically it takes 1-2 days to get a PT Compact license. To be eligible for compact privilege therapists must have an active license in their home state. After choosing a work location, passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and getting the necessary state licenses is required to meet industry standards including tax implications.
Travel Physical Therapy Contracts
Travel physical therapy contracts is a skill every travel PT should have. These contracts can vary in length from 13 weeks to 9 months and understanding each contract is key. Travel physical therapists must be good at negotiating terms including pay, benefits and contract length to get the best deal. Be sure to review each contract carefully and ask questions before signing. Also, travel PTs should know about the PT Compact, an agreement between states that allows physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to practice across state lines with a single ‘compact privilege’. This simplifies the licensure and certification process and makes it easier to move between assignments in different states.
Logistics and Housing for Travel Physical Therapists
One of the logistical challenges travel physical therapists face is finding short-term housing. This can be a big deal, requiring consideration of cost, location and amenities. Many travel staffing companies and recruiters offer housing assistance or stipends to help travel PTs find affordable and comfortable options. Travel physical therapists need to be adaptable and resourceful, navigating the logistics of traveling including transportation and meal arrangements. By planning ahead and using the resources available, travel PTs can make the transition between assignments seamless and focus on delivering great patient care in their new environment.
Finding the Right Travel Physical Therapy Jobs
Finding the right travel physical therapy job is made easier when you work with recruiters who know of jobs that are not publicly listed. Use your social media and past employment fairs to find reliable recruiters. To increase your chances of getting the right job, you need to be clear with your recruiters about your work preferences. If there’s a mismatch in communication style with a recruiter you can switch to someone else who can better meet your needs. Using multiple recruitment agents gives you access to more job opportunities in different locations. This gives you more options and helps you find the perfect travel physical therapy job for you.
Non-Clinical Skills as a Travel Therapist
During their travel assignments physical therapists not only develop clinical skills but also non-clinical skills that broaden their career options. These non-clinical skills are applicable to occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and other related fields. They become good at adaptability, communication and critical thinking through the necessity of working independently in different clinical settings. They work with a variety of healthcare professionals which adds to their skill set and professional growth. The non-clinical competencies they gain are invaluable for travel physical therapists and gives them a well-rounded skillset to excel in any setting in the healthcare industry.
How to Start Your Travel Physical Therapy Career
To start a travel physical therapy career you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. While it’s common for new grads to start in traditional settings, it’s not required. This gives you the flexibility to start your travel PT career at any time when you’re ready. You need to develop your negotiation skills for contract management and salary discussions with recruiters. Working with multiple recruiters or agencies will give you more job opportunities and overall more experience. Tools like Nomadicare provide resources such as an active job board and connections to vetted recruiters to help you search for jobs. Taking that first step can be tough. Many physical therapists who have gone travel report being very satisfied after taking the leap, often saying how much they love their job.
Conclusion
Travel physical therapy is a great career with many benefits from financial gains to clinical and non-clinical skills. The adventure and flexibility of the job is a big plus for many physical therapists. If you’re considering travel physical therapy remember it’s not just professional growth but personal growth too. The journey may be tough but the rewards are worth it.
FAQs
Do travel PTs make more money?
Yep, travel PTs make about 15-20% more than permanent positions, with an average salary of $104,420. So if you want to increase your pay, traveling could be the way to go!
Are traveling physical therapists a thing?
Yes, traveling physical therapists are a thing! They get to help people recover while traveling and get a good paycheck.
What are the financial benefits of travel physical therapy?
Travel physical therapy can really increase your earnings, often 1.5 to 2 times more than permanent jobs, plus tax-free stipends to boot. If you want to maximize your income while traveling, it’s a no-brainer!
How does travel physical therapy improve clinical skills?
Travel physical therapy really improves your clinical skills by exposing you to different settings and treatment options, making you more adaptable and culturally aware in your practice. This variety broadens your overall expertise!
What are the downsides of being a travel physical therapist?
Being a travel physical therapist can be tough with short-term housing, feeling alone and contract uncertainty. It’s all about being quick on your feet and dealing with the unknown!
