The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Travel Physical Therapist

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of combining your love of healthcare with your passion for travel? Imagine being paid to explore new cities, experience different cultures and help patients in need. That’s where travel physical therapy comes in. As a travel physical therapist, you have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings around the country while also gaining valuable personal and professional experiences. This comprehensive guide will give you a better understanding of what this rewarding career entails and how you can get started.

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Travel Physical Therapist

A. Education and Licensure

Before pursuing a career in travel physical therapy, it’s important to understand the education and licensure requirements.

1. Required education for becoming a travel physical therapist

First and foremost, you need to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. This typically takes three years to complete and includes both classroom and clinical experience. You’ll also need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to become a licensed physical therapist.

2. Licensure and certification requirements

In addition to passing the NPTE, you’ll need to obtain state licensure in your desired work location. Many travel physical therapy companies also require their therapists to have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Some employers may also prefer or require advanced certifications in areas such as neurology or pediatrics.

B. Expectations of the job

Once you’ve obtained the necessary education and licensure, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you as a travel physical therapist.

1. Travel requirements

As the name suggests, travel physical therapists are required to move from location to location for work assignments. Assignments can vary in length, but most range between 13-26 weeks. This allows physical therapists to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing facilities.

2. Employer expectations

As with any job, employers have certain expectations of their employees. Travel physical therapists are expected to be flexible, adaptable, and have strong communication skills. They must also be able to work independently and be knowledgeable in a variety of treatment techniques.

C. Advantages and Disadvantages of being a travel physical therapist

1. Advantages

One of the most significant advantages of being a travel physical therapist is the opportunity to travel and explore new destinations while getting paid. This career also offers flexible scheduling and competitive pay rates, as well as the chance to work in a variety of healthcare settings. Additionally, travel physical therapists often receive benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) plans, and housing stipends.

2. Disadvantages

One of the biggest downsides to travel physical therapy is the lack of job security. Because of the temporary nature of assignments, it’s not uncommon to have periods of unemployment or difficulty finding assignments in specific locations. Additionally, the frequent moving and lack of stable work can be challenging for some individuals.

III. Why a Travel Physical Therapy Career May Be Right for You

A. Potential earnings

Travel physical therapists often make higher wages than their permanent counterparts due to the temporary nature of their assignments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $91,010 as of May 2020.

B. Lifestyle

1. Flexible work schedule

Travel physical therapy provides the opportunity for a flexible work schedule, allowing you to take time off between assignments to explore new locations or spend time with loved ones.

2. Opportunity to explore new places

If you have a love for travel and adventure, travel physical therapy is the perfect career for you. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and explore many exciting new cities and destinations.

C. Personal fulfillment

Working as a travel physical therapist allows you to help people in need while also gaining personal and professional growth. This career can be highly rewarding and fulfilling, knowing that you are making a positive impact on patients’ lives.

IV. Top Cities to Work as a Travel Physical Therapist

A. Factors to consider when choosing a city

1. Demand

Choose cities and states where the need for travel physical therapists is high. This will ensure that you are consistently finding jobs and making money. Look for opportunities in cities with large populations, as well as rural areas with limited healthcare providers.

2. Pay

While pay rates can vary from state to state, it’s important to choose cities that offer competitive pay rates and benefits. Look for states with higher cost-of-living adjustments, as these will often come with higher pay rates.

3. Quality of life

Make sure that the cities you choose offer a good quality of life. Research factors such as climate, cost of living, crime rates, and cultural activities to ensure a good work-life balance.

B. A list of the top cities to work as a travel physical therapist

• San Diego, California
• Austin, Texas
• New York City, New York
• Seattle, Washington
• Portland, Oregon

V. A Day in the Life of a Travel Physical Therapist

A. Daily tasks and responsibilities

A day in the life of a travel physical therapist can vary greatly depending on the nature of your assignment. Daily tasks may include evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, creating home exercise plans, and collaborating with other healthcare providers. You may also be responsible for completing patient documentation and attending team meetings.

B. Challenges faced by travel physical therapists

Travel physical therapists must be able to adapt quickly to new environments and healthcare settings. They must also be comfortable working independently and collaborating with different healthcare teams. Physical therapists may also face challenges in navigating new locations and finding suitable housing for the duration of their assignment.

C. Navigating new locations

One of the biggest challenges for travel physical therapists is navigating new locations. This includes finding housing, learning the local transportation system, and finding new healthcare professionals to collaborate with. However, this can also be a great opportunity to explore new areas and cultures.

VI. Travel Physical Therapy Jobs: What to Know Before You Go

A. How to secure assignments

One of the best ways to secure assignments is to work with a travel physical therapy staffing agency. These agencies specialize in matching therapists with open assignments and can help with all aspects of the job search process, from prepping for interviews to handling travel arrangements.

B. Budgeting for travel

When budgeting for travel as a physical therapist, it’s important to consider costs such as housing, transportation, and food expenses. Many travel physical therapy assignments offer housing stipends to offset these costs. You may also consider using travel rewards credit cards to earn points and save money on flights and other travel expenses.

C. Maintaining a work-life balance

Because travel physical therapy can be demanding and require frequent moves, it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care and make time for your physical and emotional needs. Take advantage of downtime between assignments to explore new locations and engage in activities that make you happy.

VII. The Benefits of Travel Physical Therapy for Patients and Practitioners

A. Accessibility for patients in remote areas

Traveling physical therapists help to bring care to patients who may not have access to physical therapy services in their area. This can make a huge difference in the lives of patients who may not have otherwise received the care they needed.

B. Opportunities for professional and personal growth

Working as a travel physical therapist provides ample opportunities for both professional and personal growth. You’ll have the chance to work with a variety of patients and healthcare teams, improving your clinical skills while also gaining cultural experiences.

C. Positive impact on patient outcomes

Finally, travel physical therapy has been shown to positively impact patients’ lives. This career allows physical therapists to work closely with patients to achieve their individual therapy goals. The flexibility and diversity of assignments also allows therapists to provide tailored, patient-centered care.

VIII. Conclusion

A. Recap of the benefits and considerations of travel physical therapy

Travel physical therapy is an exciting and rewarding career path that provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the chance to explore new destinations. However, it’s important to consider the challenges and lack of job security that come with the job. Ultimately, if you have a love for travel and healthcare and enjoy working in a variety of settings, travel physical therapy may be the right career choice for you.

B. Encouragement for those interested in the career

We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what it takes to become a travel physical therapist. While there are certainly challenges to this career path, we believe the benefits and rewards far outweigh them. If you’re passionate about helping others, exploring new locations, and improving your clinical skills, we encourage you to pursue a career in travel physical therapy today.