Are you a physical therapist (PT) seeking a dynamic career that offers both professional fulfillment and personal adventure? If the idea of a static work environment feels limiting, or if you’re exploring diverse areas within physical therapy, then Travel Physical Therapy could be your ideal path.
Elderly patient receiving physical therapy, highlighting patient care in travel PT
The field of healthcare is constantly evolving, demanding adaptability and diverse skill sets from its professionals. At University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences(USAHS), we understand this evolution and prepare our graduates for a spectrum of practice settings, including innovative options like virtual and travel physical therapy positions. Discover how to become a travel PT and combine your passion for patient care with the excitement of exploring new locations right after graduation.
What Exactly Does a Travel Physical Therapist Do?
Travel physical therapist consulting with a colleague, emphasizing collaboration in diverse settings
A travel physical therapist performs all the essential duties of a traditional physical therapist, but through short-term contracts in various locations. They are mobile healthcare professionals who fill temporary needs in diverse settings where there are staffing shortages or specific coverage gaps. These assignments can be in a variety of facilities and locations, offering a rich and varied professional experience.
Often, travel physical therapy roles arise when healthcare facilities struggle to fill permanent positions. Other times, they are needed to cover for existing staff members during leaves such as maternity leave or short-term disability. This demand creates consistent opportunities for travel PTs.
The job market for physical therapists is robust, with a projected growth of 15 percent from 2022 to 2032. A significant portion of these openings are expected due to physical therapists retiring or transitioning out of their current roles.1 This strong demand underscores the stability and potential of a career in physical therapy, especially within the flexible niche of travel physical therapy.
Four Key Steps to Launch Your Travel Physical Therapy Career
Checklist for starting a travel physical therapy career, focusing on career steps
The appeal of a travel physical therapy career is multifaceted. Many are drawn to the opportunity to explore different parts of the country or even the world, while others are attracted to the potentially higher earning potential. For some, travel PT positions serve as a valuable way to sample diverse practice settings before committing to a permanent role, allowing them to discover their preferred specialization and work environment.
The journey to becoming a traveling physical therapist shares the initial steps of becoming a physical therapist, with a few specific additions to tailor your path. Here’s a structured guide on how to pursue a career as a travel physical therapist:
1. Obtain a Physical Therapy Education
The foundational step is to earn a comprehensive physical therapy degree.
Begin with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. While specific majors aren’t mandated, focusing on the best undergraduate degrees for physical therapy can provide a strong base. Any degree with the necessary prerequisite coursework for physical therapy programs will suffice.
Next, pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The DPT curriculum is rigorous, encompassing in-depth study of pathology and biomechanics. Crucially, DPT programs provide practical experience through simulated scenarios and real-world clinical rotations, preparing you for patient care. This robust education is essential for a successful travel physical therapy career.
2. Learn the Essentials of Travel PT Practice
Once you’re considering travel physical therapy, it’s important to understand the nuances of this specialized field. Research the industry dynamics and consider networking with current travel physical therapists or exploring online resources dedicated to this career path.
Travel PTs encounter unique considerations beyond those of stationary physical therapists. These include:
- Tax Implications: Understanding tax obligations when working in different states or locations is crucial.
- Licensing Requirements: Each state has its own licensing board and requirements. You’ll need to research the specific credentials needed for locations you are interested in.
- Location Preferences: Think about where you envision yourself working. Do you prefer staying within a specific region, or are you seeking assignments in diverse and new locations?
Some travel physical therapists prioritize assignments closer to their home base or in familiar locations. For example, you might seek placements in a state where you enjoy vacationing. Conversely, others utilize travel physical therapy to experience bucket-list destinations like Hawaii or international locations, blending work with travel aspirations.
3. Pass the NPTE and Secure Necessary State Licenses
To practice as a travel physical therapist, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain licensure in each state where you intend to work.2
An important aspect of US licensure is the PT Compact, which streamlines the licensing process across participating states. Currently, 30 states participate in the PT Compact, offering a recognized license privilege across member states.3 Even within compact states, you may still need to pay state-specific fees and potentially complete a jurisprudence exam specific to that state’s regulations. Understanding licensing reciprocity and the PT Compact is vital for travel PTs.
4. Partner with a Travel Physical Therapy Recruiter
While self-directed job searching is possible, it can be time-consuming and detract from the benefits of travel physical therapy. Engaging with recruiters from specialized travel healthcare agencies can significantly simplify your job search. These recruiters focus on matching your skills and preferences with suitable assignments, often having access to a wider range of opportunities than individual applicants.
Seek out a reliable recruiter who prioritizes your career goals and preferences over purely commission-driven placements. Effective communication is key – find a recruiter who adapts to your preferred communication style, whether you want to review every potential assignment or only be contacted when a truly ideal opportunity arises. A good recruiter is a valuable asset in your travel physical therapy career.
Optional: Gain Initial Experience Before Traveling
Travel physical therapy positions typically require immediate independence and minimal onboarding. Assignments are often short-term, so facilities prioritize immediate productivity over extensive mentorship.
While some newly licensed physical therapy graduates are well-prepared to begin directly as travel physical therapists, others may benefit from initial experience in a more structured setting.
If you feel you would thrive with mentorship and a more gradual learning curve, consider working in a traditional physical therapy setting for a year or two before transitioning to travel physical therapy. This initial experience can build confidence and refine your clinical skills before you embark on a travel career.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Travel Physical Therapy
Pros and cons list for a travel physical therapist career, aiding career decision-making
Regardless of your initial motivations for becoming a physical therapist, carefully consider whether the travel physical therapy lifestyle aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
Pros
A career as a travel PT offers numerous compelling advantages:
- Adventure and Exploration: Travel physical therapy immerses you in new environments, exposing you to diverse patient populations and clinical challenges. In your downtime, explore new cities, experience local culture, cuisine, and activities. These experiences foster personal growth and adaptability, enriching you both personally and professionally as a physical therapist.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Travel PTs have significant control over their schedules. You can strategically schedule time off between assignments for personal travel, family commitments, or simply to recharge. This flexibility promotes a healthier work-life balance.
- High Demand and Job Security: The projected job growth for PTs is significantly higher than average. 4 Travel physical therapy capitalizes on this demand, offering job security and the ability to work where your skills are most needed.
- Enhanced Clinical and Interpersonal Skills: Exposure to varied healthcare systems and practice models sharpens your clinical skills beyond what a single setting might offer. You’ll also develop crucial soft skills highly valued in healthcare, including:
- Resilience in adapting to new environments
- Problem-solving in unfamiliar situations
- Adaptability to different clinical settings
- Communication across diverse teams
- Compromise and collaboration with new colleagues
Cons
While rewarding, travel physical therapy also presents potential challenges that may not suit everyone:
CTA shield for PT program information, driving program inquiries
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Begin Your Travel Physical Therapist Journey with USAHS
Now that you have a clearer understanding of how to become a travel PT, USAHS is ready to support your journey. We are committed to providing the high-quality physical therapy education you need to thrive, whether you aim to explore the world through your work or practice closer to home.
Apply today to explore our flexible program options and take the first step toward your DPT degree. Financial aid options are available to assist you.
* The information regarding salary expectations is drawn from self-reported data intended for general informational purposes only. Data from sources like Payscale are based on voluntary submissions and may not represent the entire market.
It is important to acknowledge that the accuracy and completeness of self-reported data can vary. While efforts are made to ensure data reliability, absolute correctness and real-time accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
**The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), recognized as the largest PT school in the United States,** provides a hands-on Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Our program features collaborative learning with peers under the guidance of experienced faculty-practitioners. Students gain practical skills using advanced simulation centers and high-tech anatomy tools. We prepare graduates for diverse clinical settings and advanced roles in research and leadership. Program formats include Residential (blended learning with on-campus labs), Hybrid Immersion*** (online with immersive on-campus labs per term), and Flex (online with weekend labs).
**Based on the total number of DPT degrees awarded between 2020-2022, as reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data is collected annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
***The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is currently seeking approval from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) to expand its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to include a Hybrid Immersion model at its San Marcos, CA, and Miami, FL, campuses. Program expansion approval is required before implementation.
Individuals interested in the Hybrid Immersion DPT format are encouraged to contact an enrollment advisor through the request for information form on our site.
