Starting out as a new grad physical therapist can be daunting, especially when considering the world of travel physical therapy. Back in 2015, when we first explored Travel Pt as Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, the landscape was confusing and resources were scarce. Information was either too vague or aimed at travel nurses, a field with different nuances. What we truly needed was a clear guide to travel physical therapy, but it simply didn’t exist. After navigating the initial hurdles and learning valuable lessons through experience, we decided to create Travel Therapy Mentor. Our goal was to prevent aspiring travel PTs from repeating the same common beginner mistakes we made.
Now, with over seven years immersed in the travel healthcare industry, hundreds of articles written about travel physical therapy, and over 100 hours of live video discussions covering every aspect of this career path, Travel Therapy Mentor has become the resource we wished we had when starting out. We’ve guided thousands of prospective and current travel PTs, establishing ourselves as the leading authority on all things travel physical therapy. From this extensive experience, it’s sometimes challenging to recall the exact questions and concerns we had in the beginning. However, in this guide, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions from individuals considering a career as a travel physical therapist.
The information provided here is broadly applicable to Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs). While job availability and pay rates might vary across disciplines, the fundamental aspects of travel healthcare remain consistent.
Is Higher Pay a Reality in Travel Physical Therapy?
The initial draw to travel PT for many, including myself, is the potential for increased earnings. As a new graduate physical therapist considering a permanent outpatient position in my hometown, the anticipated salary of around $65,000 per year felt underwhelming. Facing six-figure student loan debt and a strong desire for financial independence, this figure didn’t align with my goals. Rumors of significantly higher pay for travel physical therapists piqued my interest, but concrete information on expected earnings and pay structures was hard to come by. Understanding travel PT pay can seem complex initially, particularly with the concept of tax-free stipends and how take-home pay compares to traditional hourly or salaried positions. However, once these elements are clarified, the compensation structure becomes much more transparent.
Framing travel PT compensation in terms of an annual salary can be misleading. Each contract varies in pay rate, and travel physical therapists have the flexibility to choose their work schedule, often working different numbers of weeks per year. Furthermore, the guaranteed hours per week can fluctuate, leading to potential variations in weekly income. This inherent inconsistency makes a fixed annual “travel physical therapy salary” a less relevant metric. To gain a comprehensive understanding of compensation, exploring resources like a detailed guide to travel physical therapy pay and a travel therapy pay 101 article is highly recommended. These resources will demystify the nuances of travel PT income.
Understanding the Average Travel Physical Therapy Pay Range
Generally, travel physical therapists can anticipate earning approximately 1.5 to 2 times more than their counterparts in permanent positions. This pay differential can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as the practice setting, geographic location of the contract, and the prevailing pay rates for permanent positions in a therapist’s home area. For instance, a therapist considering transitioning from a permanent role paying $120,000 annually might find that some travel contracts offer comparable pay, making the financial incentive less compelling. Conversely, a new graduate in an area with permanent positions offering only $58,000 per year might discover travel home health contracts in states like California that offer triple their local earning potential.
In practice, the majority of travel physical therapy contracts fall within a weekly take-home pay range of $1,600 to $2,000 after taxes. However, the pay spectrum can be broader. Contracts have been observed paying as low as $1,400 per week and reaching highs of $3,400 per week. These outliers are typically influenced by factors like the practice setting, location desirability, and the urgency of the facility’s need for a physical therapist.
Why is There a Demand for Travel Physical Therapists?
Healthcare facilities rely on travel PTs to address a variety of staffing needs. Common scenarios creating demand include:
- Leave Coverage: Travelers fill temporary gaps when permanent therapists take maternity leave, short-term disability for injuries, or extended medical leave.
- Patient Surges: Unexpected increases in patient volume can overwhelm existing staff, requiring temporary support from travel therapists.
- Permanent Staffing Gaps: When a permanent PT resigns with little notice, travel therapists provide interim coverage while the facility recruits a permanent replacement.
- Geographic Challenges: Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain permanent staff due to lifestyle preferences. These facilities may depend on travel therapists year-round to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Effective Strategies for Finding Travel PT Jobs
Finding travel physical therapy positions involves several avenues. The most common and efficient method for the vast majority of travel PTs is partnering with travel staffing companies and recruiters. While establishing independent contracts as a 1099 contractor is an option, it often entails considerable administrative burden and risk, making it a less attractive path for most. Although independent contracting may theoretically offer higher earning potential by eliminating the agency intermediary, the reality is that reputable travel companies typically retain a smaller portion of the bill rate than many travel PTs initially assume.
For those choosing the traditional route, recruiters from travel staffing companies act as intermediaries. They present available travel jobs that align with a therapist’s preferences and qualifications. Therapists then select positions they wish to be considered for. The facility manager reviews applications and decides whether to conduct an interview. Asking insightful questions during the interview is crucial to assess the facility environment and avoid potentially negative placements. If the interview is successful and the contract terms are agreeable, the therapist accepts the offer and begins preparations for relocating to the contract location.
A comprehensive step-by-step guide provides detailed instructions on navigating the entire process of searching for and preparing for a travel therapy contract, from initial job search to the first day on assignment.
Selecting the Right Travel Physical Therapy Company
Travel staffing companies (or agencies) and the recruiters who represent them play a critical role in shaping a travel PT’s experience. Currently, over 100 travel agencies specialize in placing physical therapists across the United States. Asking ten different travel therapists about the “best” travel company will likely yield ten different opinions. The reality is that the ideal travel company is subjective and depends on individual priorities, such as desired practice setting, location preferences, and benefit needs. The “best” or “highest paying” travel company for a physical therapist seeking a skilled nursing facility (SNF) contract in Texas without needing health insurance will differ significantly from the optimal choice for a therapist seeking an outpatient contract in Maryland who requires family health insurance. Furthermore, the ideal recruiter-therapist relationship is also influenced by communication styles, personalities, and individual needs.
Asking targeted questions to travel companies and recruiters is essential to determine if they are a good fit. Working with multiple companies and recruiters is generally advisable to broaden job options, particularly when seeking contracts in specific geographic areas. Over time, resources like Travel Therapy Mentor have conducted interviews with numerous companies and recruiters to identify reputable and reliable partners for therapists based on their unique requirements. For personalized assistance in finding suitable companies and recruiters, completing a recruiter recommendation form can connect therapists with vetted professionals who align with their specific circumstances.
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State Licensing Requirements for Travel PTs
Yes, obtaining licensure in each state of practice is mandatory, and the licensing process can be cumbersome depending on the state. State licensing boards impose varying requirements, including background checks, official transcripts, verification of existing licenses in other states, board exam score reports, fingerprinting, and jurisprudence examinations. Fortunately, the Physical Therapy Compact, introduced in recent years, has significantly streamlined the licensing process for eligible travel physical therapists. This compact allows for practice in multiple participating states under a single license. Similar compacts for Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists are also in development, promising to further simplify multi-state practice for these professions.
Traveling with a Partner or Pet as a Travel PT
Absolutely! While many travel therapists embrace the solo traveler lifestyle, traveling with a partner is definitely achievable. Navigating travel therapy as a pair for over seven years has provided valuable insights into its unique dynamics. Finding two suitable jobs in geographically close proximity can present more challenges than securing a single position, and housing logistics may require extra planning. However, the benefits of shared adventures and mutual support often outweigh these logistical considerations. Similarly, many therapists successfully travel with pets or with a non-therapist spouse. These arrangements require additional research and preparation, but are entirely feasible with careful planning.
Negotiating for Higher Pay in Travel PT Contracts
Understanding pay negotiation strategies is crucial for maximizing income as a travel physical therapist. Negotiation dynamics are highly context-dependent, varying with each situation. A therapist who is an ideal candidate for a high-demand position with limited applicant pool possesses strong negotiating leverage and can often secure a higher pay rate. Conversely, applying for a travel job in a desirable location with numerous qualified applicants diminishes negotiating power, and aggressively pursuing higher pay may risk losing the contract to a competing candidate. Effective negotiation in travel physical therapy hinges on accurately assessing one’s leverage in each specific situation.
Housing Considerations for Travel PT Assignments
Securing short-term housing can be a significant hurdle in certain areas. The availability of suitable short-term housing fluctuates considerably depending on the contract location. However, in most parts of the country, finding housing is generally manageable. While travel companies offer housing assistance, it is almost always financially disadvantageous to utilize this service. Opting for company-arranged housing typically means forgoing the housing stipend, a substantial component of weekly compensation. Resources detailing the intricacies of travel therapy housing, including search strategies and potential pitfalls, are invaluable for navigating this aspect of travel assignments.
An alternative housing solution gaining popularity among travel therapists is traveling with a camper or RV. This mobile living approach eliminates the need to find short-term rentals at each assignment location. Living the RV life presents both advantages and disadvantages, but can be a compelling option for therapists seeking housing flexibility and cost control.
International Travel PT Opportunities
While international travel PT contracts exist, they are generally not recommended for most US-based therapists, especially for initial travel assignments. Obtaining work visas, navigating degree equivalency requirements, and securing professional licensure in another country can be complex and time-consuming, varying significantly by country. Furthermore, international travel PT job markets are considerably smaller than the US market, and compensation is often lower. Language barriers can also present additional challenges. Instead of pursuing work overseas, many travel PTs find it more rewarding to leverage their higher US income and flexible schedules to engage in international travel for leisure between domestic contracts.
While less common, some therapists successfully pursue international travel PT positions. Destinations like Australia and Belgium have hosted US-trained therapists, and opportunities exist in various other countries worldwide. However, international assignments typically involve longer-term commitments (a year or more) rather than the shorter contracts common in US travel therapy.
Typical Contract Lengths in Travel PT
The standard travel PT contract duration is 13 weeks. However, contract lengths can vary, ranging from as short as 3 weeks to as long as 9 months. Facilities are often open to negotiating contract length. If a potential travel job is otherwise ideal but the contract duration is not preferred, it is worthwhile to apply and attempt to negotiate the length during the interview process.
Contract Extensions in Travel PT
Extending travel physical therapy contracts is a common occurrence. Many therapists, including ourselves, have extended initial 13-week contracts for additional terms. Contract extensions offer several benefits, including reduced relocation expenses and the potential for a pay increase for the extended period. The feasibility of an extension depends on the facility’s ongoing staffing needs beyond the original contract end date.
Career Longevity in Travel Physical Therapy
The duration of a travel physical therapy career is highly individual and varies widely. Some therapists complete only one travel assignment before transitioning to a permanent position. Others maintain a continuous travel career for over a decade. The average travel PT career spans a few years. For some, like ourselves, travel physical therapy evolves into a long-term career choice. It represents an alternative lifestyle that provides significant flexibility and time off to pursue personal interests. The motivations and plans of travel physical therapists are diverse and can evolve over time as they gain experience in this dynamic career path.
Embarking on Your Travel Physical Therapy Journey
Hopefully, this guide has addressed many of your initial questions about travel PT. For more in-depth information, resources like a comprehensive guide to getting started as a travel therapist and a Travel Therapy 101 series offer valuable further learning. Additionally, the resources linked throughout this article provide detailed insights into specific aspects of travel PT.
For those seeking structured guidance on not only launching a travel therapy career but also achieving financial success as a travel physical therapist, a comprehensive travel therapy course can be highly beneficial. These courses typically offer hours of video content, helpful guides, and downloadable resources designed to empower new travel PTs to thrive. Don’t hesitate to request recruiter recommendations to connect with reputable staffing partners, or reach out with any remaining questions not covered in this guide.
Additional Resources:
Jared Casazza
