Student Loans and Travel Therapy

Physical therapists are in high demand, but as educational requirements have gotten more stringent, it has become harder for young people to make the financial commitment to becoming a physical therapist. Most Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are three-year post-baccalaureate programs, costing between $20,000 and $35,000 each year. Most students considering a DPT program also have undergraduate loans to pay, and taking out additional loans of more than $100,000 may seem out of the question.

There is hope, however; some states already offer loan forgiveness programs, and current legislation is seeking to add physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps, which would allow physical therapists working in underserved areas of the country to have portions of their loans repaid in return for their service.

Jobs for Therapy Graduates

Beyond that, however, travel therapy jobs offer great benefits that can help to ease the financial burden. Some of the financial benefits of travel therapy include free private housing; free health, dental, and life insurance; 401K retirement plans; malpractice insurance; free online professional development courses; and reimbursement for state licensing. Travel therapists can also qualify for tax benefits and referral bonuses. On top of that, travel therapists are among the highest paid physical therapists in the occupation.

Travel therapy is obviously not for everyone. Some physical therapists may have families and do not have the luxury of moving around the country whenever necessary, but for young graduates looking not only to ease the burden of their loans but also to find some adventure and excitement, travel therapy is a great option.

To get started on your travel therapy career, apply online now or visit American Traveler Allied for more information.