Why should I consider a travel therapy career?
Whether you are a recent physical therapy graduate or an established PT practitioner, odds are you're aware of the many physical therapy career paths available to you. You have options as far as healthcare setting, level of acuity, specialization, and so on - but you may not have considered travel as a therapy career option. Travel therapy careers promise high pay, competitive benefits, flexible schedules, and exciting destinations. You can further your PT career, broaden your skill set, and build your resume.
The first step to finding the physical therapy job that perfectly aligns with your personal and career goals is to peruse our current offerings. Then choose the position that meets your checklist of career and lifestyle demands.
Travel therapy offers bright futures, as many of our jobs are with healthcare employers who will provide on-the-job training and experienced guidance and mentoring. Our assignments feature the opportunity to work in select specialties and settings nationwide.
9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Next Therapy Job
Q: I am a recent graduate and have never held a physical therapy job before. Where should I start?
First, you need to get your resume, documentation, and licensing organized. We can help you do this so you're all ready to apply for PT positions. Second, hone your interviewing skills and be prepared to communicate your skills, strengths, weaknesses, and career goals with potential healthcare employers.
Q: How much money should I be looking to make?
The average physical therapist salary is between $55K and $75K, depending on education and experience. A therapist who possesses a DPT can often earn 20 percent more. If money is what motivates you, travel physical therapy jobs typically pay well and come with added benefits, as do therapy jobs in major cities. You can soon be enjoying attractive benefits including:
- Lucrative Salaries
- A Tax Advantage Plan
- Free Private Housing
- Group Health, Dental, & Life Insurance
- Referral Bonuses
- Licensure Reimbursement
- Travel Reimbursements
- AAA Membership Subsidy
- Free Unlimited Online CEUs
- A 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Protection Plus Plan
- Professional Liability Insurance and Worker's Compensation
Q: What type of benefits can I expect from my next physical therapy job?
This depends on many factors, such as age, general health, and overall personal needs. Most therapy jobs will include comprehensive benefits - but some go above and beyond. Our benefits packages include housing, relocation assistance, and continuing education credits in addition to your more traditional benefits.
Q: Are there higher personal costs associated with a travel physical therapy career?
Most therapy travel jobs offer benefits that offset the expenses your incur while traveling. For example, we provide free private housing so that you don't pay rent, travel reimbursement to cover the cost of getting to and from your travel PT job, and licensure reimbursement to cover the cost of new state PT licenses you may obtain. We also have a Tax Advantage program that can increase your take-home pay.
Q: How do I find out more about physical therapy jobs in other states?
We would love to help you explore options in other states! Whether you are a recent physical therapy graduate or an experienced practitioner looking for new adventures, our experienced recruiters would love to discuss our vast opportunities with you. They are knowledgeable about state pay rates, licensing requirements, and types of placements available for your level of experience and education.
Q: How can travel impact my personal life and general well-being?
All too often, physical therapists settle for jobs in cities or towns of no particular interest or significance because they are just looking for employment. With our help, you can find a PT job in a location that excites you and offers personal enrichment opportunities. Do you love to ski or snowboard - or think that you could, if given the chance? We'll get you to New Hampshire or Colorado. Want to work on your tan or fish off your boat? Let's consider opportunities in Florida, Texas, or California. Whatever is missing in your life, we'll help you find.
Q: Does physical therapy travel allow me to travel with my spouse, kids, friends, and/or pets?
When you accept a PT travel job with us, we find quality housing for you and all of your travel companions - human or otherwise. Accommodations come fully furnished and are located in safe, secure buildings close to your assignment and to amenities such as shopping and restaurants.
On the other hand, if you would rather find your own housing arrangements, we can offer a tax-free housing subsidy to qualifying travel PTs to offset your costs. Talk to a recruiter for details!
Q: Can I live where I do now and still accept a travel physical therapy job?
We understand that sometimes you would rather stay close to home - and we'll work with you to make that a reality! Many of our healthcare employers will happily accept "travelers" who are in close proximity to them.
Q: Do I need a DPT to be a traveler? How would I obtain one?
Many of our facility employers only hire physical therapists who have their DPTs. In most cases, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program requires an additional 35 credit hours with coursework in radiology, imaging, and differential diagnosis. Most DPT programs require an expanded number of clinical hours as well.
The good news is that obtaining your DPT is likely to help your career in other ways. In most cases, the more physical therapy education you obtain, the higher your physical therapy salary. Furthering your education also usually means that you have more career growth potential.
Stay connected and grow your physical therapy career!
Successful job searches begin with a Joint Commission-certified agency like American Traveler Allied that offers immediate access to the positions you seek. In order to practice physical therapy in the state of your choice, you'll need to apply for licensure within that state. We can help you determine what state boards expect when it comes to licensure and certifications. Not only will we help you find the job, we'll assist with licensure, the interview process, relocation, housing, and benefits - the whole package!
