Most Recent Travel Therapy Jobs

Travel Physical Therapist

Company: multiple
City: multiple
State: multiple
  Apply Now!

Travel Occupational Therapist

Company: multiple
City: multiple
State: multiple
  Apply Now!

Travel Speech Therapist

Company: multiple
City: multiple
State: multiple
  Apply Now!
Please enter the code below: Captcha

Archive for the ‘APTA’ Category

Physical Therapists Make Their Voices Heard in D.C.

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

Physical therapists and traveling physical therapists are in great demand by all ages and types of patients in many different clinical settings from home, to assisted living and long term care facilities, clinics, and of course in hospitals. A career in physical therapy is widely considered to be one of the most, solid “recession proof” paths that a new college graduate or an individual in career transition can embark on, especially in this unstable economy.

But, according to some including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), there is still more awareness to be gained about the importance of physical therapists and travel physical therapists, and increasing patient access to these skilled rehabilitation therapy providers. Earlier this year in May, two hundred therapists, PT assistants and students of the profession converged on Capitol Hill to make lawmakers aware of how critical it is for all patients to have better access to physical therapy services. The group was compromised of APTA members. The three key issues of the day were: removing therapy caps on Medicare part B outpatient rehabilitation services, benefits of direct access to PT services and the importance of academic debt repayment for physical therapy program graduates those chose to practice in underserved areas where they are needed the most.

Similar issues are currently at the heart of the national health care reform debate. These issues include raising public and lawmaker awareness about the important role taken on by health care providers, the challenges the system faces with distributing providers across the country where they are most needed, and tackling reimbursement challenges. It is important for the APTA and their physical and physical therapy travel job holders, as well as all health care providers to ensure that their voices are heard in this game changing debate.  To learn more about travel pt jobs, visit our website.

Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.

Tags: , ,
Posted in APTA, Allied Travel Jobs, PT Blogs, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Physical and Occupational Therapy Jobs Thriving

Monday, June 15th, 2009

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

Health care jobs are booming, with physical therapy jobs and occupational therapy jobs topping many career industry lists. The same goes for traveling therapists who are interested in traveling physical therapy or traveling occupational therapy.  Colleges and vocational schools are filling open slots in these programs quickly, with students aspiring to take advantage of jobs in an industry that not only appears to be recession proof, but is also growing at a rapid pace. Many therapists are also reporting that they have job offers lined up before graduation. This is especially true of traveling physical and traveling occupational therapists.

The health care industry is on track to create 3 million new jobs between 2006 and 2016 – outnumbering any other industry. Physical therapy employment is projected to grow 27 percent in that time period. The highest projected employment growth is 55 percent is in home health care and other services outside of hospitals with a still impressive 13 percent growth predicted in hospitals.  This gives all health care employees many options to choose from in regards to types of clinical settings. Those aspiring to be traveling physical therapists or travel occupational therapists are also in a great position to take advantage of this abundance of therapy jobs, most with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

Therapy clients in every area of the country, in every age group, from newborn to aging baby boomers and the elderly are in need of skilled therapists to assist them in managing the daily demands of chronic illnesses and acute disabilities.  All therapists, especially those dealing with the flexibility required in a travel career, need to be in good physical shape. This is especially true of therapists working in hospitals with acutely ill patients who need the most assistance and support. Whether you are looking for that kind of work, or therapy assignments in home health or long term care settings, travel jobs are out there for those with the initiative to apply now.

Sources: U.S. Dept. of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AOTA, APTA, Allied Travel Jobs, OT Travel, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Physical Therapy in Managing Scoliosis

Monday, June 1st, 2009

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

When I was first diagnosed with scoliosis as a young teenager, chiropractic “exercises” were initially prescribed for me, in lieu of a brace or other more traditional care. This was largely because my mother was a long time chiropractic patient and fan of this alternative medicine practice. I remember the exercises basically as variations of bending at the waist. I have nothing against chiropractic medicine, but the exercises did not work and a few years later I ended up undergoing Harrington Rod surgery to correct my much more severe curvature. The exercise regimen I received after the surgery by my physical therapist, however, was incredibly effective in strengthening the muscles around my new hardware and improving my flexibility.

The “surgery vs. brace vs. other” treatment solutions for scoliosis have been debated for several decades. Physical therapists and traveling physical therapists may also find themselves involved in that debate. A physical therapy method called the “Schroth Method,” developed in Germany during the 1960’s, is a sequence of targeted exercises and posture intended to slow or halt the curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis. The physical therapist works with the patient while they are sitting, lying down and hanging from a bar. The idea is apparently to reprogram the body’s natural symmetry and ultimately reduce pain, improve posture and prevent the need for surgery.

You may guess correctly that I personally have my doubts about the effectiveness of procedures like this. However, as physical therapists and traveling physical therapists I would like to hear from you and get your take on such “alternative” scoliosis treatments.

Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.

Tags: , ,
Posted in APTA, Allied Travel Jobs, PT Blogs, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Back Pain Patients Prefer Physical Therapists

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

Physical therapists aren’t the only ones touting the benefits of non-surgical and alternative therapies for back pain.  An article in the May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine reports that 55% of the 14,000 back pain sufferers interviewed were highly satisfied with physical therapy as a treatment for back pain.  Ranking lowest on the satisfaction scale for back pain treatment was the care these patients received from primary care physicians (34%).

This data may be a revealing glimpse into patient perceptions of pharmaceutical care for pain (most often dished out by primary care doctors) versus a more hands-on approach utilized by physical therapists, rehabilitation therapists, acupuncturists and other therapeutic practitioners.  Since nearly 80 percent of American adults report suffering from some level of back pain at some point, this is encouraging data that will most likely drive more back pain sufferers to physical therapists.  It’s no wonder that U.S. News & World Report recently ranked a career in physical therapy as number one, of “5 jobs that may be your best shot at finding work.”

Physical therapists and traveling physical therapists have seen the debilitating effects of chronic back pain in their patients.  The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has expressed their optimism about the Consumer Reports data, particularly in regards to back pain patients looking at conservative treatment approaches first.  Orthopedic surgery and narcotics are of course viable solutions for many patients, however, seeing a physical therapist first may be a wiser approach for patients seeking more conservative treatment.

Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.

Tags: , ,
Posted in APTA, PT Blogs, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Traveling Physical Therapy Nurses

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

As the title suggests, the job description and health care niche for traveling physical therapy nurses is a unique blend of nursing and physical therapy with the added excitement and learning experiences that come with a career in travel. After graduating from nursing school and passing their nursing boards, the aspiring physical therapy nurse must then complete a physical therapist nursing program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.  The specialized training focuses on teaching the nurse how to restore patient function, increase mobility, manage pain and teach patients how to function with disabilities, especially in long term care settings.

Once graduated and certified, the traveling physical therapy nurse works alongside physical therapists in hospitals, long term care facilities, rehabilitation settings and many other clinical settings. This position is an exciting opportunity to combine the therapeutic care and critical thinking model associated with nursing, along with the rehabilitative functions of the physical therapist. In typical patient care scenarios, nurses are not directly involved in patient rehabilitation programs, handing off this responsibility to physical therapy when acute care is complete. A position as a traveling physical therapy nurse gives nurses the opportunity to follow through with patient care, watching as they take the next steps in restoring their desired quality of life.

For those wishing to explore this area of nursing, there has never been a better time to contact a travel agency recruiter. The demand for physical therapists, nurses and physical therapy nurses is high and expected to reach even greater heights as the aging population creates more and more new patients.

Christine Whitmarsh is a Registered Nurse with a BSN from the University of Rhode Island. She is a freelance health journalist and medical writer and a contributor to Travel Nurse Source and Allied Travel Careers.

Tags: , ,
Posted in APTA, Allied Travel Jobs, Physical Therapy | No Comments »

Physical Therapy Student Wins Laptop at APTA CSM

Monday, February 16th, 2009
justincoleman

Justin Coleman

Most people go to Vegas with a dream of winning big at the casinos. Justin Coleman won big by visting Vegas to learn more about his chosen profession. While attending the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Vegas last weekend, Justin stopped by the Allied Travel Careers booth and took a minute to enter a drawing for an HP MIni 1033CL notebook PC. This morning he received a call and was told he was the winner.

Justin’s response? “That’s awesome!”

Justin is a resident of Dahlonega, GA and is a first year student at North Georgia College and State University. He will graduate in 2011.

I asked Justin why he wanted to be a physical therapist and what he hopes to do with his career. I think it is worth publishing his entire response.

“I believe that each and every human being has a chance to make the lives of those around them better. Some people have the ability to do so with a kind word or a kind gesture. I believe Physical Therapy is a God given calling and a gift, not unlike many professions in the health care industry, that will allow me to do the greatest good for those I come into contact with. Basically I just want to be able to make the lives of the people I will some day treat, better.

“I am looking to focus on Neurology or Pediatrics down the road; however, considering I am still a first year that has time to change. I believe that neurological injuries are the greatest insult to the human body and most individuals’ way of life, and that helping these individuals return to “normal” (pre-injury) ability or helping them to obtain the greatest possible quality of life would be extremely rewarding not only to me but to them also.

“As far as pediatrics goes I would like to help children exceed their preliminary prognosis and obtain the best quality of life throughout their lifespan so that, while they are still young, they can experience the true joy of childhood and to be able to live the best possible life after childhood.”

I think that Physical Therapy is getting quite a thoughtful and capable yopung man who represents the best of rehabilitation therapists.

Congratulations again Justin! The PC is on its way.

Posted in APTA, PT Blogs | No Comments »