By Erica Ronchetti

If you’re a physical therapist or occupational therapist and often feel like you just can’t sit still or stay in one place, a physical therapy travel job or traveling occupational therapy job might be the career of your dreams.  As a licensed traveling therapist, you’d have the opportunity to fill short term PT jobs and OT jobs across the country.

Many areas have a higher demand for therapists, and though not an appealing position for physical and occupational therapists that would prefer to stay in one place, these positions pay well and need to be filled by qualified therapists.  The reason this demand exists is because a typical travel therapy job is only about 13 weeks long, and many physical therapists and occupational therapists prefer more permanent assignments.  These short term assignments are perfect opportunities for therapists to travel and experience new cities and areas of the country.

As previously stated, the duration of a typical physical therapy travel job or traveling occupational therapy job is around 13 weeks, though there is variation depending on assignment.  It is the therapist’s choice whether or not they would prefer to take on back-to-back travel therapy jobs or take time off between assignments.

If you’re a therapist looking for a change of scenery but are put off by the thought of lesser pay, consider that the salary of a traveling physical therapist or traveling occupational therapist is competitive with the pay of other more traditional therapy assignments.  It’s important to consider that travel therapy jobs often include free housing, insurance, and other expenses.  While enjoying a competitive salary and free accommodations, you’d get to experience a new location and culture.

Despite the benefits, many physical therapists and occupational therapists prefer staying home instead of traveling because children, school, and other commitments can hold them back.  Though traveling physical therapy or travel occupational therapy isn’t for everyone, it can be an excellent way to combine a love for travel while advancing your career.  Don’t hesitate to find out more information on travel therapy jobs.  Visit http://www.alliedtravelcareers.com and get your career started today!

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

Considering a career as an occupational therapist?  Now’s an excellent time to find an occupational therapy travel job.  Demands for occupational therapists are growing, especially in schools.  Occupational therapists will find many positions in school settings needing to be filled, as there is an ongoing need for occupational therapy professionals to aid children in critical points in their development.  This is the case for children who suffer from a variety of different conditions, such as cerebral palsy, autism, hearing difficulties and vision impairments.  Occupational therapists, both full time and part time can really make a difference in children’s lives.

Skilled occupational therapists work with patients on different computer equipment and programs, instructing them and monitoring their progress.  Many help the children receive therapy on specially built exercise machines or in swimming pools.  Often times children will need to receive rehabilitation tailored for their individual needs, and physical therapists and speech therapists can be of great assistance here, depending on the program.

These occupational therapy programs teach children to communicate in new ways, sometimes through pictures or signs, and sometimes through speech.  Others learn dexterity and control, muscle strength, writing, and speaking.  Occupational therapists can provide children with the care they require that could not ordinarily have been met in other school settings.  Occupational therapists are important teachers preparing children to join other mainstream classrooms.
Traveling occupational therapists fill temporary openings in schools, rehab centers and other facilities. There is a shortage of skilled rehab therapists and sometimes it takes a while to fill a permanent position. In the interim, a traveling  OT can fill the gap.  OT travel jobs are available throughout the country to fill these openings.

Without occupational therapists, patients would need more care later in life and greater levels of support in the future.  Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language therapists can truly make a difference people’s lives, and they are in high demand.  To find more about how you can pursue a career in travel occupational therapy, visit http://www.alliedtravelcareers.com/occupationaltherapyjobs.php or fill out our brief application.

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

The process of finding a traveling therapy job (physical therapy travel job or traveling occupational therapy job) is not the same as finding any other therapy job.  Physical therapists that pursue a career in travel therapy can browse the internet for lists of jobs but it is more efficient to sign on with a Travel Therapy Agency which then provides information on jobs all over the USA.

Typically, travel therapy agencies can offer traveling physical therapists and traveling occupational therapists free housing in the location they will be working.  The provided housing is an excellent opportunity for the traveling therapist to save money.
It’s not true that physical therapists are the only candidates who qualify for travel therapy jobs.  Physical therapy assistants, radiologic technologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists (speech therapists) are all eligible for traveling work as long as they have a minimum of 18 months experience working.

Naturally, many benefits go along with travel therapy jobs.  Traveling physical therapists and traveling occupational therapists can expect all the benefits associated with regular therapy jobs, such as health insurance, vacation time, and a 401(k) plan, and continuing education.  Ensure that you discuss all benefits before accepting any travel position.  Your job provider should fill you in on all of these.

Travel therapy jobs are exciting and perfect for a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech language pathologist who loves travel.  If you’ve got the will to travel the United States, travel therapy jobs can be the perfect opportunity.  Consider contacting a travel therapy agency to learn how you can combine your love for traveling with your physical therapy job and take your career to the next level.  For more information on physical therapy travel jobs and travel occupational therapy jobs, visit www.alliedtravelcareers.com.

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

If you are a student studying to become a physical therapist or occupational therapist, a travel therapy job might be an excellent opportunity for you upon graduation.  The following information should dispel common myths about travel therapy jobs and provide you with information on the benefits associated with traveling physical therapy jobs and traveling occupational therapy jobs.  Many students have heard of travel therapy career options, but do not know enough to consider it as a viable career choice.

Occasionally professors may tell students of bad experiences associated with travel therapy jobs, though certainly the majority of traveling therapists (traveling physical therapists, traveling occupational therapists) have amazing experiences while on assignment.

Even if you’re a student still in school and studying to be a physical therapist or occupational therapist, you can begin your application process and land a physical therapy travel job shortly after graduation.  Typically, an internship is the only experience you need to qualify for a travel assignment.

When you first find a travel therapy agency that you want to work with, you will have to fill out an application.  Be ready to answer a lot of questions, because your travel therapy agency will want to understand your status and know exactly what you’re looking for in a physical therapy travel job or a traveling occupational therapy job.  Once they have an idea of what type of assignments you’re looking for, they’ll send jobs to you that match your interests.  Remember that it’s up to you to accept which jobs you do or do not want – you control your destiny.

There is a huge demand for traveling physical therapists and traveling occupational therapists.  PT travel jobs and occupational therapy travel jobs have competitive salaries, travel reimbursements, home accommodations, and other benefits.  Don’t hesitate to find out more information on travel therapy and learn which travel rehab jobs are right for you!

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Erica Ronchetti

Physical therapists know that an interval of short term pain is something almost everyone will experience at one point in their lives.  Whether it be cuts, strains, fractures, surgery, or an unfortunate accident, patients know their health will improve as their injuries heal.  This confidence that the pain will go away makes the healing process easier, as well as the knowledge that they will resume a normal life eventually, as if nothing had happened.

However, physical therapists may have to deal with another side of patients, especially those who suffer from chronic or long-term pain.  If patients become aware that their situation may persist over time, their mental state can change and feelings of resentment can develop, almost as if their bodies have let them down.  Their decline in health and overall mood can impact other areas of their lives, such as their relationships with others, work, and family life.  This shift in mood can cause patients to stop enjoying the activities they once loved.  Stress, depression, and pain are causations of a vicious cycle that can lead to insomnia, weight gain, and depression.

Physical therapists and traveling physical therapists can provide solutions and hope for patients who suffer from chronic long-term pain and help them regain control of their lives.  The first step to recovery is discovering that a better life is attainable. Remaining positive despite difficulties and finding a physical therapist that can provide real help is crucial to a successful recovery.  Therapists guide patients through pain management and ease them through emotional and physical barriers, helping them to regain control in both aspects of their lives.

Physical therapists, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in travel physical therapy, don’t hesitate to visit our website to learn more about physical therapy travel jobs or traveling occupational therapy jobs.

Erica Ronchetti is Account Manager for Travel Nurse Source, a recruiting company for traveling nurses.  Travel Nurse Source is affiliated with Allied Travel Careers, a recruiting company for traveling physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists.  For more information on what we do, please visit our websites.

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

Occupational therapists promote health and teach people how to stay well and injury-free during their daily lives, from home to work and even during favorite leisure activities. They have the power to bring their patients back into present time, become mindful of their physical movements and use awareness as a tool to prevent injury. Similar to other rehabilitation therapy professions like physical therapy and speech language pathology, occupational therapists turn over a great deal of power to their patients. Under the tutelage of their expert guidance, troubleshooting and coaxing, occupational therapists and traveling occupational therapy professionals traveling the country, make sure that their clients are in the best possible position to live their best possible lives without getting hurt in the process.

At one point in the history of this and other rehab therapy professions, therapists were focused mostly on clients with disabilities and maintaining function in the elderly. Now, occupational therapy jobs, travel therapy jobs, and traveling occupational therapy jobs require therapists to work with children. Obesity in children is leading to conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and asthma, as the children’s bodies attempt to manage the excess weight.  Occupational therapists play an important role in keeping these young bodies moving and teaching them to live with the daily adjustments needed to accommodate for these conditions.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists occupational therapy as a profession expected to grow rapidly, with the number of working therapists to advance by 23% between 2006 and 2016. Occupational therapists (veterans and new grads alike) with an urge to see America may find a  traveling occupational therapy job to be the perfect escape, especially during the summertime when most destinations seem more vacation than work.

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.

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

Every month, a company called Wanted Technologies gathers data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and online job boards in each U.S. state and researches the number of employees in every professional occupation by city. Then, Wanted calculates the difference between the available supply of employees in each profession in each city in proportion to the demand for employees in that profession. The company then ranks all professions and all cities based on national average. Those that exceed the national average are considered your best bet for finding a job.

The Wanted data regarding jobs in physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy and speech language pathology confirm that these are all some of the “most wanted” health care professionals all over the country. As a travel physical therapist, traveling physical therapy assistant, traveling OT or travel speech language pathologist, these opportunities multiply as new assignments continue to be made available. Here are some of the locations with the greatest demand for rehabilitation therapists and support staff. Contact a travel agency recruiter to find out where your skills are needed the most as a travel therapist.

Travel Physical Therapist Jobs: Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Tucson, AZ; Charlotte, NC

Traveling Occupational Therapy Jobs: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area of FL; Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue area of WA

Travel Speech Therapy Jobs: Tampa, St, Petersburg, Clearwater area of Florida

Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs (among the highest demand of all Wanted careers): Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue area of WA; Dallas Fort Worth and Arlington areas of TX

Occupational Therapy Assistants: Philadelphia, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE

The Wanted website also features industry wide job forecasts as well as recession forecasts. For more information visit: www.wantedtech.com

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.

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

New Jersey looks to be the 14th state in line to pass an autism treatment bill that will make it mandatory for health insurance companies to cover autism treatments as well as other developmental disabilities. Treatments for autism include speech therapy and speech language pathology. This will increase the already high demand for speech therapists, speech language pathologists, travel speech therapists and traveling speech language pathologists – all integral in autism therapy treatments.

On June 29th, bill “A-2238/S-1651” made its way to the governor’s desk, after passing by a large margin in the Assembly and unanimously in the Senate. The autism bill, following suit with similar such bills in other states, places a $36,000 annual cap on insurance coverage. The bill would require insurance companies to cover expenses related to the screening and diagnosis of autism (and other developmental disabilities), and also includes treatments such as prescribed physical therapy and occupational therapy in addition to speech therapy. Insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage based on the reason that the treatment is not “restorative.”

A study by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that in the 14 states where legislation has been (or is being) passed, one in every 150 children on average is diagnosed with autism. Other states that have recently passed similar legislation, and are likely to have increasing needs for traveling speech therapists, travel physical therapists and traveling occupational therapists, include Wisconsin and West Virginia. Children with autism and other developmental disabilities have multi-disciplinary treatment plans with a strong rehabilitation therapy component, therefore increasing the need for travel therapists and travel therapy jobs in schools and health care facilities nationwide.

Sources: Autism Society of America, IFA Web News

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.

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

As a long time classical flutist I can personally attest to this statement. After especially extended rehearsal times, my lips have been known to go numb and tingly, my fingers to cramp up and my shoulders and arms to feel like I have been lifting weights from sustaining the same position for hours. Yes folks – art can hurt. I have the utmost respect and sympathy for professional artists who do this on a daily basis for three or four times as many hours as I ever have. For creative professionals, art doesn’t just hurt sometimes – it can be nearly debilitating.

If a physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor or physician were to glance at a patient chart and see injuries such as pinched nerves, unaligned spinal columns, broken toes, muscle strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder bursitis, neck injuries, hearing loss, herniated discs, rotator cuff injuries, back spasms, would they associate such conditions with the delicate grace of being an artist?  Whether they make that connection or not, the fact remains that repetitive use and strain injuries affect painters, dancers, singers, instrumentalists and other artists. These injuries can be blamed on the adage “practice makes perfect,” from holding the body in sustained, often awkward positions or simply from the physical exertion of throwing oneself into a performance with every ounce of themselves. In fact, many artists who are cognizant of the physical effort required to practice their art, train their body with the same intensity as athletes. Let it never be said that being an artist is a “soft” way to make a living.

As a traveling physical therapist or travel occupational therapist on assignment, the next time you see some of the injuries I listed above – you might want to think “artist” not “athlete.”

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.

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.