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

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

Travel PT jobs (physical therapy jobs) come with many advantages for therapists and their families as well.  First and foremost, one obvious benefit is the opportunity to travel all over the country while receiving a salary.  The chance to travel can be a terrific and convenient way for therapists and their families to see the nation.  How often does that opportunity arise?

As a traveling physical therapist, you’d have the chance to experience multiple world-class medical facilities around the nation.  Working in multiple settings provides therapist with valuable experience, versatile skills, and greater overall field knowledge they can apply to future assignments.

Money is another advantage a physical therapy travel job can provide.  Therapists have the opportunity to make larger salaries without working any additional hours, and can sometimes receive referral bonuses.  Often times, therapists receive an allowance or reimbursement for meals, which can make saving money easier and greatly reduce their living expenses.  If that isn’t enough, some therapy programs will pay for the traveling physical therapist’s further education, sometimes as much as $1,000 per year, allowing them to gain necessary knowledge and skills for the future.

Many therapists are hung up on the myth that travel PT jobs lack insurance.  This lack of insurance is untrue, as that’s one of the common benefits traveling therapists receive when they take on a travel assignment.  Typical insurance packages provided include long term disability insurance, life insurance, and medical insurance as well, making physical therapy travel jobs and traveling occupational therapy jobs very appealing.

Take the time to consider if a physical therapy travel job is right for you.  Don’t miss out on a great chance to build your resume with excellent travel experience.  A travel PT job can give you the edge you need to stand out in any future therapy job you apply for.  Visit our website to learn more about travel therapy careers 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

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

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.

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

In a tough economy and even tougher job market, the following should be music to physical therapists’ ears: “This job tops the list of jobs referred to by several job sites as “best shots at finding work.” The websites, including LinkUp, Indeed and Simply Hired, also point to the comparatively easy training requirements and lower turnovers than other jobs. Physical therapy has a dramatically lower unemployment rate than the national average. Current career stats have physical therapy jobs and traveling physical therapist jobs growing by a whopping 207% in the past two years, with an average annual salary reported to be $52,000. Job growth is forecast at 2006-2016 between 2006 and 2016.

The demand for physical therapists and physical therapy travel jobs is on the rise, partly because of the growing need for therapy and rehabilitation by aging baby boomers and partly due to the increased awareness of healthy habits by the rest of the population. Costly health insurance premiums and co-pays are also on the minds of the American health care consumers, especially as they make the connection between price tag and physician visit. Physical therapists can help solidify this connection in their clients’ minds, emphasizing healthier ways of functioning and avoiding injuries.

Physical therapists and travel physical therapists can provide relief to patients from all walks of life from wounded weekend warriors, to elderly clients suffering from chronic debilitating conditions, heart attacks and strokes to babies born with severe birth defects and in need of rehabilitation to improve their future. The profession is also growing, as new medical advances allow trauma survivors who once would have expired, to survive and require rehabilitation.

Sources: American Physical Therapy Association, Simply Hired.com, 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.

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

Physical therapists are needed across a range of specialty areas and departments in hospitals. Intensive care units (ICU’s) are one of the places where PT’s and traveling physical therapists on physical therapy travel job assignment are needed the most. Research and studies are now showing the benefit of early physical therapy in the rehabilitation of critically ill patients in the ICU.

A University of Chicago study showed that patients who underwent physical and occupational regimens of exercise and mobilization within 72 hours of being placed on a ventilator, experienced improved levels of independent function by time they were discharged from the hospital. Patients receiving physical therapy interventions also experienced more days off of ventilators. ICU patients frequently experience long term complications after surviving a life threatening illness, such as weakness and neuropsychiatric diseases. Rehabilitation therapy interventions can help prevent these complications. The interventions in the study included passive range of motion exercises in the extremities of unresponsive patients and in alert patients, assisted range of motion exercises while still in bed. The physical and occupational therapy interventions then progressed to sitting up in bed and performing balance activities, activities of daily living, sitting and standing transfers and eventually ambulation.

The study revealed that there are benefits to incorporating physical and occupational therapy in the treatment of ICU patients. Therapy interventions help to reorient patients who have been sedated on a ventilator. Assisting patients to ambulate early in the ICU led to a decrease in muscle atrophy and an increase in independent function. Traveling physical therapists and travel occupational therapy job seekers with an interest in assisting ICU patients should contact a travel recruiter today to check on the availability of assignments in this area.

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.