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

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.

By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN

Traveling physical therapists and travel occupational therapists working in clinical settings across the country surely see it every day – especially during these challenging times.  Accumulated stress, sleep deprivation, a compromised immune system and a set of generally unhealthy body movements and approach to activities of daily living, lead many Americans to seek medical help. In fact, research has shown that up to 90 percent of doctor’s office visits are stress related in some way. Some people are diagnosed with chronic stress related illnesses such as back pain, headaches, sleeping disorders and even hypertension and digestive dysfunction. Others are saddled with “chronic pain” and a plethora of prescription and over the counter medications to manage their lives. Most patients suffering from stress related symptoms and illnesses, however, may be surprised at the potential positive impact of physical or occupational therapy.

Physical therapy can be incredibly effective in providing relief for chronic pain, while restoring functionality and flexibility throughout the body. It is also a healthier alternative to long term regimens of prescription painkillers and even some over the counter medications. This is especially important since the American Geriatrics Society has issued warnings regarding the chronic use of NSAID medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin in the elderly. Physical therapy for pain relief does not come with the life threatening side effects of those drugs, such as ulcers, uncontrollable blood pressure, impaired kidney function, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Occupational therapists play a vital role in assessing potentially harmful patterns in a person’s daily routine and teaching them healthier ways to function, manage stress and live their life.

Stress may be an inevitable part of life, but the illness, injury and pain that it can lead to, are not. Traveling physical therapy jobs and occupational therapy travel jobs are in demand in clinical settings across the country to spread this message and teach people strategies and techniques for living a healthy life.

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

The assistant and aides who work alongside physical therapists and travel physical therapists can expect career opportunities to steadily increase as the demand for physical therapy rises.  Physical therapy assistants and aides have clearly differentiated sets of responsibilities and differing training requirements but the healthcare industry’s need for their services is equally great. Both jobs work under the direct supervision of physical therapists.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Work Settings: Primarily in physical therapy offices or hospitals but also in nursing homes, physician offices, outpatient facilities and in home health.

Job Responsibilities may include: patient exercises, massages, hot and cold pack application, traction, ultrasound and charting and reporting of patient response to therapist

Education/Training: Typically an associate degree in a combination academic and hands-on clinical program, with licensing required by some states

Salary and Career Outlook: $45,000 per year. Better hiring prospects than aides; for both careers, however, employment is projected to increase by 29 percent by 2016. This is mainly attributed to the growing elderly population who require rehab therapy services.

Physical Therapy Aide:

Work Settings: Primarily in physical therapy offices or hospitals but also in nursing homes, physician offices, outpatient facilities and in home health.

Job Responsibilities may include: organizing and preparing treatment area for therapy session, transferring patients; because aides are not licensed, they are not allowed to undertake clinical tasks.

Education/Training: Mostly on the job training by employer, in addition to a high school diploma

Salary and Career Outlook: $28,000 per year. Prospects are not quite as good as for assistants simply because there is a greater level of competition for aide jobs. For both careers, however, employment is projected to increase by 29 percent by 2016. This is mainly attributed to the growing elderly population who require rehab therapy services

The best news of all is that opportunities for traveling physical therapy assistants and traveling physical therapy aides are also on the rise. Rehab therapy professionals in these roles can enjoy all the benefits of travel assignments to their dream destinations while gaining valuable skills and experience and possibly working towards the next step in their therapy career!

*Data source: 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

The valuable role of physical therapy in restoring mobility and quality of life for post-operative patients, those with chronic conditions that affect mobility and general function, and patients recovering from injuries is not limited hospital rehabilitation units. There are career opportunities for physical therapists, including traveling physical therapists, in many different clinical settings. Each setting offers a new way to stretch your skills and build your resume.

Here are some of the various clinical settings with potential career opportunities for physical therapists. Contact your travel rehabilitation agency recruiter to find out what is available at your goal destinations.

Hospitals and Medical Centers: Depending on the size of the facility, the physical therapy department of a hospital can be anything from an office to a large space that resembles fitness gym meets playground. In hospital settings, physical therapists treat a variety of patients including post-operative hip and knee replacements, recovering stroke patients, and children and young adults with athletic injuries.

Home Health Care: Physical therapists with the experience and qualifications to work in patient’s homes are typically the most well paid in the profession (avg. $2k+ median salary). The type of patients seen in their home are often similar to those seen in long term care facilities as well as those who would normally be seen in doctor’s offices but lack transportation.

Long Term Care Facilities: One of the major therapeutic goals for residents of nursing homes and other long term skilled nursing facilities is to maintain as much function, mobility, balance and overall quality of life as possible. This is an ideal career option for physical therapists who enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to a patient’s well-being and celebrating each day.

Physician’s Offices: Aging baby boomers who haven’t quite realized that they’re not resilient 20-somethings anymore, make for a growing supply of “weekend warrior” injuries seen in doctor’s offices. Physical therapists play an important role in getting these patients back on their feet again, restoring function and teaching them how to use assistive devices such as walkers and crutches.

Physical Therapy Clinics: Examples of rehab patients that a physical therapist will see in a private practice outpatient clinic include children and adults with chronic conditions and diseases such as multiple sclerosis as well as follow through care for patients recently released from the hospital who still require additional rehabilitation.

Schools: Many schools will employ or contract physical therapists to work with patients with childhood/hereditary disabilities. An important aspect of this type of physical therapy career is the emphasis on following a regimented course of treatment, meeting measurable, scheduled milestones in the child’s treatment and communicating results to parents on a regular basis.

With a variety of clinical settings in need of physical therapists, both experienced and new grads, this type of career flexibility, might be one of the reasons that a career as a physical therapist has been ranked as one of the “best careers” for 2009 in several national prestigious surveys.*

Travel physical therapists: Tell us about your experiences working in various clinical settings.

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 an orthopedic nurse, I always had a great deal of respect and admiration for the physical therapists who worked with my patients, especially post-operatively. When patients came into my care following complex surgical procedures such as total hip replacements, total knee replacements and spinal surgery, they were acutely ill, attached to a myriad of pumps and machines, immobile and required skill nursing care for every basic need. It always astounded me how, under the care of physical therapists these same patients would be walking circles around the nurse’s station within days.

Watching the therapists work with my patients, I realized early in my nursing career that this is definitely a therapeutic relationship where the patient and provider work together in reaching a defined set of rehabilitation goals. The challenge, of course, is convincing the patient of this. Post-operative orthopedic patients are usually in severe pain from surgical trauma and incisions, exhausted from large amounts of pain medication and the last thing they want to do is get out of bed and go for a walk. Believe me I feel for all you physical therapists because I see the patient’s reaction when you walk in their room – not exactly a ticker tape parade in your honor, is it? Physical therapy and the resulting restoration of mobility is vital in post-operative patients for medical reasons like preventing blood clots in the legs and also for emotional and psychological reasons such as allowing the patient to feel “normal” again.

Again – I top my nursing hat (in a metaphorical Florence Nightingale sort of way) to all physical therapists for their vital role in restoring a patient’s mobility and quality of life.

Travel Physical Therapists: What have been the most rewarding experiences you’ve had working with post-operative patients across the country in various clinical settings?

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.