Travel therapy is an exciting career with many wonderful opportunities. You can experience locations throughout the United States. Travel therapy assignments offer qualified individuals a competitive wage, a unique way to gain experience in their field, and enough time to really explore and get accustomed to different parts of the country most will otherwise only visit on vacation. However, as much as you might want to jump right into the travel therapy waters, there’s still a lot of things to consider. There are a handful of questions you need to ask yourself as well as certain requirements needed to become a stellar travel therapist. Below we’ll take a look at some travel therapy requirements to be successful.
Travel Therapy Requirements
Do you love traveling, exploring and seeing new sights?
As a travel therapist, you’ll be going all over the nation. You’ll spend around 13 weeks at every location, and this means you’ll need to be able to acclimate quickly and well to new environments. You should be an independent go-getter who isn’t phased by change. One of the biggest travel therapy requirements will be a desire to try new things. You’ll often be flying to a new location on relatively short notice, so it’s important that you’re comfortable If these things sound like you, travel therapy may be right for you.
Can you commit to the job for at least three months?
Most physical therapy assignments will cover a period of at least three months. You’ll need to be able to commit to being on the road for this time. You can also choose longer assignments if you desire, and there are even permanent positions available for those that find the perfect place to settle down. However, once your assignment is complete you no longer have to be committed: you can sign up for as many or as few assignments as you desire. Commitment is one of the most important travel therapy requirements. In many cases, you’ll be asked to fill in for an area that is dealing with a staff shortage. This means that this facility is counting on you to keep the practice running smoothly.
Do you have the proper license(s)?
When it comes to travel therapy requirements, this is one of the most important. Certain states will have certain licenses that cover specific specialties. For example, while your physical therapy license might be good in Ohio, it might not be valid if you decide to take an assignment in Florida. Some states are pretty open, and if you are already licensed, there are just a few pieces of paperwork that you must fill out. For others, you might have to retake your license exam. Make sure to do your research online before you decide to dive into a new assignment.
Are you motivated?
This might sound like an easy question to you, but when it comes to travel therapy requirements, some people forget that you should actually be excited about the work. While you certainly can take advantage of the beautiful scenery wherever you are, it’s also important to remember why you’re there. Before you begin your journey, make sure to take a step back and ask yourself why exactly you want to engage in a travel therapy career.
If you’re still wondering whether a career in travel therapy is right for you, consider discussing your goals with a recruiter or with the online community. Becoming a travel therapist is a big decision, but it could very well be the first step that you take to an incredibly rewarding career. Do you have the specialization recruiters are looking for? Travel therapy covers a variety of specializations: occupational therapists, certified occupational therapist assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, speech-language pathologists and some other areas of therapy. If you don’t fall directly into one of these specializations, you should consult with a recruiter. There may still be a place for you.
