Travel Therapy : What Recent PT and OT Graduates Can Expect
If you are a student studying to become a physical therapist or OT, 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.
July 30, 2009
I just graduated from Northeastern University, passed my board exam and would really like to travel. I have heard many mixed comments on traveling. Many professors have given me the impression that it is not a good idea and that I should get experience first. I want to know if you know of anyone or have heard any good responses from new grads starting right out with traveling. Or if you have any tips for choosing an assignment so that you know you will be in a good situation. I was very excited to begin traveling right away, but in the last few weeks have been met with skepticism by colleagues.
Thanks!
August 18, 2009
Jessica,
That is interesting to hear. What are some of the reasons they say it is not a good idea? Is it not being able to get a solid groundwork first? Or too much stress for a new PT? Just curious?
November 17, 2009
Jessica,
There are many common misconceptions when it comes to new graduates and travel. Let me be frank, there are several reasons that facilities take the supplemental staffing route but the most common reasons are going to be that these facilities are tough to staff. This could be the geographical location or quite simply the organization itself. In travel, you are expected, (as a clinician), to hit the ground running. This may be difficult as a new grad, so you may want to shoot for a temporary assignment that will have some senior guidance. Make sure that you work with a company and a recruiter that has your best interests at hand.