Benefits of Travel Physical Therapy
Our little fam enjoying our self-built campervan. We save money on housing by staying at RV parks during my travel PT assignments.
Travel therapy is a unique and rewarding career path.
It gives travel PTs, OTs, and SLPs like you an opportunity to combine your passion for helping others with your love for exploration — all while taking more time off work and making more money than you would in a permanent position.
In this post, I’ll cover the major benefits of travel physical therapy, shedding light on the advantages and growth it offers for clinicians both professionally and personally.
Whether you're a seasoned physical therapist or a new grad considering travel therapy as a career option, read on to discover why it's a choice worth making.
Benefits of Travel Physical Therapy
Exploring New Destinations
One of the most exciting benefits of travel physical therapy offers is the chance to explore new cities & states throughout the United States.
Each travel PT assignment will land you in a different city or town, which naturally exposes you to new cultures and ways of life. Every weekend is another opportunity to explore new landscapes, hikes, rivers/lakes, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, or whatever else you’re into.
Whether you’re craving some new big-city experiences or looking to immerse yourself in nature in the PNW or on an island in Hawaii, travel physical therapy is a safe and lucrative way to fulfill your wanderlust.
All smiles at Mount Rainier National Park — one of our favorite National Parks.
Professional Growth
Travel physical therapy will help you grow as a clinician.
Pictures this – you’ll be working with brilliant clinicians all over the U.S., learning new treatment approaches everywhere you go. Further, you’ll be exposed to all kinds of different patient populations You can even work in multiple different settings throughout the year if you choose to. The variety of experiences makes you a more versatile and well-rounded therapist.
I’ve personally worked in the outpatient, acute care, and inpatient rehab settings as a traveler, and it has made me SUCH a better therapist. I’m primarily an outpatient therapist now, and my coworkers are always impressed with my ability to work with practically any type of patient, whether it’s a stroke, amputee, chronic pain, or post-surgical patient.
Personal Growth
Travel physical therapy pushes you to grow personally outside of work as well.
It forces you out of your comfort zone, which is absolutely imperative for your personal development. You learn to overcome the challenges of relocating every 3 months and constantly adapting to new environments, which leads to increased self-confidence and resilience.
I’m living proof! I grew up in a small town of 2,000 people in Kansas. I was scared of many things when I started traveling. Now I know that if something is scary AND exciting at the same time, it’s probably worth doing. Because every time I decide to take another leap of faith, it leads to great things.
I had my mantra tattooed on the back of my leg — “DO IT AFRAID”. Because it always leads to great things!
Higher Pay than Staff PT Positions
Ahhhh, finances. I know you probably got into this field because you want to help people. But unfortunately, I also know that you probably either have student loans or some other form of debt.
Travel physical therapy is an amazing way to get ahead financially. I’ve personally used my travel PT salary to:
Pay off my student loans just 1.5 years after graduating
Buy our first property
Buy and build out two different DIY campervans to make U.S. travel even easier & more affordable
Go on several multi-month trips abroad to S.E. Asia and Europe
Max out my Roth IRA each year
Start my investing journey
I’ve personally made anywhere from $1,725 to $3,300/week take-home pay (after taxes) as a travel PT.
Sounds pretty lit, right?! 🤑 Imagine all the things you could do with that money!
Learn How to Set Boundaries
Travel therapists work with new supervisors and coworkers at every assignment. I know… you’re probably a people pleaser, and struggle with boundaries, right? Well, travel therapy teaches you how to stand up for yourself.
Inevitably, at some point in your career (whether you’re traveling or not), you’ll be asked to do something unethical (e.g. for the purposes of productivity) or be put in a situation where you’ll have to advocate for what’s best for your patients.
Travel therapy gives plenty of opportunities to practice standing up for yourself AND your patients WITHOUT worrying about working with those same people for the rest of your career.
Work-Life Balance / Avoiding Burnout
If you work in healthcare, you know burnout is running rampant. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and work sustainability in healthcare.
Travel therapists have a greater ability to take time off between contracts (due to higher pay & the nature of contract work), which allows you to prioritize family/friends, hobbies, and downtime.
This balance contributes to a more fulfilling and sustainable career. Further, having the ability to switch work settings/locations several times a year keeps you from dreading the daily grind.
Flexibility in Assignments
As a travel therapist, you have the freedom to choose your assignments based on your specific preferences and career goals.
Whether you prefer short-term contracts in urban areas or long-term placements in rural areas, you can tailor your assignments to your personal goals and make travel work for your life.
If you have a big trip abroad planned, a summer of weddings you absolutely cannot miss, or a bucket list event that happens just once a year…guess what? You can plan your assignments around those times to make sure you’ll be there!
No more guilt-tripping from managers when requesting PTO. 😉
Building a Diverse, Widespread Network
By working in different locations throughout the U.S., you’ll develop a diverse professional network and build connections that may benefit your career in the long run. These connections may lead to new job opportunities or collaborative ventures in your future.
We probably would’ve never started this blog if we hadn’t been first been inspired by our fellow nomads. We’ve met nomads who think differently and have entrepreneurial spirits, which has inspired us to expand our impact and earning potential via this platform.
Adventure and Excitement
Travel physical therapy is more than just a job; it's an adventure. If you’re here, you’re probably seeking some novelty in your life.
Each new travel PT assignment brings the excitement of discovery and thrill of new challenges.
Whether you're hiking through national parks or enjoying the nightlife of a vibrant city, there's always something exciting to look forward to.
Enjoying a summer art festival in Bend, Oregon.
Cultural Enrichment / Cultural Sensitivity
Immersing yourself in different cultures is a significant benefit of travel therapy, not only during your assignments but also if/when you get the chance to travel abroad.
You'll have the chance to learn about local customs, traditions and even languages, expanding your mind and enriching your life in so many amazing ways.
This cultural awareness will enhance your ability to connect with patients from all kinds of backgrounds, ensuring you provide patient-centered care that respects each individual.
Contributing to Underserved Communities
Many travel physical therapists work assignments in underserved or rural areas, where their skills are in high demand and there isn’t enough staff to serve their community needs. By working in these areas, you will make a meaningful impact on patients' and communities’ lives, providing vital care where it's needed most.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Adapting to new environments and travel therapy settings sharpens your problem-solving skills. You'll learn to think on your feet, quickly troubleshoot challenges, and find innovative solutions—all valuable skills that can benefit your career and personal life.
Resume Enhancement
A resume filled with diverse assignments and experiences stands out in the healthcare industry. This makes you a sought-after candidate for permanent positions or higher-paying travel assignments as you progress in your career. If you have any interest in management in the future, who is better to optimize a clinic than someone who’s worked in 10-20 different facilities and seen what does and doesn’t work at each clinic?!
Adapting to Change
Change is the only constant and travel therapists become masters of adaptability.
Handling the constant changes in location, facility, and patient demographics hones your ability to thrive in any environment and increases your resilience in life overall.
FAQs about Travel Physical Therapy
How do I become a travel physical therapist?
To become a travel physical therapist, you need to earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy, obtain the necessary states licenses, then connect with a travel therapy recruiter to explore available assignments throughout the U.S.
You can read more in-depth about the process of how to become a travel physical therapist here.
Are travel physical therapists in demand?
Yes, travel physical therapists are in high-demand, especially in underserved areas. Physical therapists’ expertise are needed nationwide in hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and home health agencies.
How long are typical travel physical therapy assignments?
The duration of travel physical therapy assignments usually varies between 3-6 months, but it all depends on the facilities needs. I’ve personally worked anywhere from 6 week – 6 month assignments in my 5 years as a travel PT.
What are the housing arrangements for travel physical therapists?
Travel therapy agencies may offer the option to find housing for their travelers. However, we recommend taking the housing stipend and finding your own housing. Read about where to find short-term housing as a traveler here.
