How To Become a Travel Physical Therapist in 2023
If you’re here, you’ve heard of travel physical therapy.
You’ve probably heard good things like:
Traveling and working in some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. – like the California coast, Hawaii, or summer in Alaska
Crazy high-paying jobs where therapists make $2,000+ per week AFTER taxes (yes, you read that right 🤑)
Taking multiple months off work at a time and regular trips abroad between contracts
But you’ve also probably heard of bad things like travelers:
Working at PT mills where therapists see 3-4 patients an hour
Facing unrealistic, unethical expectations, like a 95% productivity rate
Getting used and abused by permanent staff
Moving halfway across the country, only to get their contract canceled
So, you’re probably also wondering…How does travel physical therapy work? How do you become a traveling physical therapist? And is travel physical therapy worth it?
I’m here to tell you – travel therapy is the real deal.
I’ve been a traveling physical therapist for over four years now. Traveling has allowed me to do so many amazing things like:
Take a 9-week honeymoon to S.E. Asia
Take a 6-week trip to Europe, just… because
Work for just 6-9 months of each of the last three years
Take multiple months off work at a time to avoid burnout, chase passion projects, and develop multiple income streams
Buy my first home
Fund AND take the time off needed for two campervan builds (check out Beverly Ann the Van and Fran the Van)
Spend weeks at home to catch up with friends and family (Hello, holiday break! Didn’t think I’d ever get those again)
Make lifelong friendships with like-minded travelers throughout the U.S. and beyond
Gallavanting around Budapest during a 6-week trip we took to Europe in Summer 2022! Just… because. All made possible by Skip taking travel physical therapy contracts just 6-9 months per year.
The travel PT industry has allowed me to take my time, life, and financial freedom to the next level, and it can help you do the same.
Keep reading to learn the basics of how to become a traveling physical therapist this year.
If you have any further questions, we’re more than happy to help! Just book a coaching call or contact us.
HEADS UP — I’ll be releasing a series of blog posts in the coming weeks that will cover many of the basics of the travel physical therapy lifestyle. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss any future posts.
How To Become a Traveling Physical Therapist
(Click Link to Jump Ahead)
Step 3: Choose a travel physical therapy agency & connect with one of their recruiters
Step 9: Get the job offer. Then your recruiter sends you a job contract.
Step 10: Accept the offer and sign the contract (if it sounds like a solid deal)
Step 11: Work with an onboarding specialist to complete any pre-employment items
Step 12: Pack up your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime
Step 13: Rinse and repeat steps 5-12 every 3-6 months (or not – you are your own boss now 😉)
Step 1: Identify your “why” for travel physical therapy
Your “why” is the reason WHY you want to become a traveling physical therapist.
Do you want to:
Finally leave the state you grew up in and see more of the U.S.?
Make more money to pay off your student loans?
Have more time off throughout the year to avoid burnout or explore other passions?
Try out a different setting? (a contract is only 3 months, after all)
Try out different cities (in a low-stakes way) to find your forever home?
Intentionally push yourself outside your comfort zone?
Whatever your reason is, know that your “why” will be your driving force going forward. Especially through tough times. If your “why” is strong enough, you can get through any “what” or “how”.
I’ll keep it real with you. Travel PT is no cake-walk. Every 3-6 months, you start a new job.This means you’ll be meeting new coworkers, treating a new caseload of patients, learning your way around a new facility, and learning how to use a new electronic medical record. All while moving to a new city, finding a new grocery store and gym, and finding new friends to hang with.
You will experience hard times. You will face challenges. You will feel lonely at times. There will be times you want to quit. There’s a reason that all physical therapists aren’t leaving their jobs to become travelers, after all.
BUT, there is so much beauty to this way of life. There are also many reasons why so many clinicians love the travel physical therapy lifestyle.
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Step 2: Write down the date you’ll leave your current position. Now post the date somewhere you’ll see it every day & plan accordingly.
You’ve been thinking about leaving your job for a while now, huh? But you’re letting fear of the unknown hold you back. (oof - called you out 😉). You might be worried that you’ll be letting your coworkers, patients, family, or friends down if you leave.
I feel you. But this is also your life. Your facility will hire another therapist when you leave. Your family may push back and your friends will miss you. But if they care about you, they’ll support you in your decision to become a traveling physical therapist. If they don’t initially, they’ll come around. You have to make this decision for you and not for anybody else.
When I left my first perm position, I remember being so nervous to tell my supervisor. I didn’t know how she’d react since I’d been there just under a year. But after I told her, she gave me a big hug, thanked me for all I’d done, and told me to come back if it didn’t work out. I was shocked.
I was also nervous to tell my mom. She had a lot of anxiety about it at first and made us promise we’d be back in 2 years. We made that promise, but it was one we had to break. It took less than a month for us to realize we were made for this lifestyle – it made us feel alive again! It took time for my mom to come around, but now she’s supportive because she knows it’s what makes us happy. And now she loves to come visit us throughout the U.S.
I’m not kidding on this tep – get out a sticky note right now and write down the date you plan to leave your current job. Now stick it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge, your front door… Somewhere you will look every single day.
Now, take this end-date seriously, plan accordingly and follow through with that deadline. Try out travel PT for a contract and decide you don’t like it, it’s only three months. You can do anything for that period of time! And then you don’t have to live with the regret of never having tried.
(Can you tell yet that I’m also a mindset coach? Set up a coaching call if you need an extra push to take the next step. ☺️)
Step 3: Choose a travel physical therapy agency & connect with an allied travel recruiter
PRO TIP: Work with 2-3 travel physical therapy agencies/recruiters to set yourself up for success. Learn the how/why of working with multiple recruiters in this blog post.
Okay, don’t get overwhelmed when you Google “travel physical therapy companies”.
There are a TON of them out there. Most of them offer similar benefits.
In my four years of travel, I’ve found that your recruiter matters much more than your agency. Head here to learn what to look for in a good recruiter.
Our best recommendation is to get recruiter recommendations from another traveler who has personally worked with and can vouch for the recruiter. But be aware, your friend might have a different communication style than you do – so be prepared to interview several recruiters.
I’ve sifted through some ill-intentioned recruiters over the years. Some will be interested in making as much money as possible off you, but there are plenty of good ones out there who will have your back! Over the last four years, we’ve met several recruiters we know, trust, and love working with. Click here to connect with a couple of our favorite recruiters.
Just to be fully transparent — therapists usually get a referral bonus if you choose to work with one of their recruiters (usually about $500) — this includes me! But you can rest easy — I’m here to set you up for success and will only send you to people I trust!
Any money I earn from this blog allows me to keep producing valuable content – fo’ free – for you and future traveling therapists!
Skip cheesin’ with two of his favorite recruiters at The Traveler’s Conference, AKA TravCon. Connect with them here.
Step 4: Fill out your application / travel physical therapy job profile
Your travel PT job profile will look a lot like an online job application. You’ll fill out your job history, references, certifications, a skills checklist (what you do and don’t have experience with), and more.
All this information will come together to make up your travel physical therapy job profile, which your recruiter will send a facility when you submit to a job.
You’ll also send them a copy of your resume.Don’t worry too much about making your resume pretty, as they often just copy and paste the text of your resume into your profile. So all your hard work on the aesthetic formatting will likely be lost. Spend your time on the word content / job descriptions instead. Don’t forget a section that specifically highlights why you’re qualified for the position!
Also, don’t stress about your resume too much in general. Employers usually just want to see that you’ve had some experience and feel confident in the setting, that you’re likable and professional during the phone interview, and that you have a pulse / are able to see patients. (Just kidding… kinda). 😜 And they’ll often end up asking you more in-depth questions about your experience during the job interview.
Step 5: Search for travel physical therapy jobs through your recruiter
PRO-TIP: Those travel physical therapy jobs that are high-paying, in a desirable location (think Austin, San Diego, Denver), or in your favorite setting will probably get filled SUPER quick. So you have to be on the ball and ready to submit on a whim if you’re dead-set on a specific type of job.
The travel PT contract search can look different for everyone based on you and your recruiter’s style. Some like to discuss job options over the phone or text while others prefer to communicate via email.
My preferred communication style is a combo of electronic and talking/texting on the phone. Basically, I have my recruiter(s) send a list of all the jobs available in each of the states I’m interested in working via email. I request that my recruiter send these job lists weekly or bi-weekly so I can keep an eye out for appealing positions.
Job listings are usually pretty vague. They include city, state, and setting, and maybe a little extra information if you’re lucky (e.g. hospital-based outpatient or shift, whether its 5-8s, 4-10s, etc.).
Step 6: Get licensed in the states you’d like to work in
PRO-TIP: The timeline for licensure varies per state so make sure you are proactive on this step. Check out this tool from CoreMed to see the approximate licensing time for each state.
Oh, the lovely licensing process.
For those of you who have a home state that’s part of The PT Compact, I envy you. The compact makes it MUCH easier to obtain a PT license in other states that have compact privileges.
I’m impatiently awaiting the day my home state hops on board (COME ON, KANSAS 👀).
If your home state isn’t a part of the compact, you have to start from ground zero with licensing, just like you did for obtaining your home state license.
Google [insert state] physical therapy license, find the licensing board website, and start from there.
Some states take just a couple weeks while others can take 6 months (cough, California) so you’ll have to be on top of this if you’re picky about a certain state.
Step 7: Submit to interesting job(s) through your recruiter
Okay, so your recruiter has a job in your desired setting / location.
If a job catches your eye, you call or text your recruiter and ask them to work up a pay package for you — AKA your projected weekly take-home pay, after taxes. If your recruiter quotes you with gross pay (before taxes), I’d recommend kindly requesting estimated take home net pay (after taxes) to avoid confusion.
(You can already see how having a prompt, responsive recruiter is super important).
Your projected weekly take-home pay will probably look great to you coming from the permanent PT world 🤑. Welcome to the travel therapy world! 🎶 dolla dolla bill ya’ll 🕺🏼
Now you give your recruiter the green light to submit you to the job! (P.S. if your recruiter ever submits you to a job without your explicit approval, run the other way 🏃🏼💨).
You have to be quick here if you really want the job. And don’t think too hard about it — just because you submit to a job doesn’t mean you’re obligated to take it. You can always decline an offer if you pick up on some red flags or bad vibes during the interview. 🚩
To improve your chances of getting an interview call, you want to be one of the first candidates they review. Which means you should submit ASAP.
Now is the fun part – hurry up and wait…
I’m still not great at this part. 😅
The decision to become a travel physical therapist has made this view and many other amazing life experiences possible.
Step 8: Interview for the travel PT job
PRO TIP: The interview is just as much of an opportunity for you to interview the facility as it is for them to interview you. Check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Travel Therapy Interviews, to access my interview strategy, weed out the sh*t jobs, nail your interview, and land a bomb-ass travel PT contract.
You’ll usually get a phone call for a phone interview within 48 hours of submitting to a job (business days, that is – not counting weekends or holidays).
There are exceptions, but I usually start searching for other job options if I don’t get a call within 2 days after submitting.
Your interview will most often come in the form of a phone interview. So be ready to answer your phone at all times during those 48 hours (those time differences, tho 🥴).
If you don’t answer, that gives them a chance to call the next candidate. So even if you just answer long enough to say “Hi, I’m with a patient, can I please call you back as soon as I’m on a break?” ANSWER THAT CALL!
There have been multiple times that I’ve asked my patient if they’d mind if I answered a call for a few moments during our session. They’ve always happily allowed me to.
Please don’t stress too much about the interview. You basically want to assure them that: 1.) you’ve worked in facilities like theirs before 2.) you’re adaptable and ready to learn on-the-go. If you’re bombing interviews, you’re overthinking it.
Step 9: Get the job offer through your travel therapy agency. Then your recruiter sends you a job contract.
Oh hell yeah! You kicked that interview’s ass.
Usually within 48 hours, the employer informs your travel therapy agency that they want you for the position.
Your travel therapy recruiter now whips up a job contract and sends it your way via email.
If you don’t get the job offer (AKA they choose another candidate), you return to step 5 and continue your job search. No worries — it wasn’t mean to be, anyway.
Step 10: You accept the offer and sign the contract – after you’ve thoroughly examined the contract
Your job contract will include all kinds of important details. This is NOT the type of contract to sign blindly. This is where empowered travel therapists make sure nothing is missing.
My motto is – “if it ain’t writ, it ain’t shit”. You want anything that’s important to you IN WRITING so you can refer back to the contract if you’re having any issues during your travel PT assignment.
Some of the most important things I always look for in a contract are:
14-to-30 day cancellation clause
32- to 40-hour guarantee
An accurate pay package
Any days off requested
Overtime or holiday rates
I’ve even had “no double-booking” written into my contracts to make sure the facility doesn’t pull a fast one on me once I start the contract.
Heads up — I’m happy to hop on a coaching call with you to discuss any of this or look at your contract in further detail.
Step 11: You communicate with an onboarding specialist from your travel therapy company to complete any pre-employment/orientation items
OH, SH*T! You accepted your first travel physical therapy job offer and signed the contract. It’s really happening! You’re well on your way to becoming a travel PT. I’m seriously so stoked for AND proud of you! You’re doing the damn thing!
Now, your recruiter will connect you with an onboarding specialist who will let you know what documents/requirements the facility has for you before starting your assignment. Some of these in-person items can be tricky if you’re working full-time – e.g. a physical, drug test, immunizations or any titers you need. I’ve often had to complete these items over lunch breaks or weekends.
You will also have to take competencies and modules annually, similar to a permanent position. And just a heads up – the time to complete all this onboarding stuff is typically unpaid. It can be annoying, but your traveler pay will make it well worth the time. It’s all a part of the gig — just trust the process.
Step 12: Pack up your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime
OH LAWD, IT’S HAPPENING!!!!! Did your stomach just drop?
Remember! The stress you’re feeling is POSITIVE! It’s your body feeling excited and preparing you for action. After all, growth is ALWAYS on the other side of fear. I’m smiling so big picturing this moment for you right now. 🥲
Anyway, now it’s time to purge your things!
Check out this packing list to see what to pack and NOT to pack for your travel PT contract. I would not recommend traveling with anything more than can fit in your car. Even better, nothing more than can fit in your trunk. But I also get that this degree of Marie Kondo’ing can be overwhelming. Especially if you’ve never been a nomad before.
So please, please just do the best you can to prioritize what you actually NEED on assignment. Because you’re going to get sick of lugging all your stuff from one assignment to the next every 3-6 months. Speaking from experience – I guarantee you need less than you think.
Or, you can build a campervan like us so your stuff is with you no matter where you go. 😉
Exploring all that beautiful Berchtesgaden has to offer in Southern Germany in a 6-week Eurotrip we took just… because! Trips of this length simply wouldn’t be possible without the extra income made from travel PT contracts. That initial decision to become a travel physical therapist has led to many life-changing experiences like this one.
Step 13: Rinse and repeat steps 5-12 every 3-6 months.
You’ll get familiar with the job search hustle real quickly. Feel free to take contracts back to back and build up your savings, buy a property, or start investing. The possibilities are endless!
OR , take time off – you are your own boss now, after all. Now that you’re a travel PT, you work when you want, where you want. Take time off for as long as you want — or as far as you can stretch your savings. 😉
The lifestyle flexibility CAN’T BE BEAT!
So, how ‘bout it? Was that all clear, or clear as mud?
If you have ANY questions or need a kick in the butt to overcome your fear and take the plunge into this wonderful lifestyle, book a coaching call with me. You’ll leave the call with the mindset, confidence, and knowledge you need to become a successful traveling physical therapist ASAP!
To learn more about the travel PT industry, check out my other blog posts.
Or sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the next post!
Love y’all. You’ve got this and you’re so much more capable than you even know you are.
With gratitude,
Skip 🤙🏼
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