There’s no doubt that becoming a physical therapist allows you to assist others in a meaningful way. As a physical therapist, you play a vital role in helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, and other physical ailments that limit their daily activities. This profession offers a sense of deep fulfillment and pride in knowing that you are truly making a difference in someone’s life. What many aspiring and current PTs don’t realize is that there are actually travel positions available, which can offer many advantages over more traditional jobs. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading to find out if travel physical therapy could be the right career for you.
Is travel physical therapy the right career for you?
Travel physical therapy is an increasingly popular career choice for many people who want to combine their love of travel with a rewarding job in the medical field. As a traveling physical therapist, you will be responsible for providing direct patient care and helping patients recover from various injuries or illnesses by setting up and monitoring treatment plans. You must also have excellent communication skills so that you can effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and occupational therapists.
The first step towards becoming a travel physical therapist is completing an accredited physical therapy degree program. This typically involves earning at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or exercise science before taking national licensure exams such as the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Once you’ve earned your license, you can begin applying for jobs through staffing companies that specialize in placing traveling therapists. Be sure to check what certifications and licensure are required before accepting any job offers from potential employers.
There are other skills necessary for success in this field, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills since you will likely be working with patients from diverse backgrounds and locations throughout your travels. You should also have good problem-solving abilities as well as knowledge in areas such as nutrition, anatomy, kinesiology, and pathology. Having flexibility and adaptability can be useful too.
What else should you know about working as a physical therapist?
Now, let’s discuss some of the other things to be aware of about working as a travel PT. The main advantage of becoming a traveling physical therapist is the ability to work in different locations all over the country or even abroad. This type of career allows you to gain valuable experience working in new environments while networking with new people every day. You may find yourself caring for patients at hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, or even home health settings—allowing you to provide personalized care based on each patient’s needs.
Another advantage of becoming a travel PT is that they often make more than physical therapists in traditional full-time roles. Various factors contribute to this, including the high demand for healthcare professionals, the ability of travelers to negotiate their rates, and the additional financial benefits they receive. The high demand for healthcare travelers arises from the fact the supply of qualified professionals is often insufficient in certain regions. This shortage of healthcare professionals leads to facilities hiring traveling workers at higher rates.
As you can see, researching the physical therapy profession and taking the time to assess if it is the right career is crucial. With the right credentials, knowledge of the field, and commitment to patient care, the travel physical therapy career can be fulfilling and provide you with the flexible lifestyle you desire. You will also be able to earn more money, increase your job security, and network with healthcare professionals all over the country. If you follow the advice in this article, then you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your first assignment as a travel physical therapist.
