For those who are unfamiliar, physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in rehabilitating individuals who have undergone surgeries, have been injured, or are living with chronic medical conditions that affect their physical abilities. Unlike regular physical therapists who work in a single location, travel physical therapists travel to different facilities, medical centers, and hospitals to provide their services. This can be a unique opportunity that has many advantages, though many aspiring PTs aren’t aware of or don’t know much about them. If you’re interested, keep reading to find out what to expect from a career in travel physical therapy.
What can you expect from a career in travel physical therapy?
The main aspect of working in travel physical therapy is that you must be willing to move from location to location on a regular basis. You may stay at each assignment for several weeks or months depending on your contract agreement with agencies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Your assignments can range from rural health centers to major metropolitan areas in cities across the US or overseas. You should have an open mind about where you go and what type of environment you’re working in as this experience offers many opportunities for personal growth.
In terms of qualifications needed to become a successful travel physical therapist, most employers require one year of clinical experience prior to taking on an assignment, though some positions may not require any experience at all if they are able to demonstrate strong communication skills along with knowledge related to research-based practice methods in evidence-based practices such as mobility exercises (ROM), manual techniques (MT) and therapeutic modalities (TENS/E-stim). In addition, having certifications such as CPR/BLS certification may be beneficial.
Traveling allows therapists access to more diverse job opportunities and they may work at multiple facilities over the course of their contract rather than settling into one long-term position (which some find limiting). Furthermore depending on where they are located during assignment periods therapists may get exposure not only to clinical practice but also to research projects in their field.
What are the benefits of working as a healthcare traveler?
Now that you know more about what to expect from travel physical therapy, let’s discuss some of the benefits of working as a healthcare traveler. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the opportunity to experience new places and cultures. Healthcare travelers have the chance to work in hospitals and clinics all over the world, and each one has its own unique set of challenges and rewards. They also earn more money than they would at home, which can be a major incentive for people looking to travel. You may also receive free housing and other perks.
Working as a healthcare traveler can also be a fantastic way to network and build relationships with healthcare professionals from all over the world. This can be extremely valuable for people who are looking to advance their careers in healthcare. It even offers a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that you may not experience in other roles. They are able to make a difference in the lives of patients and contribute to the global healthcare community by being a part of the solution for healthcare worker shortages all over the country.
As you can see, a career in travel physical therapy provides a chance for professionals to experience different parts of the world while still practicing their craft. With the potential for higher pay, new experiences, and the opportunity to help people from different cultural backgrounds, this career path can be highly rewarding for those who are passionate about physical therapy and travel. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a healthcare traveler, you should follow the advice in this article. That way, you’ll be able to obtain your first travel PT job as quickly as possible.
