For those who are unfamiliar, physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that enables people who have been injured or who have a disability to regain or improve their movement and function. PT can also help people who are in good health maintain their fitness and mobility. Travel physical therapists are, as the name would suggest, healthcare workers that travel to work in other locations. They are an essential part of the healthcare ecosystem and play a major role in addressing shortages. There are also many advantages to working as a travel therapist. If you want to learn more, keep reading for some tips on starting a successful career in travel physical therapy.
What are some tips for starting a successful career in travel physical therapy?
The best place to start if you want a job in travel physical therapy is to look for a staffing and recruitment agency that specializes in providing jobs for healthcare travelers. Believe it or not, there are actually platforms that are designed for these types of workers so that you can find all relevant open assignments in one convenient location. By simplifying the process of finding job listings that you’re interested in and applying for new jobs, recruiters make the lives of anyone searching for a physical therapy job easier and less stressful.
You will need to research certification and licensure requirements before pursuing a job. There may be different certification and licensure requirements depending on your particular state or region. Generally, there are two primary forms of certification; national board certification from organizations such as the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) or state-level licensure from various state boards of physical therapy examiners. Additionally, many states have continuing education requirements that must be met before renewing any type of license.
Remember, in order to become competitive and knowledgeable in the field, it is necessary to gain hands-on experience working with patients while also developing a well-rounded understanding of the profession. Working directly with clients can enable you to develop your skills as a therapist and build confidence when performing treatments on different types of patients.
What else should you know about working as a physical therapist?
Now that you know a little more about how to start your career, let’s talk more about what you should know about working as a physical therapist. For instance, therapists are in an excellent position when it comes to job security and salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620 in 2022. Job growth is also projected to be strong for the coming decade. In many cases, travel therapists are able to earn even more than physical therapists working in full-time positions.
Becoming a healthcare worker is a deeply rewarding profession, in addition to being a stable one. Not only do therapists have the opportunity to help their patients improve their physical abilities and their mental health, but they have the chance to build meaningful relationships with their patients and work with them every step of the way as they work to recover. As a travel physical therapist, you will also be a part of addressing critical shortages all over the country, ensuring that patients are able to get the care they need.
As you can see, you can do a lot to give yourself an edge when searching for travel therapy jobs. After you’ve completed your education, you can start searching for jobs through staffing and recruitment platforms aimed at healthcare workers. You should also check that you have the appropriate certifications and licensure for the jobs you want. Once you have your credentials and some relevant experience, you’ll be able to find assignments. Being a physical therapist is an excellent decision, as you’ll be able to have a rewarding and stable career. Follow this advice and you’ll be on your way to a successful career as a travel physical therapist.
