Before embarking on your next big adventure as a traveling therapist, you’ll need to complete the following educational and certification requirements:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree – Typically, aspiring PTs complete their four-year undergraduate studies in a major such as kinesiology, biology, or exercise science.
- Obtain a doctor of physical therapy examination (DPT) – Most DPT programs are three to three and a half years in length and involve a combination of coursework and clinical rotations.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) – This exam, offered four times a year, consists of five sections and 225 questions.
- Secure your state licensure – As mentioned earlier, traveling therapists can choose between obtaining individual state licenses or opting for the Physical Therapy Compact. If you want to try travel PT for one or two assignments to see if it suits you, we recommend the PT Compact. It requires only a one-time application fee and is generally more cost-effective than obtaining individual state licenses.
- Gain clinical experience – Many travel PT positions prefer individuals who’ve had at least a year of experience, but Host Healthcare also welcomes new graduates. If you’re a recent grad, connect with one of our dedicated recruiters around graduation time to discuss the steps to start your travel therapy career.
How to Find Travel Physical Therapy Jobs
If you’ve already completed the educational requirements, you might feel ready to take on your first assignment. But how, exactly, do you find travel jobs? With so many resources available online, the process may feel daunting. Fortunately, with a few key pointers, you’ll be on track toward your travel adventures in no time:- Explore reputable travel nursing agencies – With so many online travel agencies for nurses and physical therapists, it can be challenging to find one that just feels right (and checks all your boxes). At Host Healthcare, we handle all the big and small details so you don’t have to. Our experienced recruiters will find assignments that meet your specific needs, offer health benefits from day one, and provide personalized housing assistance.
- Network with like-minded professionals – As a member of certain organizations, like the American Physical Therapy Association, you’ll have access to innovative industry insights, networking events, and job boards. And at in-person and online networking events, you can speak with other PTs about their experiences in travel positions and gather valuable advice for your future assignments.
- Take advantage of job fairs and conferences – Recruiters and employers often attend these events, so you’ll have the opportunity to speak with representatives from different travel agencies.
- Prepare a stand-out application – Tailor your resume for travel PT positions by emphasizing recent clinical experience and skills that are particularly useful in a travel role, such as strong communication and adaptability.
