5 Top States for Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs
If you’re an occupational therapist, here’s some good news for you: the job outlook in your line of work is bright. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting that job opportunities for occupational therapists (OTs) will increase by 17 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is “much faster than other occupations.” And certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) could see double that in growth, with a projected increase in employment of 36 percent over the same period.
If you want to make the most of the growing demand for OTs and COTAs, you’ve come to the right place. AMN Healthcare offers an array of excellent job opportunities for occupational therapy professionals who are ready to travel and want to be well-compensated for their abilities. Plus, travelers can enjoy free housing, free continuing education units (CEUs), licensure and credentialing assistance, and health benefits that start on Day 1 of your occupational therapy assignment.
Learn more about travel occupational therapy, and then check out this list of some of the best locations for travel OT jobs, based on the abundance of assignments and the plethora of things to do while you’re there. (Unfortunately, we can only highlight a few things in each state.) Then talk to a recruiter about where you’d like to go next.
The 5 Top States for Travel OT Jobs
New York
The Empire State is of course home to New York City, and you could live the rest of your life there and never run out of things to do. But there are lots of other amazing things to do beyond the Big Apple:
- How does a quiet stay at a gorgeous lakefront resort, followed by a visit to a winery sound? Or maybe you’d prefer to head outdoors for some hiking, biking, or golf? Then don’t miss a chance to visit the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York.
- If you’re the super-sporty type or even just a longtime baseball fan, plan a pilgrimage to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.
Find travel OT jobs in New York
California
Where do you want to start? California is a huge state, so consider focusing on one area of the Golden State at a time to explore during your travel OT assignment.
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- Visit the popular resort city of Palm Springs. If you’re not afraid of heights, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It is two-and-a-half breathtaking miles from the bottom of the valley to Mountain Station in Mt. San Jacinto State Park at the top.
- Stay in a haunted hotel. A few notable places where spirits are rumored to reside include the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Hotel Union Square in San Francisco, and The Delta King Riverboat Hotel in Sacramento.
- Take in a festival in Los Angeles. It’s hard to recommend just one because there are just so many. And there’s truly something for everyone. A few to consider: the American Film Institute (AFI) Fest, the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, the LA Korean Festival, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Nearby Laguna Beach also hosts the legendary Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters, from July through early September.
Find travel OT jobs in California.
Pennsylvania
Whether you prefer pastoral landscapes or the big city, Pennsylvania has something for everyone.
- If you’re a history buff, plan to visit Pennsylvania Dutch country. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is home to one of the nation’s oldest Amish communities, and while you’re there, you could explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Of course, Philadelphia’s historic district has tons of sites to visit, too, including Independence Hall.
- While you’re in Philadelphia, find the best cheesesteak. Everyone in Philly has a favorite, and they’ll insist that you pick one, too. You might have to try a lot of different cheesesteak shops. Warning: this could occupy all of your free time.
Find travel OT jobs in Pennsylvania.
Minnesota
Minnesota may surprise you with all its opportunities for recreation and entertainment, but it’s one of the top states for travel occupational therapy jobs for a reason. A sampling:
- The International Wolf Center near Ely is a great place to visit and learn more about the natural history of wolves, including all the different species, how wildlife experts track wolves, and whether they’re considered an endangered species. Plus, you can meet ambassador wolves Axel, Grayson, and Rieka.
- Explore the Twin Cities. Go shopping on Grand Avenue and explore the stunning state capitol building in St. Paul and visit the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis (a must-see if you love contemporary art). Or split the difference between the two cities and relax in Minnehaha Falls Park.
Find travel OT jobs in Minnesota.
Arizona
Arizona has earned its spot on the list of top states for travel occupational therapy jobs, but there’s plenty to do when you’re not working, too.
- Visit Sedona. Visit Red Rock State Park and go hiking or horseback riding in this gorgeous nature preserve. Or take a jeep tour so you can admire the red rock formations that have made this desert town near Flagstaff so famous.
- After hiking, you might want to relax and indulge in some pampering. Head to Scottsdale, which boasts an astonishing number of spas and resorts where you can get a massage, soak in a mineral pool, enjoy aromatherapy, practice yoga and many other activities. You’ll be close to all the amenities in nearby Phoenix, too.
- Visit the Grand Canyon. You can’t go to Arizona and not visit this breathtaking miracle of nature. You just can’t. Grand Canyon National Park needs to be on your bucket list of things to do when taking a travel OT assignment in (or near) Arizona.
Find travel OT jobs in Arizona.
AMN Healthcare has hundreds of travel occupational therapy jobs across the U.S., and our recruitment team will cover all the details to get you started in your chosen location.
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Additional Allied Travel Resources
While you continue your search for the perfect allied healthcare position, AMN Healthcare provides great resources to keep your career moving in the right direction. Begin the application process now, and then learn more about how AMN Healthcare can help you keep your career on the move.
- EAP: Our allied travelers gain access to a valuable set of Employee Assistance Program benefits.
- Allied Travel Jobs by Specialty: Explore allied jobs and learn about hourly salaries and the benefits of working in travel jobs.
- Search All Allied Jobs: Uncover new possibilities in your allied career by exploring both short and long-term options.
- Allied Healthcare Jobs: Learn how we can help move your career in amazing directions, both professionally and geographically by exploring opportunities by each state.
- More Allied Resources: Use the content here to learn everything you need to know about our allied recruitment process, including information on salary and benefits.
