Three Major Perks of Travel Physical Therapy
When I first started as a Travel Physical Therapist with AMN Healthcare in 2015, I was both excited and nervous. Now after over eight years of traveling, I can confidently say that it was the best decision I’ve made in my professional life.
Travel physical therapy is an exciting career opportunity that combines the best of both worlds—a fulfilling profession in healthcare, with the opportunity to explore new places and cultures.
The Benefits of a Travel Therapy Career
As a Travel PT, you can enjoy professional growth, gain valuable experience working in various settings, and improve your financial situation, all while living life on your terms. Let’s explore these three big perks of travel physical therapy in detail.
Career Growth through Constant Learning and Adaptability
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel physical therapist is the opportunity to constantly learn and grow professionally. Each new travel therapy assignment presents unique challenges that require you to adapt your skills and knowledge accordingly. This constant learning environment not only makes your job more engaging but also sets you up for long-term career success as a physical therapist.
As you work in different settings, you'll gain a broader understanding of the physical therapy field and develop specialized expertise that will make you an asset wherever you go. You also get the benefit of learning from numerous experienced clinicians at each new assignment location. AMN Healthcare has a broad range of facility partners all over the country that will help you grow and develop as a clinician, which is one of the biggest reasons I enjoy working with them as a Travel PT.
Experiencing Different Settings and Places
Travel physical therapy allows you to work in various environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and home health care settings. This diversity of experience not only keeps your job interesting but also provides valuable exposure to different patient populations and treatment approaches. If you choose to stay in just one setting throughout your travel career, there’s no problem with that, but sometimes it’s nice to switch settings and try something new.
Additionally, Travel PTs have the unique opportunity to explore new places around the United States and immerse themselves in different cultures. Each assignment can be an adventure that broadens your horizons and enriches your life experiences.
Improving Financial Situation through Competitive Pay Rates
Another significant advantage of being a travel physical therapist is thepotential for higher pay rates compared to permanent physical therapist positions. This was my primary reason for becoming a travel therapist as a New Grad PT. Coming out of school with a mountain of student loan debt led me to pursue travel healthcare to make extra money and put myself in a good financial position.
Employers are often willing to offer competitive pay to attract skilled healthcare professionals who can fill short-term staffing needs. As you take on new travel therapy jobs, your income can grow substantially over time, allowing you to save and invest more aggressively to achieve financial independence. Moreover, the flexibility and higher pay of Travel PT allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.
In conclusion, choosing a career in travel physical therapy offers numerous benefits that go beyond just professional growth and personal fulfillment. By embracing this adventurous path, you can experience diverse settings and places, constantly challenge yourself with new patient populations, and improve your financial situation through competitive pay rates.
If you're ready to embark on an exciting journey in the world of physical therapy while enjoying unparalleled opportunities for growth and exploration, travel therapy might just be a great fit for you, and AMN Healthcare is the perfect partner for the start of your journey!
I’m also happy to be a resource for you as you begin your travel therapy journey! Feel free to contact my wife Whitney and I, at Travel Therapy Mentor for help getting started!
Author Bio
Article written by Jared Casazza, PT, DPT. Jared has been a Doctor of Physical Therapy since 2015. Since then, he has been traveling all over the US and the world with his wife and fellow Travel PT, Whitney Eakin Casazza. Whitney and Jared were both born and raised in Virginia and still call Virginia home between their travels. Together they’re known in the travel therapy community as the “Travel Therapy Mentors” and have provided education and mentorship to thousands of current and aspiring travel therapists over the years. You can get in touch with Jared and Whitney via their website, Instagram, or Facebook page.
