Physical Therapist traveling in airport
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5 Key Benefits to Becoming a Travel Physical Therapist

Why become a traveling physical therapist?

If you’re currently a physical therapist searching for a career filled with flexibility, growth opportunities, and adventure, travel physical therapy roles may be perfect for you. In this blog we will highlight the top 5 benefits of travel physical therapy to help you make an informed decision about this exciting career path.

1. Higher income potential
2. Flexible work-life balance
3. Explore new destinations nationwide
4. Gain new clinical experience
5. Make a difference in underserved communities

Person calculating their taxes on a desk with various papers, a calculator, and a laptop nearby.

1. Higher income potential for travel physical therapists

When compared to the median hourly wage for a W2 physical therapist, travel physical therapy roles may pay 15% more on average. In addition to higher income, travel physical therapists enjoy:

  • Tax-free stipends: travel, housing, and meals may be covered
  • Licensure reimbursement: state licensure and certification costs may be covered
  • Higher earnings potential: maximize your earning potential through a higher income, reimbursements, and tax advantages

2. Flexible work-life balance

Travel physical therapy roles typically last 13 weeks, which allows unmatched freedom. With this flexibility, you can:

  • Choose when and where to work
  • Decrease burnout and fatigue by taking breaks between assignments
  • Avoid restrictions of long-term commitments and rigid schedules

3. Explore exciting, new destinations nationwide

One of the best perks of travel physical therapy is the ability to work anywhere across the country. Imagine being able to explore sprawling cities, crossing off national parks and landmarks from your bucket list, or spending your evenings relaxing by the seaside. Choose locations that best suit your lifestyle and career goals. Additional benefits include:

  • Relocation stipends: some roles cover moving costs to make transitions seamless
  • Decreased monotony: enjoy new landscapes that accompany each travel role

4. Gain new clinical experience

Travel physical therapy offers exposure to different work settings, including:

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
  • Outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities
  • Schools
  • Rural healthcare settings

By selecting to work in these environments, travel PTs:

  • Sharpen their skill set by treating diverse patient populations
  • Build an impressive CV that showcases adaptability and versatility
  • Gain invaluable experience that enhances long-term career opportunities

5. Make a difference in underserved communities

Oftentimes, travel PTs serve patients in rural or underserved communities that have limited access to quality healthcare. This provides an opportunity to meaningfully impact lives by:

  • Delivering essential therapy to people in need
  • Building stronger community health systems
  • Improving community relationships through helping others and giving back through your work
Physical Therapist helping a patient in a wheelchair with gym equipment in the background.

Yes! With higher pay, schedule flexibility, exciting destinations, and making an impact on patients’ lives, travel physical therapy is a great option for those looking for career development and adventure.

Travel physical therapists need a valid physical therapy license, often for the state in which the role is located.

It depends on the role. Many agencies can help accommodate housing for families and/or pets.

Stipends for housing, meals, and travel are provided tax-free if you qualify under IRS guidelines.

To get started, make sure you have:

Finding the perfect travel physical therapy role for you is easy with MedAdventures. We keep our job board up to date with the newest opportunities and specialize in connecting physical therapists with rewarding travel roles nationwide.

About MedAdventures

A division of IMN Enterprises, LLC, MedAdventures is here to do good, do well, and save lives. Quality assurance is integral to our mission. As a care-centric allied healthcare staffing partner, we are dedicated to serving those who provide excellent patient care. We’re committed to finding exciting allied healthcare opportunities to match the exceptional work you do.

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