Learn how to become a travel physical therapist with Cross Country. Explore education, licensure, benefits, and tips to land your first PT assignment.

<p>A career as a <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=physical%20therapist&amp;xTerm=&amp;jobType=&amp;profession=&amp;specialty=&amp;msp=&amp;shiftTypes=&amp;shiftLengths=&amp;durations=&amp;salaryMax=&amp;tags=noTags&amp;sort=relevant&amp;view=list&amp;offset=1&amp;size=9&amp;companyId=&amp;location=&amp;geoLocationRadius=100&amp;industry=&amp;schedule=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel physical therapist</a> offers an exciting blend of adventure and healing others. If you're passionate about helping people live a healthy and active lifestyle while exploring new places, a travel physical therapist may be the perfect career.</p><p>What are the necessary steps to becoming a physical therapist? Great question. We'll walk you through the basics and essentials, from the scope of work to education, certification, and landing your dream assignments.</p><h2>What Does a Physical Therapist Do?</h2><p>Physical therapists help those with limited movement and motion range, either from an injury, chronic condition, or illness. Through various techniques and exercises, patients strengthen weakened muscles and manage pain that they can then continue at home.</p><h2>Education and Prerequisites</h2><p>Becoming a travel physical therapist starts with a solid educational foundation. After you have completed your bachelor's degree in a related field, such as anatomy or kinesiology, an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is the next step.</p><p>What is the difference between a PT and a DPT? A PT is a physical therapist with a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy. There is a reason why some physical therapists have the D, doctor, at the beginning of their title.</p><p>In 2016, the <a href="https://timeline.apta.org/timeline/the-clinical-doctorate-or-dpt-becomes-the-only-degree-conferred-by-capte-accredited-educational-institutions/#:~:text=Adoption%20of%20th" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education </a>(CAPTE) made the DPT the required degree for all its accredited entry-level physical therapist education programs. The adoption of the DPT is because the <a href="https://timeline.apta.org/centennial-timeline/#story-923" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Physical Therapy Association</a> (APTA) recognized that "the complexity of patient needs requires a greater understanding of how to treat an individual, one that comes with a doctorate-level education."</p><p>A DPT program is three years and includes classroom and clinical training. To practice as a physical therapist, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in the specific state you will be practicing in to obtain a license.</p><h2>Acquiring Experience</h2><p>There are several ways to gain experience that will help you excel as a travel DPT, both in your craft and in ensuring a positive patient experience.</p><ul><li>Clinical Training</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">As mentioned, you will receive clinical training during your DPT program, enabling you to receive hands-on experience in various areas of physical therapy.</li><li>Internships</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Seeking internships while earning your DPT program will expose you to diverse clinical environments, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, allowing you to gain exposure to multiple patient populations to become a well-rounded therapist.</li><li>Mentorship</li><li style="text-indent: 1em;">Connecting with an experienced physical therapist who can mentor and guide you will help you become a more proficient practitioner.</li></ul><p>Your exposure will help you understand and develop the proper cross-disciplinary skills necessary to succeed as a DPT.</p><h2>Specialization and Certification</h2><p>While not mandatory, specializing in a specific area of physical therapy can open more doors to career and travel opportunities, increasing your competitive edge in the travel therapy job market. Specializing requires 2,000 hours of experience in a specific area of interest and additional requirements, such as passing an exam or completing a residency.</p><p>You can then apply for specialty certification from the <a href="https://specialization.apta.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Physical Therapy Association</a> (APTA), which offers board certification in the following areas:</p><ul><li>Cardiovascular and Pulmonary</li><li>Clinical Electrophysiology</li><li>Geriatrics</li><li>Neurology</li><li>Oncology</li><li>Orthopedics</li><li>Pediatrics</li><li>Sports</li><li>Women's Health</li><li>Wound Management</li></ul><h2>Is a Travel Physical Therapist a good career path?</h2><p>If freedom, various settings, meeting new people, helping patients thrive, experiencing new places, and earning a high salary sounds impressive, then a travel physical therapist is a good career path.</p><p>Did you know a travel physical therapy position can pay between <a href="https://www.apta.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15% and 20% more</a> than a permanent DPT job? <a href="https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US News &amp; World Report</a> listed a career in physical therapy as the #3 "best job" in health care based on the number and percentage of projected openings from 2021 to 2031 as determined by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.</p><h2>Discovering Your Travel Assignment</h2><p>Support is vital if you are ready to explore a career as a travel physical therapist. Partnering with a reputable healthcare recruiter you can build a relationship with, and trust will be essential for your success.</p><p>Ensure your chosen agency provides a comprehensive benefits package, including insurance, housing, transportation, competitive pay, employee discounts, and a sign-on bonus. When you figure out your ideal location, your recruiter will present you with available options. Perhaps you crave the tranquility of a rural area, the charm of a coastal town, or the energy of a big city.</p><h2>Licensing and Credentialing</h2><p>Depending on which state you will be working in, there will be various licensing requirements. The right recruiter should be able to assist you with maintaining the latest state licensing requirements and licensure, which can be complex.</p><p>Becoming a travel physical therapist is a fulfilling journey combining your passion for helping others and your love for adventure. With the proper education, experience, specialization, and guidance from your recruiter, you can embark on a career filled with diverse assignments and exciting locations.</p><p><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cross Country</a> has everything you're looking for in a staffing agency, all in one place. When you work with Cross Country, you take advantage of the top-paying, flexible healthcare opportunities you want and the industry's best customer service and benefits.</p><p>Start your journey today and positively impact patients across the nation, one assignment at a time.</p><p><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about partnering with Cross Country.</p>

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