Since we’ve been traveling physical therapists and mentors in the travel healthcare space for a decade now, we have heard many misconceptions over the years about travel therapy. While there are many benefits to pursuing a travel healthcare career, there are a lot of people who are skeptical of this career path, so a lot of misnomers get passed around.
We recently contributed a guest post for AMN Healthcare’s website on three top travel therapy myths that we’ve heard over the years, which include:
- Myth #1: Traveling as a New Graduate PT is Not a Good Idea
- Myth #2: All Travel Therapy Job Assignments are Bad
- Myth #3: Travel Therapy Means Sacrificing Job Security and Benefits
We can personally attest that these are not true statements about travel therapy.
We both traveled as new grad physical therapists and have had a great experience, and we have mentored thousands of other new grads who got into travel therapy right out of school and have been successful. While it’s certainly not the right fit for every new grad, it’s definitely possible to travel as a new grad and have a good experience.
As far as whether the job assignments/contracts are bad or not, of course there are always going to be good and bad jobs out there, whether for travel therapists or permanent therapists. But it’s not true that travel jobs are only the bad ones. There are many reputable job sites that need travelers, and by working with a good staffing agency and recruiter, the therapist can identify great work environments for travel jobs.
Regarding benefits and job security, both can be had in travel healthcare. Travel therapy companies offer competitive benefits packages, similar to that of a regular therapy job. In addition, the travel therapy job market is very strong, and jobs are not in short supply. We have never had any issues with job security or being able to find consistent employment as travel therapists.
To learn more, read our full post on this topic on AMN Healthcare’s Website:
Debunking 3 Travel Therapy Myths – AMN Healthcare Article
We also expanded on this list of myths in our recent video/podcast to include:
1. You shouldn’t travel as a new grad
2. All travel jobs are bad that’s why they need a traveler
3. You can’t get good benefits or job security as a traveler
4. You’ll be treated poorly at the facility because you’re a traveler/you make more money
5. You can’t advance your skillset/career as a traveler
6. Travelers don’t care about their work/patients, they’re just there to get in/out & make money
7. Taxes are really difficult and confusing as a traveler
8. You can write off your additional expenses as a traveler
9. A job only has to be 50 miles from home to be considered a travel job
10. You don’t actually make more money as a traveler after you account for expenses
To learn more, watch our YouTube Video or listen on our Podcast:
Top 10 Travel Therapy Myths – YouTube
Top 10 Travel Therapy Myths – Podcast
To get connected with the best travel therapy agencies and recruiters to ensure you have the best experience possible as a travel therapist, fill out our Recruiter Recommendations form.
Related Articles:
- Pros and Cons of Travel Therapy
- How to Become a Travel Therapist
- Travel Physical Therapy (Travel PT)- The Ultimate Guide
Written by Jared Casazza, PT, DPT – Jared has been a traveling physical therapist since 2015. He has become an expert in the field of travel healthcare through his experience, research, and networking over nearly a decade.
