Working a traveling occupational therapy job allows nurses and therapists to experience different work environments and gain diverse clinical experience. Travel OTs can find assignments in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, and home health agencies.
A travel OT usually works through a healthcare staffing agency to secure an assignment. This allows them flexible scheduling, a competitive pay package, and benefits like housing stipends.
Travel Requirements
Occupational therapy is a career that attracts individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adults suffering from various disorders. It is also a career many choose to combine with the desire for travel. Traveling occupational therapy jobs take on temporary assignments in new cities and countries, combining the benefits of working in healthcare with a sense of adventure.
The job description for a traveling OT involves working at different medical facilities nationwide, usually for 13-week contracts. These professionals are employed by a healthcare staffing agency via a recruiter and earn higher salaries than permanent therapists. They receive housing stipends, direct payroll deposits, medical insurance, and referral bonuses.
While it is tempting to accept every assignment offered, a travel therapist should be cautious and choose their assignments carefully. It is a good idea to interview the facility before accepting an assignment to learn more about their culture, productivity, and caseloads. This will ensure the therapist is happy with their job and can focus on providing the best care possible.
Job Duties
Occupational therapy is a medical profession that enables individuals to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether helping children with disabilities develop daily living skills in schools or aiding adults recovering from a life-changing illness or injury, travel therapists fulfill a crucial role at medical facilities nationwide. This specialized niche offers professionals the opportunity to explore new areas of the country and allows them to advance their careers without having to commit to long-term contracts.
The job duties of a travel OT are similar to those of a permanent therapist, except that travel therapists typically work on short-term contracts and often move on to a new assignment after 13 weeks. Those pursuing a travel OT career must also be willing to adapt to new documentation systems, treatment protocols, and workplace cultures with each temporary assignment.
Travel OTs can find employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health programs, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. They can even work as disaster response therapists, traveling to areas affected by natural disasters or other crises to provide relief services.
Moreover, a travel OT can work in different states because the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OTLC) enables them to practice across state lines without obtaining a full license in each state they plan to serve.
Working Conditions
Occupational therapists and assistants work with patients of all ages in hospitals, clinics, home health, schools, and nursing homes. This is a great career path for people who want to travel and make a difference in the lives of others.
However, there are some drawbacks to this type of career. Many travel OT jobs are in remote locations, and there is no guarantee that you will enjoy your stay at each place. Moreover, getting out of an OT contract is difficult once you’ve committed to it. This is because many facilities use travel therapists to fill staffing gaps or when they cannot afford to hire permanent therapists.
This type of work can be stressful as you are often given unrealistic expectations and tasks. New travel therapists should look for a company that will protect their interests and pay them well. Also, they should choose a company that provides them with an experienced mentor who will help them at each step.
In addition to this, traveling therapists can expect to be provided with numerous benefits, including free housing, direct payroll deposit, insurance, referral bonuses, and more. Additionally, most states require a license for practice, and the licensing timeline varies depending on the state you work in.
Licensing Requirements
OTs who travel have the same education and licensing requirements as non-traveling therapists. They must have a master’s degree from an accredited program and pass the national board certification exam to become licensed. Traveling therapists typically work for healthcare staffing agencies that provide them with short-term contracts at facilities nationwide. They can find a contract that matches their preferences for location, salary, and other benefits.
Some facilities require traveling OTs for reasons such as a lack of permanent staff, seasonal patient influxes, or a need for temporary coverage for maternity leaves. Travel therapists can also choose to travel because they enjoy the flexibility and variety that it offers.
Conclusion
A traveling therapist can work in any healthcare setting, from hospitals to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. They are exposed to different diagnoses, treatment approaches, and facility cultures, which helps expand their clinical skills and knowledge. They can also build a network with fellow traveling therapists to gain support, advice, and tips during their assignments.
