Top Tips for Traveling Physical Therapists

• Consider working in a location or type of facility that isn’t necessarily on your list. Your Recruiter may have some out-of-the-box ideas for you, but won’t recommend a location that you can’t handle. Do some of your own research, too, and use your Recruiter (and the internet) to find out everything you can about the job.
• Get your paperwork in order as soon as possible. It can take several months to secure a physical therapy license and verification in a new state, so you'll need to build that into your time frame.
• Lots of rehab therapists pack familiar items to make their travel assignment housing feel like home. Some like to bring family photos, a couple of treasured decor items or small appliances -- coffee maker, anyone?
• Take your own goniometer, tape measure and any other instruments of which you’ve become fond — not that the facility won’t be fully equipped wherever you’re going, but sometimes you get attached.
• Make plans for your off-time too! Traveling is a great opportunity to enjoy your favorite activities in a whole new way, besides being a tried-and-true way to meet new people. Are you an avid cyclist? Fix your bike rack to your car, and check Strava for some challenging routes in your new location. Love antiquing? Search for thrift shops, flea markets, and antique shops in and around your new destination. Vintage finds make great keepsakes that remind you of your adventures. You get the idea -- plan for fun!