As a Physical Therapist Assistant, your role is indispensable. Without your constant support and implementation of care plans, patients wouldn’t have the guidance and experience they needed to succeed in their rehabilitation.

And because you’re so integral in the world of physical therapy, it makes sense that your skillset is in high demand all over the country. So, why not earn a competitive paycheck while pursuing a travel therapy career you love that allows you to explore new cities in your downtime? It sounds like you really can have it all.

With a few tips and tricks from this blog, you’ll learn how to become a travel PTA and be one step closer to choosing your very first travel assignment.  

Exploring the Demand for Travel PTAs in Healthcare

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for PTAs is expected to grow 19% through 2032. This number is exponentially higher than the national average of three percent. A benchmark report by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) identifies two key factors driving the increased demand for PTAs:

  • Relocation – Many permanent PTAs are relocating in hopes of earning a higher salary.
  • Clinic growth – Many clinics are expanding and require more PTs and PTAs.

With more positions becoming readily available, there will be a steady increase in travel PTA opportunities. Because facilities nationwide need these positions filled immediately, they’re often willing to pay a higher wage to traveling PTAs who can quickly step in, integrate with the team, and effectively contribute. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Benefits of Being a Traveling PTA

Worried that the benefits of switching up your work routine won’t be as rewarding when you’re a travel PTA? Don’t be. There are perks aplenty, including:

  • Instant access to health benefits – We can’t speak to all travel nursing agencies, but at Host Healthcare, we proudly offer our travelers health insurance from day one. That means you can have full medical, dental, and vision benefits from the get-go (and for up to 30 days in between assignments).
  • Financial gains – Because you’re available on short notice, many facilities often pay higher wages to travel PTAs compared to their permanent counterparts. You may also receive sign-on bonuses and completion bonuses (not to mention housing stipends at each location and 401K matching).
  • Personal fulfillment – As a travel physical therapist assistant, you can embrace your sense of adventure and freedom by exploring new cities every few months. Make sure to create a list of all your must-see (and must-eat) restaurants and attractions. And, with a new work environment at each assignment, you have the opportunity to experience different professional settings, possibly even finding a specialty you feel truly passionate about.
  • Work-life balance – With Host Healthcare, your recruiter will find assignments that align with your schedule and preferences, taking one more thing off of your busy to-do list. What’s more, if you want to take a little time off between assignments to travel or explore other parts of the world, that’s completely fine by us. You can select assignments based on your schedule and career goals, giving you the ultimate work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities and Skills of a Travel Physical Therapist Assistant

As a travel PTA, your daily responsibilities are similar to those in permanent roles. You’ll continue to provide direct patient care by assisting with their exercises and treatment plans and documenting their progress by maintaining thorough medical records.

However, you’ll also have additional unique tasks in your new role, such as:

  • Adapting to new environments – With each new assignment comes an unfamiliar work setting. One month, you could be working in a hospital caring for patients recovering from surgeries or illnesses. The next, you may be in an outpatient clinic focusing on patients in need of specific types of therapy, such as sports medicine or pediatrics. The quicker you can adjust to the layout of the facility and its unique protocols, the faster you’ll be able to provide the best care to your patients.
  • Collaborating with different teams – Every new setting also brings with it a brand new set of faces—new physicians, new PTs, new everybody. It’s important to have strong communication skills so that you’re able to seamlessly step in and work effectively. Before you know it, you’ll have formed strong relationships and feel like you’ve been there for years.
  • Managing travel logistics – Host Healthcare will help you find a home you’ll love at each location, but you’ll need to make sure you’ve met the licensing requirements in each state where you work.

Essential Requirements for Aspiring Travel PTAs

If you’re an aspiring PTA or a current PTA who wants to cross all their T’s and dot all their I’s before applying to traveling PTA positions, you’re in the right place. Ensuring you’ve met all of the requirements is an essential part of learning how to become a traveling physical therapist assistant.

Let’s look at the educational and licensing requirements needed to take your skills on the road:

  • Complete an accredited PTA program – Accredited Physical Therapist Assistant programs typically offer an associate’s degree and take about two years to complete. During your studies, you’ll engage in a mix of general education courses, core PTA courses, and hands-on clinical experience to familiarize yourself with practical skills and patient care techniques.
  • Take the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs – After graduating from the PTA program, you can apply for the NPTE for PTAs. It’s administered four times yearly and contains 180 multiple-choice questions.
  • Obtain your state-specific license – The last step in becoming a PTA includes applying for a license in the state where you plan to practice. However, if you want to work in multiple states as a travel PTA, you’ll need a license for each state. Consider visiting the state’s physical therapy board website for information on application procedures, fees, and any additional requirements, such as drug tests or background checks.

Finding and Applying for Travel PTA Positions

Once you’ve completed all the essential requirements, you’re only a step away from securing your first travel assignment—but how do you find said position? 

While you can certainly search job boards or network with former colleagues who’ve already made the career switch, we recommend finding a reputable travel PTA agency, like Host Healthcare.

With us, the application process is simple:

  • Submit your application and resume – Be sure to update your resume with any experience and specialized certifications that show you have the flexibility and adaptability many employers like to see in a travel PTA.
  • Connect with a recruiter – If your application is accepted, you’ll connect with a dedicated recruiter who’ll work with you every step of the way, from finding you the perfect assignments to helping you through the interview process—and beyond.
  • Receive a job offer – Interested employers will reach out to you directly. After a successful phone interview, they’ll send their employment offer.

Adapting to Different Work Environments as a Travel PTA

It might feel a little intimidating starting over at a new facility every three to four months. However, with a little practice and the following few tips, each new setting can feel like a breath of fresh air:

  • Research the facility – Ahead of your first day, look up the facility where you’ll be working to familiarize yourself with its layout, patient demographics, and the types of services it offers. 
  • Build relationships – Just because you’re moving from place to place doesn’t mean you can’t make new friends along the way. Make a positive first impression by introducing yourself to coworkers on your very first day. In addition, consider asking for feedback from supervisors during each assignment to make sure you’re meeting expectations (and to let them know you’re receptive to their input).
  • Adapt to different technologies – The medical charting systems may not be the same at every location, so be prepared to take on extra training or ask for a little help when needed.

Maintaining Professional Growth and Continuing Education on the Road

Travel PTAs are granted unique opportunities to learn and grow professionally in every new city. At each assignment, you’ll face a new set of challenges as you rotate through different specialties, and this better prepares you for future scenarios. 

Additionally, you can sign up for online courses, learn from mentors at your facility, and take advantage of the free unlimited CEUs offered by Host Healthcare.

Start Your Career as a Travel PTA with Host Healthcare

Pursuing your passion, exploring exciting cities across the U.S., and earning a comfortable living—what’s not to love?

Host Healthcare is here to help make it happen. With perks like day-one medical benefits, weekly pay, 401K matching, and ongoing support, we make sure you have all the tools you need for a successful career as a traveling physical therapist assistant.

You’ve committed your working hours to taking care of others. It’s time to treat yourself to the lifestyle change that keeps on giving. Apply today to become a traveler with Host Healthcare today!

 

Sources:

  “Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-1.

“News: Report Reveals Continued Vacancy Challenges for Outpatient Clinics.” APTA, 18 Oct. 2023, www.apta.org/news/2023/10/18/vacancy-report-2023.