Making the leap from a permanent position to travel therapy represents one of the most exciting shifts you can make in your therapist career. Whether you're a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist, the transition opens doors to new experiences, professional growth, and the freedom to work on your own terms. While the prospect of exploring different cities, healthcare settings, and patient populations sounds appealing, the practical side of this therapist career change requires careful planning and preparation.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before taking your first travel assignment, from financial planning to maintaining the professional connections that matter most.
Financial Considerations and Planning
One of the first questions clinicians ask when considering a travel therapist career is: "Will I actually make more money?" The answer depends on how well you prepare financially for this shift.
Travel contracts typically offer tax-free stipends for housing and meals in addition to your base pay. These stipends can significantly boost your take-home income compared to a permanent role. However, you'll need to maintain a permanent tax home to qualify for these benefits, which means keeping a residence in your home state even while working elsewhere.
Start by creating a detailed budget that accounts for both your current expenses and new costs associated with traveling. Factor in expenses like:
- Maintaining your tax home
- Travel between assignments
- Licensing fees for multiple states
- Potential gaps between contracts
Many therapists find it helpful to build an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses before accepting their first assignment.
Don't forget about retirement planning. Unlike permanent positions with employer-sponsored 401(k) matching, you'll likely need to take full control of your retirement savings through an IRA or solo 401(k). Consult with a financial advisor familiar with travel healthcare to optimize your tax strategy.
What to Expect in Your First Contract
Unlike permanent positions where you have months to settle in, a travel therapist career requires you to hit the ground running and demonstrate competence quickly. You'll complete orientation during your first few days, learning facility-specific protocols, documentation systems, and meeting your team.
Expect to feel challenged during the first two weeks as you adapt to new electronic medical record systems, facility layouts, and treatment philosophies. Documentation requirements may differ significantly from your previous workplace. Ask questions early and often, especially about productivity expectations, scheduling preferences, and facility-specific competencies.
Your manager will likely assign you a full patient load within the first week or two. Come prepared with your clinical toolkit of assessment methods, treatment techniques, and patient education strategies that work across various settings. Flexibility and adaptability are your greatest assets during that first contract.
Housing and Relocation Logistics
Finding suitable housing ranks among the top concerns for therapists transitioning to travel work. You have two main options: accepting agency-provided housing or taking a housing stipend and finding your own accommodations.
Agency-provided housing offers convenience since someone else handles the search, lease negotiations, and furnishings. This option works well for your first assignment when everything feels overwhelming. Taking the housing stipend gives you complete control but requires more effort researching neighborhoods and coordinating lease dates with your contract timeline.
Start your housing search at least four to six weeks before your start date. Popular websites for short-term housing include Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and Facebook groups dedicated to travel healthcare professionals. Always verify that lease dates align with your contract, including any potential extensions.
When it comes to relocating your belongings, most travel therapists adopt a minimalist approach. Pack enough clothes for various weather conditions, essential personal items, and any professional supplies not provided by facilities. Many travelers keep most possessions in storage at their tax home, living out of a few suitcases during assignments.
Maintaining Professional Relationships in Your Therapist Career
One concern clinicians have about travel work is losing touch with colleagues and mentors who've been instrumental in their professional development. The good news is that maintaining these connections is entirely possible with intentional effort.
Schedule regular check-ins with former colleagues through video calls or messaging apps. Many therapists find that quarterly coffee chats, even virtual ones, help them stay connected to their professional network. Share stories about your travel experiences and ask about developments at their facilities.
Join professional associations and attend state or national conferences whenever your schedule allows. These gatherings provide opportunities to reconnect with former coworkers while expanding your network to include other travel therapists.
Consider each assignment as an opportunity to build new relationships that can benefit your therapist career long-term. The clinical instructors, mentors, and colleagues you meet during contracts can provide references, share job leads, and offer guidance when you need it.
How PDTX Eases the Transition
Making the shift from permanent to travel work involves numerous moving parts, which is why working with a supportive staffing agency makes all the difference.
Per Diem Therapy Xperts Inc. (PDTX) specializes in helping physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists navigate this exact transition. We understand that your first travel assignment represents a significant life change, not just a job switch.
PDTX's personalized approach means you'll work with dedicated recruiters who take time to understand your goals, preferences, and concerns. We help match you with opportunities that align with your clinical interests, location preferences, and schedule requirements.
The hassle-free onboarding process addresses one of the biggest pain points for travel therapists. PDTX handles documentation, licensing coordination, and facility-specific requirements so you can focus on preparing for your assignment. Our round-the-clock support means you always have someone to contact with questions or concerns.
Transparent communication throughout the placement process eliminates surprises about pay packages, expectations, or contract terms. Whether you're drawn to long-term travel contracts across the country or prefer flexible per diem assignments closer to home, PDTX offers placement variety that lets you explore this therapist career shift at your own pace.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Transitioning from permanent to travel therapy requires preparation, flexibility, and the right support system. By addressing financial planning, understanding contract expectations, organizing your housing logistics, and maintaining professional relationships, you set yourself up for a successful and rewarding shift in your therapist career.
Join our talent network or apply here to connect with a recruiter who understands your goals and can help you take the first step toward an exciting new chapter.