Ever heard of a travel Physical Therapy Assistant? This itinerant job is similar to that of a travel PT, travel Nurse or travel Occupational Therapist. If you love to explore new cities and want to earn more money as a PTA, you should consider travel PTA jobs.
This ultimate guide to travel therapy will inform and equip you to maximize your opportunities as a travel PTA. I’ll also include write-ups on 5 of the best therapy agencies to help you get started.
What is a Travel PTA?
So what does a travel PTA do?
A physical therapy assistant works in direct collaboration with a physical therapist, treating musculoskeletal injuries, neuro-muscular disabilities, and impaired mobility in all kinds of patients. A travel physical therapy assistant performs the same duties, except under contract with a health professional staffing agency.
A travel PTA job may be temporary, but it’s not insecure by any means. In fact, the demand for physical therapy assistants is only rising, and many organizations are under-staffed and needing temporary help.
Travel PTAs are the perfect solution to this gap in staffing, filling in at clinics and therapy agencies all over the country.
As the field of travel physical therapy continues to expand, more and more PTAs will have the opportunity to try out a travel career. It’s one of the most exciting times to become a travel PTA!
How Does Traveling Physical Therapy Work?
To become a travel Physical Therapist Assistant, you’ll sign a contract with an agency that staffs traveling health professionals like you at various spots across the country. These assignments occur in all kinds of settings but are meant to be short-term or temporary, usually 13 weeks at a time.
Travel PTA Job Settings
Physical Therapist Assistant jobs are available in a variety of clinical settings.
You could choose an outpatient clinic, hospital setting, Home Health setting, Skilled Nursing Facility, School setting, or a neuro-rehabilitation facility.
If you want a variety of clinic settings throughout the year, sign up with an agency that offers many different opportunities.
For how long do Travel PTA jobs last?
Generally, the length of a travel PTA job is between 4 and 26 weeks. But even if your assignment is on the short side, you may be able to renew your contract at a particular facility.
So if you really enjoy the gig, you don’t have to move on right away!
One benefit to travel physical therapy is the flexibility to take time off between assignments. So if you know you’ll need some time off for a family wedding this summer, or you want to backpack cross-country for a couple months, you can set your schedule so that you have sufficient vacation time.
Where to Find Travel PTA Jobs
Now for the fun part: where you’ll work!
As a travel physical therapist assistant, you decide which area of the country you would like to work in. There are opportunities all over the United States, so depending on your travel company, you might find available assignments in every state.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to check out the beaches of southern California or hike the Rockies. There’s a need for physical therapy in every part of the country, including Hawaii! With travel PTA, you can go to your dream destinations; chances are, they have a PTA job for you!
Travel PTA Salary
If you’re wondering, “How much does a travel PTA make?” the answer is, “more than the average PTA salary!”
Travel Physical Therapy Assistants are typically paid on a weekly basis, ranging from $900 to $1,300 or more per week. Your weekly rate may be higher or lower than this depending on the area you choose for your travel assignment.
A travel PTA salary comprises two types of compensation: a daily stipend and an hourly rate.
Daily Stipend
Designed to cover food, housing, and incidentals, this daily amount varies depending on the cost of living for your particular assignment. Some agencies reimburse travel costs as well.
Hourly rate
This is the amount you would get for providing service as a PTA. Although the rate will seem lower than what you’d get “back home,” you’ll take home more pay overall because of that daily stipend.
Suppose you work a full 40-hour week as a travel PTA at $16/hour and receive a $70 stipend each day.
Despite the lower hourly rate (the average non-travel PTA salary is $26/hour), your paycheck as a travel PTA will total $1130 each week. That comes out to an hourly rate of $28.25 before tax.
And that’s another thing to consider: tax. Although you’ll pay taxes on your hourly pay, your daily stipend will incur little to no tax.
So before accepting a contract, I highly recommend negotiating this weekly rate. Try to maximize your stipend amount and take a lower “hourly” rate. That way, you’ll still receive the same weekly pay, but with less of a tax burden.
| PTA | Travel PTA | |
| Hourly rate | $26 | $16 |
| Daily stipend | $0 | $70 |
| 40-hr week total | $1040 | $1130 |
| Taxable income | 100% | >60% |
Best Travel Physical Therapy Companies to Work For
While there are agencies all over the country matching therapists with travel opportunities, not all companies work the same. Do some research ahead of time and ensure that the agency will give you a positive experience.
Here are some questions to ask when looking for a good travel therapy agency.
Will they pay your license fees?
Remember, your travels may take you out of state – that’s usually a good thing! But every state has unique PTA licensing requirements, and the red tape can get tiresome.
Some travel health agencies ease the licensing process by organizing the info, providing free CEUs, and even reimbursing any associated fees. Anytime an agency smooths over the licensing process, you know it’s a quality company.
What benefits do they offer?
A life of traveling isn’t without its liabilities, so choose an agency that offers a sufficient benefit package, including dental, vision, and even life insurance. Many companies include professional liability insurance in their benefit package, a worthwhile addition.
Can loved ones come along?
You’re a free spirit, but you shouldn’t have to go it alone. Thanks to the widening availability of remote work and school options, more and more travel PTAs are exploring the country with family in tow. Whether it’s a spouse, partner, child, or pet, your loved ones deserve to accompany you. Make sure they’re covered under your housing and insurance benefits.
How will you be housed?
Every agency provides some sort of housing, usually through an allowance. The amount of this allowance varies by location to reflect the cost of living, but generally it covers rent for a one-bedroom or studio apartment. If you need something different, the travel PTA company should offer a housing stipend. You might also want to check whether your accommodation comes furnished, and if not, whether you’ll be reimbursed for furnishing expenses.
What kind of career support do they offer?
If you’re accustomed to working with the same team at a clinic, travel PTA might take some getting used to. A good travel PTA company will provide 24/7 support no matter your work setting. Some agencies will assign you to a “clinical manager” or “liaison” so that you have the same agent to speak with throughout your travels.
Best Travel PTA Companies
MedTravelers
Med Travelers offers a wide range of job opportunities throughout the country. Their strong support staff is renowned for helping therapists land great contracts in desirable locations. Here are some of the benefits of working with Med Travelers:
- Medical, Dental, Life and Professional Liability Insurance from Day One
- Family and Pets Welcome
- Housing is Prearranged, Move-in Ready, and Furnished
- Alternative Housing Stipend Available
- 401k Retirement Savings Plan, up to $17,500 in Contributions per Year
- Reimbursed Travel Costs
- Specialist Support Available for Housing, Payroll and Career
trustaff
Trusted by nurses and therapists all across the country, trustaff has been privately owned and operated since 2002. As one of the largest allied health staffing agencies in the nation, trustaff offers a wealth of opportunities for a spectrum of specialties all across the country. Their benefits package is transparent and fair, and their discounts the icing on the cake.
- Comprehensive benefits for you and your loved ones including
- Family-inclusive benefits package featuring medical, dental, vision, and short/long-term disability coverage
- Employer-matched 401k enrollment
- Exclusive employee discounts on entertainment and travel
- Step-by-step housing and travel assistance
- Personal access to a clinical liaison throughout the assignment
- 24/7/365 support line
- The opportunity to earn completion bonuses, referral bonuses, and more!
Core Medical Group
Your work assignments will always be in the US, but with Core Medical Group, you can vacation in the tropics. By completing contracts and making referrals, you’ll earn an expense-paid trip to the Caribbean. This perk rounds out a list of other excellent travel PTA benefits:
- Health Insurance (including an HRA)
- Life Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance
- Matching 401k Retirement Plan
- Free CEUs through CE Direct
- Reimbursements for travel costs, immunizations, and licensing fees
- Bonus tropical vacation earned through referral credits and completed contracts
National Staffing Solutions
Whether you’re looking for a short contract or a temp-to-permanent position, National Staffing Solutions will find the flexible work you want. This staffing agency pools the needs of hundreds of settings nationwide, enabling you to diversify your experience as a PTA with unique assignments. They offer the following benefits:
- Competitive Pay
- Health Insurance Package from Day One
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Private Housing
- Reimbursements for Travel, Licensure and Continuing Education
- Referral Bonus and Direct Deposit
- Specialized Search and Placement Program
CompHealth
Founded in 1979, CompHealth has 40+ years of experience in providing top-notch, specialized support for each traveler’s needs. Even when you’re ready to settle down, CompHealth can help you find a permanent placement. It’s the kind of company you can trust for a perfect job and optimal salary.
Here are some other perks:
- Reimbursement for Private Housing, Travel, and Transportation
- Malpractice insurance and Employment Benefits
- Enrollment in a 401K Matching Program
- Reimbursement for Licensing Fees
- Negotiable Permanent Placements
Travel PTA Jobs: What’s Not to Like?
You can explore new locations, enjoy job flexibility, earn a high wage, and engage diverse patients all over the country. What’s not to love about being a travel PTA? Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or a brand new graduate, there’s a travel PTA job out there for you.
