- What This Article Covers
- Empowering Patient Recovery
- Expanding Career Opportunities
- Job Stability and Growth
- Continuous Professional Development
- Positive Work-Life Balance
- Travel Opportunities
- Salary
- Insurance
- Other Benefits
- Traveling as a Physical therapist
- Selecting a Travel Physical Therapy Company
- Next Steps
- Final Words
We may receive compensation when you click on product links from our partners. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last Updated on March 31, 2025
Selecting a career is a monumental life decision. If factors like location, income, benefits, and the opportunity for travel are high on your priority list, then a career in physical therapy could be an excellent match for you.
Pursuing a career in physical therapy offers many fulfilling job opportunities. A key decision for many therapists is whether to work in a stationary setting or to become a traveling physical therapist. Those who choose the latter enjoy several unique benefits, including the chance to explore various regions of the country, enhanced earning potential, and a more comprehensive
What This Article Covers
- Empowering Patient Recovery: Learn how physical therapists help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life through rehabilitation and personalized treatment plans.
- Expanding Career Opportunities: Discover the diverse specialties in physical therapy, from orthopedics and neurology to pediatrics and sports medicine, allowing for a customized
career path . - Job Stability and Growth: Explore the increasing demand for physical therapists, ensuring job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for independent practice.
- Continuous Professional Development: Understand how ongoing education, certifications, and
leadership roles contribute to career advancement and staying at the forefront of the field. - Positive Work-Life Balance: Find out how physical therapy offers flexible work environments, from hospitals and outpatient clinics to home health services, for better job satisfaction.
- Choosing the Right
Career Path : Gain insights into key factors to consider when pursuing physical therapy, helping you align yourskills , interests, and long-term career goals.
Read about the pros and cons of a physical therapy career, including earning potential. Learn how to research and vet physical therapy education programs to help decide which physical therapy programs you wish to apply.
Empowering Patient Recovery
Choosing a career in physical therapy allows professionals to play a pivotal role in patients’ rehabilitation journeys. Physical therapists assist individuals in regaining mobility and function after injuries or surgeries, directly impacting their quality of life. This hands-on involvement fosters strong patient-therapist relationships and provides a deep sense of personal fulfillment as therapists witness their patients’ progress and achievements firsthand.
Expanding Career Opportunities
The field of physical therapy offers a diverse range of specialties, enabling practitioners to tailor their careers to their interests. These specialties include:
- Orthopedics: Focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
- Neurology: Involves working with patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
- Pediatrics: Specializes in treating infants, children, and adolescents.
- Sports Medicine: Assists athletes in recovering from sports-related injuries and improving performance.
This variety ensures that physical therapists can find a niche that aligns with their passions and
This comprehensive text offers an insightful and thorough overview of both the profession and the practice of physical therapy, including the latest topics and trends surrounding the industry.
Job Stability and Growth
The demand for physical therapists is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by an aging population and increased recognition of the benefits of physical therapy. This growth translates to:
- Job Security: Physical therapists enjoy a high level of job stability.
- Competitive Salaries: The specialization and expertise required for the profession are reflected in competitive salaries.
- Geographic Flexibility: Physical therapists are needed in every part of the country, which allows for flexibility in where you can live and work.
- Business Opportunities: Physical therapists can open their private practices.
These factors make physical therapy a promising and secure career choice.
Continuous Professional Development
Physical therapy is a dynamic field that encourages lifelong learning and professional growth. Practitioners have opportunities to:
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: Specialize in geriatrics, pediatrics, or sports therapy.
- Engage in Research: Contribute to advancing therapeutic techniques and patient care strategies.
- Participate in Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest developments and best practices in the field.
- Assume
Leadership Roles: Take on positions such as clinic directors or educators, influencing the next generation of therapists.
This commitment to development ensures that physical therapists remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
This is the only book available that is made for those aspiring to enter the field of physical therapy or occupational therapy. It provides all the steps needed to help you be the most competitive in this competitive field.
Positive Work-Life Balance
A career in physical therapy often offers a favorable work-life balance, with opportunities for flexible
Travel Opportunities
A traveling physical therapist enjoys the unique advantage of exploring various parts of the country, often accompanied by family. This offers the thrill of seeing new places on the company’s dime and presents the chance to work in some of the nation’s top medical facilities. Such exposure can significantly elevate one’s career, providing valuable experience in cutting-edge techniques and settings, which may subsequently open doors to new employment opportunities.
Part of the popular Secrets series, this helpful reference presents basic physical therapy concepts. Then, it introduces different healing modalities, specialties, and orthopedic procedures.
Salary
Financial considerations naturally take center stage when you’re seeking new job opportunities. Luckily, choosing a career as a traveling physical therapist comes with compelling financial perks. Those willing to embrace this mobile lifestyle are often rewarded with completion bonuses after fulfilling their contractual obligations at a given location. Furthermore, many employers provide a per diem allowance, covering essential daily
Beyond these immediate benefits, some programs take a long-term view by offering their physical therapists educational incentives. These may come as fully or partially funded continuing education courses, providing an additional pathway to career advancement and skill enhancement.
Insurance
Besides
The book covers a wide range of topics including job descriptions, qualifications, and requirements for speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and audiologists.
Other Benefits
Depending on the company you work for as a traveling physical therapist, various travel packages may come with additional perks like housing and retirement plans, including 401(k) options. Some employers even provide incentive programs featuring completion, sign-on, or contract extension bonuses. Companies offering customizable benefits packages provide the most excellent flexibility, allowing you to prioritize the most important perks.
Traveling as a Physical therapist
Before embarking on a career as a traveling physical therapist, clarifying some key aspects of your ideal job is crucial. Here are some essential questions to consider:
- What type of facilities does the PT wish to work at?
- How far is the physical therapist willing to travel?
- How long is the physical therapist willing to travel for work?
- Will the PT travel alone or with his or her family?
- What are the PT requirements for housing?
- What benefits are essential?
Equipped with answers to these critical questions, physical therapists are better positioned to seek out the right travel therapy company for their career goals.
7 Steps of Your Career Ladder helps you take full control of your career success by showing you how to define your objectives, leverage your strengths, latch onto unexpected opportunities, and determine your own North Star career goal.
Selecting a Travel Physical Therapy Company
Researching travel physical therapy companies that operate in your areas of interest provides an excellent starting point. Pay attention to the company’s longevity, size, and specific benefits. Before committing, request a sample contract and review all clauses to understand the terms fully.
One of the most effective methods for choosing a travel physical therapy company is to seek referrals from trusted colleagues. This approach is crucial as it allows the physical therapist to concentrate on the most significant factors in identifying the right company for their career needs.
Next Steps
- Research Educational Requirements: Research accredited physical therapy programs and prerequisites to determine the best path for your career goals.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Volunteer or shadow a licensed physical therapist to get real-world insights into the profession and confirm your interest in the field.
- Obtain Necessary Certifications: Prepare for and pass the required exams, such as the NPTE, and explore additional certifications to specialize in areas like sports therapy or geriatrics.
- Network with Professionals: Join physical therapy organizations, attend industry events, and connect with professionals to learn about job opportunities and career advancements.
- Apply for Internships or Jobs: Seek internships, residencies, or entry-level positions to start building experience and developing
skills in a clinical setting.
Final Words
Choosing a career in physical therapy offers a pathway to a fulfilling, impactful, and financially rewarding life. As a physical therapist, you not only gain the satisfaction of helping others improve their quality of life, but you also enjoy a flexible work environment, numerous opportunities for specialization, and excellent job security. The demand for physical therapy services is increasing, especially as the population ages and awareness grows about the benefits of a non-invasive approach to managing pain and mobility issues.
Whether you opt for a stable position in a healthcare facility or explore the country as a traveling physical therapist, this career promises personal and professional growth. Embarking on a career in physical therapy equips you with the
This is the only book available that is made for those aspiring to enter the field of physical therapy or occupational therapy. It provides all the steps needed to help you be the most competitive in this competitive field.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
