Physical therapy professionals seeking adventure and variety often turn to short-term assignments. These opportunities, commonly known as contract or travel roles, offer a chance to explore different clinical settings and locations. But while they may seem similar on the surface, there’s a significant difference between contract physical therapy and travel physical therapy roles, especially when it comes to job security, benefits, and long-term career satisfaction.
At Upstream, we offer travel physical therapy roles with Journey By Upstream, our travel physical therapy program, which reimagines the traditional travel PT model by combining the perks of mobility with the stability of full-time employment.
Here’s a closer look at how travel physical therapy stacks up against contract physical therapy, and why our approach might be the better fit for physical therapists seeking freedom to explore the country while treating patients.

What Is Contract Physical Therapy?

Contract physical therapy typically refers to short-term assignments where a therapist works for a staffing agency or directly with a facility or network for a fixed period of time, often 8 to 13 weeks. These roles are attractive for their flexibility, and the ability to pick and choose locations. However, they often come with trade-offs.
Contract PTs are generally considered temporary workers. This status can lead to uncertainty around consistent employment, limited access to benefits, and challenges in career development. Once a contract ends, the physical therapist is responsible for finding the next assignment, often with little notice or support, and they’re left scrambling trying to figure out what to do about a lapse in their benefits while trying to maintain some financial stability in their personal life.

What Is Travel Physical Therapy?

In contrast, Journey by Upstream, the travel physical therapy program offers the adventure and variety of working in different locations, but with the foundation of full-time employment. Our travel physical therapists are able to gain full-time benefits, ongoing nationwide support, and a dedicated team helping match them to meaningful assignments across the country.
With our travel physical therapy program, you can begin an assignment and get the next without any lapse in benefits or worry about financial instability.
This model eliminates many of the headaches that come with traditional contract physical therapy work, making it easier for therapists to focus on their patients, career growth, and personal well-being.

Key Differences Between Contract PT and Travel PT

1. Benefits Between Assignments

Contract PT
Contract therapists often face a lapse in benefits between assignments. If there’s a gap of even a few weeks between jobs, they may temporarily lose access to health insurance, 401(k) matching, or other important coverage.
Travel PT with Upstream
Because our Travel PTs are full-time employees, their benefits continue uninterrupted. Even during breaks between assignments. You don’t have to worry about navigating COBRA coverage or losing insurance because of a scheduling gap.

2. Job Security and Contract Cancellations

Contract PT:
One of the most stressful parts of contract work is the risk of contract cancellations. A facility might cancel a contract at the last minute due to census drops or internal staffing changes, leaving the therapist scrambling for their next paycheck.
Travel PT with Upstream:
As a travel PT with full time benefits, you’re never left hanging. Assignment cancellations are rare with our travel program, however, if an assignment is canceled, our team works to quickly reassign you to neighboring clinic or another one of your choices based on company needs. Your pay and employment status remain stable, giving you peace of mind.

3. Continuing Education and Career Growth

Contract PT
Many contract positions don’t offer support for continuing education. Physical therapists may have to cover the cost of CEUs out of pocket or delay professional development due to budget constraints. For individuals who are passionate about advancing their clinical expertise, this can be a deal breaker because of the lack of support.
Travel PT with Upstream:
Upstream is committed to your growth. We offer comprehensive continuing education support, including access to Upstream Rehab Institute, our partnership with IAMT, mentorship, and assistance in obtaining new certifications. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or expand into new specialties, we’ll help you get there.

4. Paid Time Off

Contract PT:
Time off is limited or non-existent in many contract roles. Taking a break between assignments may mean forfeiting income, and there’s no guarantee of PTO accrual.
Travel PT with Upstream:
Our Travel PTs receive paid time off as part of their benefits. You can take vacations, rest, or attend to personal needs without sacrificing your financial stability or worry about losing your position like you might with a contract role.

5. Assignment Locations and Preferences

Contract PT:
With contract work, therapists may feel pressured to accept assignments in less desirable locations simply to keep income flowing. The ability to be selective depends heavily on market demand and availability.
Travel PT with Upstream:
We prioritize collaborative placement. That means we work with you to find assignments that align with your interests, goals, and lifestyle preferences. We aim to place our therapists in rewarding settings based on preference and company needs.

6. Community and Support

Contract PT:
Contract PTs often report feeling isolated, especially when moving frequently from one assignment to the next. Without a consistent team or long-term colleagues, it’s easy to feel disconnected.
Travel PT with Upstream:
You’re not on your own. Our Travel PTs are part of the larger Upstream family, with access to regional mentors, support staff, and a welcoming professional community. From virtual meetups to clinical mentorship, we foster a sense of belonging and connection wherever you are.

7. Travel Fatigue

Contract PT:
Frequent relocations can be draining. Packing, moving, setting up housing, and adjusting to new clinics every few months wears on even the most adventurous spirit.
Travel PT with Upstream:
We design your travel experience with sustainability in mind. If you need a longer stay in one area, we work with you to make that happen. Our goal is to minimize burnout and maximize fulfillment. If you find that you love a particular assignment and want to make it a permanent home, we also work with you to facilitate that as well. Our goal is to help you expand your horizons until you find the perfect match in your career.

Why Journey by Upstream Is a Smarter, More Supportive Career Choice for Travel PTs

At first glance, contract and travel physical therapy may seem interchangeable. But the differences run deep, especially when it comes to long-term career satisfaction and opportunities. While contract work offers flexibility, it often does so at the expense of job security, community, and personal growth.
With Travel PT at Upstream, you get the best of both worlds:

  • The freedom to explore new places and settings
  • The security of full-time employment
  • A team that supports your journey every step of the way
  • The benefits and development resources of a national healthcare leader

Whether you’re an early-career PT looking to explore your options or a seasoned professional seeking a more balanced travel experience, Journey by Upstream, our national traveler program, provides the structure, support, and flexibility you deserve.

Experience Adventure with Journey by Upstream, our Travel Physical Therapy Program

Are you passionate about exploring the country while providing impactful patient care? If so, you should choose adventure and Journey by Upstream, our travel physical therapy program, where you can embark on a career that moves you!
Avoid the drawbacks of contract work and join Upstream as a travel physical therapist and gain full time benefits with travel PT opportunities.