Travel physical therapy is one of the best opportunities for adventurous clinicians who crave the chance to work in different locations across the country. However, the traditional contract-based model often comes with uncertainty including gaps in employment, last-minute contract changes, inconsistent documentation systems, and a lack of long-term benefits.
At Upstream Rehabilitation, travel physical therapy looks different. We’ve reimagined the travel experience to provide physical therapists with full-time stability while still enjoying the freedom and perks of travel assignments with Journey by Upstream, our travel physical therapy program.
If you’re a PT looking to combine professional growth with location flexibility, this guide will walk you through exactly how to become a travel physical therapist with Upstream and why it’s a smarter option for those looking to pursue travel PT roles with full-time benefits.
Step 1: Apply to the Travel Physical Therapy Program
The first step is simple: apply to join Journey by Upstream, our nationwide travel physical therapy program. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced clinician, the national traveler program is designed to support PTs who want to explore the country while maintaining the security of full-time employment.
The application process includes submitting your resume, speaking with a recruiter, sharing your clinical strengths, interests, and desired regions. You’ll also have a chance to discuss your ideal travel timeline, specialties, and career goals.
Unlike traditional contract work, you’re not constantly hunting for your next job. Once you’re accepted into the program, you’re an Upstream team member, not a short-term contractor. This means you can take advantage of full-time benefits while still maintaining the flexibility to travel across the country based on assignment availability, preference, and organization needs.
Step 2: Choose Where You Want to Go
With over 1,100 clinic locations nationwide, Journey by Upstream gives you access to opportunities in nearly every region of the United States. Whether you’re drawn to mountain towns, coastal communities, or vibrant cities, there’s a high likelihood we have a clinic nearby.
After you’re accepted, you’ll share your top geographic preferences. From there, our internal team reviews your skills and interests, matches them with company needs, and provides you with travel options that align with both your goals and clinic availability.
This ensures that each travel physical therapy assignment benefits both you and the local team you’ll be joining.
Step 3: Start Your First Assignment with Full-Time Benefits
Once your travel assignment is finalized, you’ll begin working at your designated clinic location with full support from the Upstream team. Here’s where the real difference between traditional contract PT and travel PT with Upstream becomes clear.
You’re not a temporary contractor. You’re a full-time employee. That means:
- No lapse in benefits between assignments
- No worrying about contract expiration dates
- No risk of losing your health insurance, PTO, or retirement contributions
- No bouncing between inconsistent documentation platforms or clinic standards
Instead, you’ll start your assignment confident that you have the full support, structure, and the freedom of a travel PT role.
What Sets Travel PT with Upstream Apart?
At Upstream, we understand that travel PTs want both flexibility and stability. Here’s how Journey by Upstream, our travel physical therapy program gives you the best of both worlds:
1. Full-Time Stability with Travel Freedom
Unlike contract PTs who often face job uncertainty between assignments, you’ll enjoy consistent full-time pay and benefits. You’re never “between contracts”. You’re always employed.
2. Robust Nationwide Support Network
From day one, you’re backed by a dedicated travel support team, regional clinical leadership, and mentorship opportunities. No matter where you’re placed, you’re never on your own. You’ll also be joining a community of like-minded PTs who’ve chosen the same flexible but grounded lifestyle.
3. Monthly Travel Stipends & Reimbursement
To make your travel physical therapy experience smoother, you’ll receive:
- Monthly stipends to help cover living expenses
- Reimbursement for travel-related costs such as mileage and lodging
- Relocation support if needed
4. Competitive Salaries
You’re not sacrificing income for adventure. Travel PTs with Upstream enjoy competitive full-time salaries, plus financial incentives based on performance and location needs.
5. Consistent Documentation with a Single EMR
Say goodbye to learning a new documentation system every few months. Every clinic across the Upstream family of brands uses the same EMR system, making transitions seamless and more efficient. This allows you to focus more on patient care, not on adapting to new processes.
6. Nationwide Access to Continuing Education & Mentorship
Upstream is committed to lifelong learning. As a travel PT, you get:
- Access to continuing education resources
- Opportunities to attend regional and national clinical workshops
- Access to mentorship from experienced therapists and clinical leaders
Ready to Journey with Upstream?
At Upstream, we believe in helping clinicians create a career that moves them, not just geographically, but professionally and personally. Journey by Upstream, our national traveler program, is built to support your ambitions, whether that means working in small-town America, coastal communities, or bustling metros.
You don’t have to choose between stability and flexibility. With Upstream, you get both when you join Journey by Upstream, our national traveler program.
Becoming a travel physical therapist with Upstream is more than just a career move, it’s an opportunity to embark on a career that moves you. You’ll gain full-time stability, robust clinical support, and the freedom to explore the country while doing meaningful work.
If you’re ready to start your journey, apply today to Journey by Upstream, our travel physical therapy program or get in touch with one of our recruiters to learn more about the Journey by Upstream program, and embark on a career that moves you.
