Have you ever thought about taking your physical therapy career on the road? Whether you’re drawn to the freedom, the variety, or the opportunity to advance your career, travel physical therapy offers a unique and rewarding path. Journey by Upstream is an opportunity to travel the country and provide exceptional clinical care.
Take a look at these six quick questions to ask yourself to see if travel PT is the next career adventure you set your sights on.
1. Do you have an adventurous spirit?
Many travel PT positions are short-term contracts, typically around 13 weeks. That gives you time to explore different parts of the country, choose when and where you want to work, and schedule breaks between assignments.
While this flexibility can be empowering, it does require strong planning skills. If you are comfortable with frequent relocation changes and excited by the prospect of controlling your own schedule, travel physical therapy can be a great option. Journey by Upstream helps you explore different parts of the country, provide exceptional clinical care, and alleviate many of the headaches that can come with contract travel positions.
With Journey by Upstream, you can channel that adventurous spirit into travel assignments with full-time benefits.
2. Do you thrive in a variety of work environments?
Travel PT jobs allow you to work in a wide range of geographic settings. Exposure to a variety of workplaces is one of the top benefits of a travel physical therapy career.
With each new assignment in Journey by Upstream, you’re exposed to:
- Diverse patient populations
- One consistent EMR documentation across the family of brands
- Flexibility and autonomy without needing to worry about finding future contracts
If you enjoy continuous learning and adapting quickly, physical therapy travel jobs offer a dynamic, adventurous environment. This rapid exposure with each new assignment can bring accelerated learning and expanded clinical skills.
3. Can you handle the logistics of frequent relocation?
Travel physical therapy involves frequent moves and thoughtful planning. Travel physical therapists are eager for adventure. If logistics energize you rather than stress you out, that’s a positive sign you’re meant to be a travel PT.
4. How well do you cope with being away from home and forming new connections?
Sure, this lifestyle can be rewarding, but it’s not without its emotional demands. Travel physical therapy offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people and work with other professionals. But it’s not uncommon to experience some loneliness during transitions and a sense that each new setting feels “temporary.”
Some travelers find comfort in routines like virtual check-ins with loved ones or joining local fitness classes to stay grounded. Creating a sense of community wherever you go can help transform unfamiliar places into welcoming spaces. Having strategies in place to support physical and emotional well-being can make a big difference in how fulfilling the journey is for you.
With Journey by Upstream, you’ll have a support team that’s there to provide mentorship, guidance, and structure with each assignment along with regular check-ins. Our goal is that you use your travel opportunities to find the perfect home.
5. Are you comfortable learning new systems quickly?
There can be a learning curve when it comes to understanding new electronic medical records (EMRs), clinical procedures, and workplace cultures and expectations. While some physical therapists find change invigorating, others may feel overwhelmed or burned out and are looking for more consistency as they travel across the country.
Contract PT positions often require physical therapists to be adaptable and learn new systems and processes on the fly, which can be overwhelming when trying to focus on providing quality care.
With Journey by Upstream, you only have to learn one EMR. Which means you can significantly cut down on the learning curve and be confident that you can focus on what matters most, providing exceptional clinical care, as you transition from assignment to assignment as a Travel PT with Upstream Rehabilitation.
6. Do you have a desire to support underserved communities?
The demand for physical therapists is especially high in rural or underserved communities, where access to care is limited. As a traveling provider, you can help bridge that gap, helping patients of all ages and abilities improve mobility and function. The desire to make a difference in patients’ lives drives most physical therapists, and that passion can be a strong reason to pursue a career as a travel PT.
Say Yes to New Places and Possibilities with Journey by Upstream
If this quiz sparked your curiosity or confirmed your calling, it’s time to explore your potential as a travel physical therapist.
The Journey by Upstream Travel PT Program is designed to support new and experienced PTs with expert guidance, licensure assistance, competitive compensation packages, and a nationwide network of exciting assignments.
Whether you’re looking to grow professionally or experience new places while making a real difference, Journey can help you get there. You’ll gain access to personalized mentorship, flexible scheduling options, and a team that’s with you every step of the way.
Don’t just imagine the possibilities – learn more and apply today!
