As I was coming through the ranks as a PT student, travel PT became more and more appealing to me. Travel around the country. See the world. Build up my resume with loads of different experiences. Make a bit more extra cash. What’s not to like? Of course, now having worked as a traveler since being a new grad for a couple of years, being a traveler is AMAZING, but it isn’t ALWAYS sunshine and rainbows. Check out my blog post IS TRAVEL THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU? for a further deep dive.
As I got over halfway through my 3rd and final year as a PT student, I finally decided that I was going to pursue travel PT upon graduating. At the time, there was no sort of framework on where to get started in this vast, endless world of travel recruiters and recruiting companies. Furthermore, as a type A planner person, I wanted to ensure I was doing whatever I needed to do as a student to prepare myself to become a highly efficient and marketable travel candidate upon graduation.
Thus, I wanted to create a guide for all PT students who are planning on diving into the world of travel PT as new grads. I want to give readers a perspective on the route I took to prepare myself to secure a travel job as a new grad in the middle of the COVID pandemic, a time when jobs were slim and new grads were being overlooked. Come along with me as we explore how to become a great new grad travel PT.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS BEFORE BECOMING A NEW GRAD
I personally used the timeline below prior to graduation to become a new grad PT. I will expand on each point below. Remember this is not necessarily the ONLY or BEST way to prepare to become a traveler PT. However, this timeline gave me plenty of time to ease into the process. And it helped me feel very prepared as a new grad traveler. Keep in mind that I graduated in May, thus the months I reference are with the idea that graduation is in May.
- 1st-Most of 3rd year during PT school
- Get variety with clinical experiences
- Test out the travel life
- Get extra certifications
- Build your network
- Find a good mentor(s)
- January (4-5months out of graduation)
- Reach out to recruiters and get your on-boarding done over the next couple of months while you’re prepping for boards
- Choose which state you’ll be taking your boards through
- April
- Take boards, dominate, and await results
- May
- Graduation
- Become licensed in the appropriate state and begin the job search!!!
WHAT TO DO WHILE IN SCHOOL
As I mentioned, I’m a planner and like having structure in my life. This includes my time as a student. In general, most of your time in school should be dedicated to learning and absorbing as much as you can to become a great PT. But there are some things you can do during your time in school to prep for becoming a new grad traveler, as well.
CLINICALS
My PT program had clinicals spread throughout the program starting at the beginning of the 2nd year. We applied for clinical spots several months ahead of each clinical but did not know where we were going way ahead of time. Many programs dedicate most of the 3rd year to clinical experiences and know exactly where they’re going for clinicals SUPER early. Regardless of how your program is set up, you can follow these guidelines to prepare yourself for becoming a new grad traveler.
TEST THE WATERS AND TRAVEL
When choosing clinicals, I personally wanted to test the waters on what it’d feel like to travel. So, I went out of state for several of my last clinicals to see what they would feel like. To be in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and quickly assimilate to a new environment, is the nature of a traveler.
Now, just based on the extra cost, I don’t think this is completely necessary; however, having done it the way I did, I enjoyed it and it gave me the confidence that I could run with the big dogs as a new grad traveler.
VARIETY, VARIETY, VARIETY
The most important thing when it comes to clinical experiences is just getting as much variety as possible. The more variety of experience you get, the more likely your experience level will line up with some sort of available job opportunities as a new grad. It is harder for new grads to get jobs in general, but there are lots of jobs out there right now and new grads are doing just fine getting jobs for those with good experiences upon graduation.
FYI- Most outpatient settings are a bit more selective than any other setting. They typically want 2 years job experience, but that is not always the case. I got an outpatient job less than 1 year out of graduation because of the great experiences I had in outpatient clinicals. So, never say never!
EXTRA CERTIFICATIONS/SPECIALTIES
Getting certifications beyond the standard education makes you more marketable as a new grad. Examples of certifications to get may be dry needling, Rocktape/KT tape, IASTM/Graston, Blood Flow Restriction, LSVT Big and Loud, Vestibular Rehab, Fall Prevention Specialist, etc. Whatever you’re interested in, get a couple of extra certifications and build that resume. That way when you’re a new grad you can separate yourself from others with similar experience levels. Also, if done during school, you’ll usually get a student discount for CEU’s too vs paying double when you’re a licensed therapist.
As for how I get CEUs now as a practicing PT, I love to use Medbridge. Tons of great applicable online courses to keep me updated on new research and treatment strategies. Use my referral code for 40% off your annual Medbridge membership!
NETWORKING
During school, you will have the chance to do lots of networking. Chances will include clinicals, job fairs, and conferences like CSM. Take advantage of these moments! Establish relationships and get your name out there. The first recruiter I worked with as a new grad was with a group that I met at a job fair.
Networking opportunities allow you to not only establish potentially useful relationships as a new grad, but also allows you to practice marketing yourself. Practicing making a great first impression will be extremely useful as a new grad traveler since you will frequently be interviewing and meeting new people during your travels.
FIND A MENTOR
Let’s be honest. Being a new grad therapist is a bit scary. You’ve put in all the work to finally be licensed, countless hours of studying and working under the supervision of a CI all coming to the climax of FINALLY getting to work as your own independent PT. Furthermore, you no longer have a CI or professor by your side holding your hand through treating your patients. This lack of support can be a scary thought for many new grad therapists, especially those that are new grad travelers.
I’ve been fortunate to have some great professors during my schooling. I’ve also had some extremely supportive CIs. Both of whom now fill the “mentor” role as I travel. Oftentimes, you’ll have some great coworkers you work side by side with during your travel jobs who you will be able to bounce ideas off of; however, many people get great comfort from knowing there’s a consistent mentor there for them when they hit a roadblock on how to treat a difficult case.
MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT
During school, search for those people who can fulfill this role for you in the future. Ask them questions and develop a relationship that can be sustained during your travels. Be direct and ask them if they’re willing to fulfill a mentor role as needed while gaining experience as a new grad PT and beyond. The nature of most people in the therapy world is one of teamwork, compassion, and empathy. So, most people will be willing to fill this need of yours as needed during your travel if you ask. That being said, I’d be more than willing to fulfill this role for anyone in need of a mentor while traveling. Feel free to reach out via our email, DM on Instagram, or comment below.
Lastly, some travel companies boast that they will have a mentor set up for you as needed through the company. This was not a top priority of mine when searching for a recruiter. I feel that a better mentor is someone you’re familiar with that you found and established a connection with already. However, this is an option that is out there for those interested.
GRADUATION APPROACHING
FIND A RECRUITER
As most travelers would agree, finding a recruiter and recruiting company that is right for you is the most important step in beginning your travel journey. There are many ways to find a good recruiter. My first recommendation is to reach out to current travelers (LIKE ME!) on recommendations for travel recruiters. Send me a message, email or comment below and I’ll gladly send you my 2 phenomenal recruiters’ info. You can also search through your network of people you’ve connected with in the past (as discussed above) and move forward on conversations about working with them as a traveler upon graduation. Check out my blog post TRAVEL THERAPY RECRUITERS: CHOOSING WHO’S RIGHT FOR YOU for more info.
After you find a recruiter, they’ll then begin getting you set up within the company. This is called the on-boarding process. Typically it is just lots of online stuff for you to fill out to get set up prior to them being able to start finding you jobs.
WHICH STATE SHOULD I GET LICENSED IN?
Have an idea of what states you may want to work in after graduation. Furthermore, consider taking the boards through a state that may have job opportunities for you when you graduate. DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR RECRUITER WHEN THE TIME COMES. THEY WILL TELL YOU WHICH STATES HAVE THE MOST LIKELIHOOD OF JOBS.
I took the boards before graduation. Little did I know only certain states allow you to take the boards early before graduation. Thus, I highly recommend looking into this super early because you have to declare the state you are testing through way ahead of time. Check out the FSBPT website here to see which states do or don’t allow early testing.
For example, I’m from Missouri. When I was graduating, Missouri did not allow us to take the boards prior to graduation. Thus, I had to take the boards for another state. This doesn’t mean you have to physically be in said state during the exam. This just declares what your first original license will be after you pass the boards.
So here’s what I did…
I knew I was going to want to travel to the state of Maine at some point. And Maine allows early testing. It is super cheap and super quick to get a license in Maine. This makes it a great option for someone just looking to get licensed anywhere. So when I passed the boards I was licensed in Maine. After passing boards, I then immediately applied for a Missouri license so that I could utilize the PT compact.
So, having a MO license then gave me an opportunity to very easily get 20+ other licenses quickly if needed. Therefore, there was a higher likelihood of someone wanting to hire me on short notice if needed.
Remember, you can only use the compact if your home state is part of the compact. Missouri is part of the compact and I maintain a tax home in Missouri so I can claim that as my home state. THE COMPACT IS SUCH AN AMAZING RESOURCE FOR TRAVELERS IF YOUR HOME STATE IS IN THE COMPACT. Check out my blog post THE PT COMPACT: HOW TO GET LICENSED IN UNDER 10 MINUTES covering all you need to know about the PT Compact for more info.
AFTER GETTING LICENSED
Typically ~3-4 weeks after taking the boards, you will get your results on whether you passed or not. After passing your exam, the Board will automatically send you passing test results to the state that you registered for. At that point, you will also have to fill out all other required application requirements for that state. Each state has a different processing time for licenses, but there are several states that are known for being prompt in their licensure processing. Check out my blog post LICENSING TIME FRAME FOR EACH STATE AS A TRAVEL PT for insight into which states process the fastest.
After passing the boards and beginning the licensure process, your recruiter can then begin the job hunt for you! This is when things get exciting! Be sure to make your priorities very clear. My priorities typically include location, setting, and pay, in that order. Everyone’s preferences are different but be sure to be VERY clear on your priorities with your recruiter.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!
There are many ways to become a successful new grad travel PT. I hope this at least gives you a general idea of what to get started on while in school. Having a general outline and being able to “check the boxes” on certain preparation aspects certainly would have eased my anxiety. As usual, I am also open to any other questions, concerns, or comments on further insights into what else should be included in this guide. So please comment, email, and check out our Instagram for more travel tips!
Good luck and have fun, new grads!