From Permanent to Travel Physical Therapy Jobs: What to Know, How to Prep, and Where to Start

Are you a physical therapist dreaming of a new adventure? Has the idea of packing your bags, getting on the road, and practicing in a new setting been calling your name?

There’s something exciting, and a little bit nerve-wracking, about finding and starting your first travel physical therapy contract. It's not just about switching jobs, you’re stepping into a lifestyle that’s fast-paced, flexible, and full of possibility. But let’s be real, it’s also full of unknowns.

That’s where this guide comes in. Think of it as your guide to help you feel clear, confident, and ready to go. We’re breaking down what to know, how to prepare, and where to start to make sure you crush it on your first assignment. Whether you’re a new PT looking to take the leap into travel physical therapy jobs or a staff PT who wants to shake up your routine, this is your guide to everything you need to know.

Let’s look at this one step at a time, starting with the most important step of all: knowing your “why.”

Define Your “Why”

Before you think about anything else, start with thinking about your “why.” Why are you switching to travel? Is it the pay? The freedom? Location? The thrill of a new hospital or clinic every 13 weeks? Being clear on what drives you will help you make better choices throughout your travel career.

Being a travel physical therapist comes with the perks like higher pay and flexibility, but it’s not without some other trade-offs. If you’re adaptable and up for a challenge, you’ll thrive.

Research & Planning Your First Assignment

The next step is to start narrowing down your target. Do you want to work at a hospital in a big city or a small outpatient clinic in a rural town? Assignments in rural areas can sometimes pay more while also having a lower cost of living. Big cities on the other hand, may have a higher cost of living, but they offer more lifestyle perks. California assignments, for example, are a top choice for travel physical therapists thanks to the higher pay and year-round sunshine.

When you choose the location for you, consider your why. If it's pay, look for assignments in a location where you can save the most. Higher pay, lower cost of living. If it’s to experience more, choose the place where you can explore on your time off. Whatever you choose, be honest about what works for you.

Lastly, don’t forget about licensure. Some states can take weeks (or more) to process, so remember to plan ahead. If you’re in a PT Compact state, that’ll speed things up. Otherwise, start gathering paperwork early and map out your license strategy.

Building Your Application Profile

Once you’ve figured out what assignments you're looking for, the next step is to get your paperwork in order so you can be submitted ASAP when you find the perfect fit.

To get submission ready you’ll need:

• Resume
• Active licenses
• CPR/BLS certifications
• References
• CEUs and other training records

Start with an up-to-date and clean resume highlighting your clinical strengths, specialties, and experience. Facilities want to see that you have ample experience and can adapt fast. Your resume is an opportunity to stand out. Emphasize any experience that shows your versatility: float teams, bilingual skills, EMR familiarity, or high-volume caseloads. The more you showcase your readiness, the faster you’ll land interviews and offers.

Most travel agencies will have you complete a therapy skills checklist and upload key documents — licenses, CPR cert, references, and any CEUs or special training. To make this easy on yourself you should keep everything digital, organized, and ready to go.

Once your docs are in and your profile is “submission ready,” your recruiter can easily submit you to roles and the travel physical therapy job offers will start rolling in fast.

Advantis Medical specializes in first-time therapy travelers and can help you explore a variety of travel physical therapy positions that match your preferences. Ask about opportunities that are first-time traveler friendly; not all travel physical therapy positions require years of experience.

Get everything prepped now and your future self will thank you.

Choosing an Agency and Recruiter

Choosing the right agency to work with is like choosing your adventure buddy, the one who’ll have your back when things get bumpy. And trust us, not all agencies (or recruiters) are the same. You want to find someone who gets your goals, doesn’t leave you hanging, and actually makes the journey smoother.

That’s why Advantis Medical is the agency of choice for a lot of first-time PT travelers. They’re known for making the process smoother, especially if it’s your first time on the road. From license support to housing help, they support clinicians at every step.

Good recruiters shouldn’t just push openings, they should listen, follow up, and make sure the details (like pay breakdowns, location, and shift expectations) are clear before you commit. That’s what sets Advantis apart. They’re transparent, easy to work with, and really care about finding the right match for you, not just filling an open spot.

Instead of juggling a bunch of agencies at once, it helps to work with one that’s already trusted by thousands of travelers, like Advantis Medical.

Once you’ve found a good fit, move quickly on job submissions. The best assignments go fast, especially in high-demand states. If a role catches your eye — an assignment in Texas or a hospital near the coast — don’t sit on it. Let your recruiter submit your profile ASAP.

Bottom line? Choose someone who listens, not just someone who sells. The right recruiter will feel like a partner, not a pushy salesperson.

Interview and Offer

After you're submitted to the role, you may have to go through a virtual or phone interview. These are a bit more casual than a traditional interview for a staff or permanent position. The interview is your moment to shine, but also the time for you to get clarity on the nature of the assignment and facility. Facilities want to know you’re reliable, adaptable, and ready to jump in. You want to know what you're walking into.

Before the call, read up on the facility or ask your recruiter. Know the patient population, setting, and workflow basics. During the interview, ask smart questions:

• What's a typical caseload?
• Are there productivity expectations?
• What’s the EMR system?
• How long is the orientation?

If everything goes well with the interview, you’ll get your official offer and contract sent over from your agency.

Once you receive your offer, this is when you can talk through the final pay package. Your offer should include a full breakdown—things like your hourly wage, housing and meal stipends, travel reimbursement, and any bonuses. It’s totally okay to ask your recruiter specific questions like whether hours are guaranteed and how cancellations are handled, just so you have no surprises later on.

If you're unclear about anything, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. A good recruiter will walk you through all the details and make sure everything is clear before you sign. At the end of the day, this is your contract—so take your time, read it thoroughly, and make sure it feels right.

Credentialing and Onboarding

Once you’ve signed the contract for your travel physical therapy position you’ll then start the onboarding and credentialing process.

Onboarding consists of background checks, drug tests, immunization records, HR forms, and possibly a skills assessment. It can feel daunting at first, but with Advantis Medical you’ll have a dedicated specialist to personally guide you through it.

Pro tip: Create a digital folder with the essentials (license, CPR card, vax records, ID, etc.). Having everything in one place saves time and reduces last-minute stress.

Once this phase is done, you’ll be officially cleared to start.

Packing and Travel Planning

After everything’s official, it’s time to prep for the move.

Pack like a pro traveler: clothes for work and weather, comfortable shoes and your work gear (laptop, scrubs, charger, etc.). If it doesn’t fit in your car or in two checked bags, ask yourself if you really need it.

What about housing? If you’re taking the stipend and finding your own housing, start the hunt early. Furnished Finder, Airbnb, and extended-stay hotels are a solid place to start. Look for short-term leases, flexible terms, and something close to your assignment. First-timer tip: avoid signing anything long-term until you're 100% sure the contract is locked in.

Once housing is locked in, you can map out your travel. Driving? Plan your route. Flying? Double-check that your arrival time aligns with your start date, and always give yourself at least a day to get settled in.

First Days on Assignment

Now it’s time to actually start your assignment. The first week is all about finding your footing and making a strong first impression.

On day one, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Know where to park, who to ask for, and what to bring. Your agency will provide you with First Day Instructions in advance.

Pack a copy of your license, ID, and any documents they might need to verify. Showing up prepared gives you instant credibility.

You’ll likely get a quick orientation, a tour, and an intro to the EMR system. Take notes and ask questions.

Don’t stress about being perfect. No one expects you to know everything, just to be proactive and ask when unsure. Most teams are used to travelers and will appreciate your effort to fit in.

This first week might feel like a whirlwind, but give it a few days, and you’ll find your rhythm.

Thriving During the Assignment

Once you’re settled in, you can start to thrive. The more you lean in, the better your experience (and future references) will be.

Start by being a good teammate, the kind people remember — helpful, flexible, and easy to work with. Offer support when others are swamped, show up on time, and stay curious. Even small things like restocking supplies or learning the clinic’s flow go a long way.

This is your time to grow professionally, too. Many agencies offer free CEUs or mentorship programs, take advantage. Don’t be shy about asking for feedback after your first few weeks.

Outside of work, make time to explore. Whether it’s local hikes, trying new restaurants, or going on a nearby weekend getaway, take full advantage of being somewhere new. That’s the magic of being a travel PT, your job moves supports your sense of adventure.

Wrapping Up and Next Steps

Once your assignment is coming to an end, you can finish it like a pro.

Request feedback from your supervisor. This is useful not just for your growth, but also for future references. Update your resume with new skills or settings you tackled on assignment.

Talk to your recruiter about what’s next. Do you want to extend your current contract? Try something totally new? Or take a few weeks off to recharge? The choice is yours, that’s the beauty of being a travel PT..

Ready to Take the Leap?

Your first travel PT job is more than just a contract — it’s the opportunity to start a flexible, rewarding career on your terms. You can turn those first-assignment nerves into real momentum with the right prep, a solid recruiter, and a little courage.

So if you’re ready to trade predictability for possibility, start exploring travel PT jobs and connect with a recruiter who gets your goals. Your next adventure is already out there — you just need to take the first step.