KICKSTART YOUR TRAVEL THERAPY JOURNEY
Here are the therapy requirements needed to make it happen:
✔ Experience: Got at least 1 year of healthcare experience in your discipline under your belt? You’re in! (Therapists don’t require post-grad clinical experience–new grads, you’re good to apply right away. Therapy assistants do require 1 year of post-grad experience.)
✔ Recent Practice: Make sure you’ve worked in your field for at least 6 months within the last 2 years.
✔ Skills Checklist: Keep it fresh! Submit a Skills Checklist completed within the past year (aim for a 3.0 score or higher).
✔ References: We need two solid references—ideally one from a manager, lead, or supervisor and one from a peer.
Got everything? Let’s get you on the road!
Sign UpNational Certification vs State Licensure
In the Therapy world, “Licensure” and “Certification” often get mixed up, but they’re actually two different things. To make it even trickier, these terms can mean different things depending on the law or everyday language.
Travel Therapy Compact Licensure
The Physical Therapy Compact is a game-changer for physical therapists. It streamlines the process of practicing across state lines, opening up new job opportunities and allowing PTs to help more people in more places. This interstate agreement, governed by the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, is designed to boost mobility and enhance patient care.
The Physical Therapy Compact Commission, made up of member states, is the powerhouse behind this initiative, ensuring everything runs smoothly and by the book.
Not sure which license you need?
Use the nursing licensure guide to determine what type of license you may need for your next assignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A therapist professional cannot begin an assignment without a state license. Even if they are not working with patients directly, they must be licensed.
You'll need to follow the specific requirements of each state where you plan to work. Typically, this involves completing an application, providing proof of your current therapy license in the discipline you are applying to work in, and sometimes passing additional exams or background checks. It's crucial to start this process well in advance of your desired start date to ensure you have all the necessary travel therapy licensing in place. Contact a specialist for further assistance with licensing.
The time it takes to obtain a therapy license can vary depending on the state and your individual circumstances. Some states have expedited processes for out-of-state applicants, while others may have more extensive requirements or longer processing times. The timing to secure your licensing varies state by state, so we recommend starting as early as possible so you are ready to start your travel assignment.
A temporary license is a “bridge” toward licensure; the end goal is always to upgrade from temporary to permanent. In most cases, a temporary license can be a great option for a quick turnaround, but a traveler will need to pursue permanent licensure to make sure they can complete their assignment. Not all states offer temporary licensure, so be sure to ask a Licensing Specialist about state-specific details.
