Can You Be a Travel PT as a New Grad?

If you’re nearing graduation or just passed your boards and already dreaming about working in new places, having great flexibility, exploring different settings, and getting paid well to do it then you’ve probably asked yourself:

“Can I be a travel PT as a new grad?” The short answer is yes.

But there are some key things you need to know before jumping in.

Yes, New Grads Can Start Traveling

There’s no rule that says you need to spend a year or two in a permanent position before starting a travel PT career. In fact, many new grads begin traveling right away and find great success. You may have heard warnings like “you’ll be thrown to the wolves,” but in my experience, that has not been the case. Each facility I’ve worked at has provided adequate training and support. That said, travel PT does come with its own unique challenges so having a solid clinical foundation, confidence in your skills, and a high level of adaptability is essential.

The Benefits of Starting Travel PT as a New Grad

1. Great Pay

Travel PTs as a new grad will earn much more than their permanent counterparts, especially when factoring in tax-free housing stipends and per diems. For new grads staring down student loans, this will be a game-changer.

2. Freedom and Flexibility

Want to live near the mountains for a season, then try coastal life next? Travel PT lets you do that without being locked into a lease or long-term commitment. It’s a chance to experience different parts of the country while building your career.

3. Diverse Clinical Experience

Working in different settings with varied patient populations helps you grow quickly as a clinician. You’ll see more of a variety of cases, learn faster, and develop strong clinical instincts early on.

4. Less Life Baggage

As a new grad, you likely don’t have a mortgage, kids, or other major responsibilities that make relocating difficult, making it an ideal time to explore travel PT. And even if you do have obligations, it’s still possible to make it work. Many travelers successfully balance relationships, pets, or even families while on the road, although it takes a bit more planning.

I personally managed a long-distance relationship during my early travel contracts, and it worked out just fine!

What to Watch Out For

While travel PT offers amazing opportunities, it isn’t always easy when you do not have much experience.

1. Lack of Mentorship

Most travel contracts don’t offer formal mentorship. You may be the only PT at a facility or expected to work independently from day one (but you can ask in the interview so you can avoid this). That can be tough if you're still building confidence.

2. Steep Learning Curves

Each new contract may use different documentation systems and have a different patient caseload. You may need to adapt quickly depending on the facility.

3. Logistical Stress

Housing, licensing, and tax homes can be a lot. New grads need to be extra organized or work with recruiters/agencies that offer strong support. You can also check out my other blogs that have talked about these topics.

4. Potential for Burnout

Traveling constantly can feel isolating if you don’t build a support system and do fun things outside of the job. The freedom is great, but make sure you use it! I actually feel more refreshed with travel PT because contracts only are for 3 months (or more if you like/love it)!

Tips for Succeeding as a New Grad Travel PT

If you’re serious about traveling straight out of school, here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Stick to Familiar Settings
  Choose contracts that match your strongest clinical rotations.

• Ask About Support
  Some travel companies offer onboarding help, CEU stipends, or even mentorship. Ask your recruiter early in the process.

• Vet the Contract Carefully
  Avoid facilities where you'd be left completely alone (or only PT on staff). Look for contracts where you're part of a team.

• Join Different Communities
  Connect with other travel PTs online such as on Reddit, Facebook groups, or Instagram.

• Know Your Limits
  Travel PT is a steep learning curve. If you're unsure, consider doing 6 months to one year of permanent work to build your clinical skills and confidence.

I strongly encourage you to consider becoming a travel physical therapist right out of school. It’s not always easy, and it’s not for everyone. But if you're adaptable, eager to learn, and up for a little adventure, travel PT can be one of the most rewarding ways to start your career. Each contract will likely become easier over time as you gain efficiency in documentation and patient care.

Need help figuring out if it’s the right move for you?
Send me a question here.