How to find 1:1 Outpatient Travel Physical Therapy Contracts

If you've been in the field of physical therapy for even a minute you know that 1:1 jobs are hard to find—even in permanent positions. So naturally, most people assume they’re nearly impossible to land as a travel PT. But that’s not true.

In fact, five out of my six outpatient travel PT contracts have been 1:1—no double-booking, no bouncing between patients, and no chasing productivity numbers all day.

Are they everywhere? Of course not. But they’re more common than most people think, and if you're willing to dig a little deeper, you can find them.

Why 1:1 Outpatient Care Matters in Travel PT

Most of us didn’t enter this field to become a name on a schedule or to herd patients through like we’re working an assembly line.

But in many clinics—especially high-volume or corporate-owned ones—double-booking has become the norm, and it takes a toll.

Working 1:1 with patients allows you to:

• Better focus on your patient's care

• Build stronger therapeutic relationships

• Use your clinical reasoning more effectively

• Reduce stress and burnout

• Actually enjoy your work again

Travel PT already gives you flexibility—so why not choose quality, too?

Are 1:1 Outpatient Travel Contracts Really That Rare?

Not as rare as you might think.

They’re out there. Yes, you’ll often find them in rural areas or smaller clinics, but they can also show up in suburban or even urban settings. For example, I’m currently working a 1:1 outpatient travel contract in Indianapolis—proof that you don’t have to be in the middle of nowhere to land one.

They’re just rare in high-volume or corporate settings, where double-booking is standard. The key is knowing what to look for—and what to ask.

How I Find 1:1 Outpatient Travel PT Contracts

Here’s what has worked for me across multiple assignments:

1. Be Direct with Your Recruiter

Let them know that 1:1 patient care is non-negotiable for you. Some may tell you those jobs are rare—but once they realize you're serious, they'll look harder.

2. Ask Specific Questions in Interviews

Ask things like:

• “How long are patient treatment sessions?”

• “Do therapists treat 1:1, or is there overlap?”

• "How many patients are expected to be seen in a 8 hour day."

• "Do you have a productivity standard?"

3. Look Beyond the Obvious Locations

Yes, rural clinics are often lower-volume and more likely to offer 1:1 care. But I’ve also found great contracts in mid-sized towns and private outpatient clinics that simply operate differently.

4. Look for Hospital Outpatient Jobs

Hospitals are often less likely to overbook patients in outpatient settings, and many offer better work-life balance compared to high-volume corporate clinics. Hospital outpatient roles might not always be the first thing that comes to mind, but they can be a goldmine for 1:1 care.

5. Learn the Names of PT Mills

Unfortunately, there are some clinics—often referred to as "PT mills"—across the U.S. that focus on high-volume, fast-paced care. It’s important to learn the names of these places and avoid them. These clinics often double-book patients and emphasize productivity numbers over quality care.

6. Stay Patient and Selective

If you’re committed to quality care, it’s okay to pass on contracts that don’t align. The right one will show up—and it’s worth the wait.

In a profession prone to burnout—especially in travel roles—slower-paced, patient-focused settings can change everything.

You’ll leave your shift feeling like you made a difference, not like you just survived the day.

Ready to find your next 1:1 travel contract?

Click here to connect with my recommended recruiters who can help you find the perfect 1:1 outpatient travel PT contract.