The Biggest Myths About Being a Travel PT

Travel physical therapy sounds exciting, but it also has a reputation that can scare people away. Maybe you’ve heard it’s unstable, too risky, or only for young, unattached adventurers. The truth is, most of these “downsides” are exaggerated or simply myths. While some people may have had a bad contract that led them to stop traveling altogether, for the vast majority, that’s not the case.

Let’s break down the five biggest misconceptions about travel physical therapy.

Myth 1: You Can’t Travel as a New Grad

Reality:
Many new grads launch their careers in travel PT and often do just fine or even thrive. While mentorship and support are important for some, new therapists can succeed by choosing the right assignments, asking thoughtful questions during interviews (also asking plenty of questions to other staff during the contract!), and partnering with a recruiter who understands their goals. Travel can actually accelerate learning by exposing you to a variety of patient populations, documentation systems, and treatment settings early on.

Personally, I didn’t start traveling immediately after graduation. I spent my first year working in acute care. But I still consider myself a new grad traveler when I took my first contract because it was in an outpatient setting. It ended up being one of my favorite assignments. That experience showed me that starting out of school in travel physical therapy is very doable.

Myth 2: You won't Have Stability or Community as a Traveler

Reality:
Being a traveler doesn’t mean being alone. Many PTs extend their contracts, return to favorite locations, and build lasting friendships along the way. Some even maintain long-term relationships with facilities or colleagues and create a nationwide network of professionals and friends. Stability might look different in travel PT, but it’s definitely achievable. In my case, I joined an adult softball league during my last travel physical therapy contract and ended up extending the assignment to a total of six months.

Myth 3: You’ll Be Sent to Jobs That No One Else Wants

Reality:
While it’s true that some facilities post travel jobs because they’re struggling to retain full-time staff, that’s not always the case. Many assignments are at well-respected hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehab centers that simply need short-term coverage—for example, when permanent staff go on maternity leave or have surgery. With a reliable recruiter and good interview preparation, you can find quality placements that match your goals and values. Several of my assignments have been at places where I could genuinely see myself settling down long-term as a full-time clinician, and five out of six of my outpatient jobs have involved one-on-one patient care.

Myth 4: It’s Too Complicated with Taxes, Housing, and Licensure

Reality:
The logistics can feel overwhelming at first, but hundreds of travel physical therapists navigate them every year. Resources like TheTravelDPT.com, experienced recruiters, and professional tax advisors help make the process manageable. Once you get the hang of it, tasks like managing multi-state licensure, understanding tax home rules, and finding short-term housing become routine. While it does require more organization and planning, you would still need to manage similar tasks if you were maintaining rent or mortgage, paying taxes, and keeping up with license requirements and continuing education in a full-time job.

Myth 5: You’ll Fall Behind in Career Growth

Reality:
On the contrary, travel PT can boost your career. Exposure to diverse patient populations, settings, and systems helps you become more adaptable and clinically versatile. You will constantly be learning and discovering ways to work more efficiently. Working alongside a variety of clinicians encourages an open-minded approach that can be less common among full-time staff. Employers often value the flexibility and broad experience that travelers bring. In fact, some travel PTs move into leadership, management, or specialty roles faster than their permanent counterparts.

Conclusion

Travel PT isn’t for everyone, but it’s far less risky or unstable than the myths suggest. There are hundreds of jobs available across a wide variety of settings, and honestly, all you really need is a license and a pulse. With the right mindset, support, and preparation, travel PT can become a launchpad for personal growth, clinical development, and unforgettable life experiences.

If you’re curious about exploring travel PT for yourself, don’t let the myths hold you back. Take the first step by connecting with trusted recruiters who can guide you through the process and help find assignments that fit YOUR goals. Your next adventure and career growth could be just one conversation away.