What to Expect Your First Week on a Travel Physical Therapy Contract

The first week of a new travel physical therapy contract can be nerve-wracking. Whether it’s your first assignment or your fifth, that initial week sets the tone for your entire contract. While every facility is different, there are some common themes you can expect during week one that will help you feel more prepared and confident walking through those clinic or hospital doors.

1. Expect Training Modules (Lots of Them)

Before you even treat your first patient, you’ll likely be handed a list of online training modules to complete. These can range from hospital compliance and HIPAA refreshers to equipment use and EMR/documentation tutorials. Some facilities require you to finish these modules before allowing you to fully jump into patient care, while others may let you shadow or start treating while completing them. They will be repetitive and boring, but they’re essential, so it's best to complete them early and get them out of the way

2. Facility Tour & Brief Shadowing

Don’t expect a long, formal orientation like you might receive in a permanent position. While I’ve had a few contracts where I spent a couple of days orienting alongside full-time staff, that’s the exception, not the rule. More often, travel PTs get a quick walk-through of the facility, brief introductions to key staff, and a few hours to a few days of shadowing. You’ll learn where supplies are kept, who to go to for help, and how the daily workflow operates.

Every facility is a little different, so take notes (mental or written) and ask plenty of questions.

3. Learning the Documentation System

Each contract will likely come with a new EMR system or at least a different version of one you’ve used before (such as if using Epic). Your first week will involve learning how to document evaluations, daily notes, progress notes, and discharges according to the facility’s preferences. Don’t stress too much—every therapist documents a little differently. The goal is to find a balance between being efficient and providing enough detail to ensure quality care and compliance.

Some places will give you a formal tutorial, but others will expect you to learn as you go. Either way, give yourself grace the first several days as it’s okay to be slower at documentation at first.

4. Meeting Your Team

You’ll be meeting a lot of new people in a short amount of time such as other therapists, front desk staff, aides, and sometimes physicians or nurses, depending on the setting. Take the time to learn names and get a feel for the culture. This can help you build rapport quickly and make the workday smoother.

Remember, you’re the “newbie,” but also the guest. They’re often happy to have extra help, and most teams are welcoming to travel staff. I have also been treated very well with open arms!

5. Gradual Ramp-Up (But Not Always)

One of the biggest variables in your first week is how quickly you’ll start treating your own caseload. Some facilities give you a few days of observation and a lighter schedule before handing over a full list of patients. Others may have you treating independently by Day 2. It just depends.

I’ve personally had contracts where it took two to three weeks to build up to a full schedule, while in others, I was nearly fully booked by the end of the first week. On average, I’ve had at least a couple of weeks of a ramp-up period. It really depends on the clinic’s needs and current staffing situation.

6. Ask the Right Questions During your Interview

To avoid being blindsided, it’s crucial to ask during your interview:

• “What does the first week typically look like?”

• “Will I have time to shadow or train on the EMR?”

• “How quickly do you expect me to take on a full caseload?”

Getting clarity up front sets realistic expectations for both you and the facility. Surprises aren’t fun when you’re in a new city, new clinic, and new role.

Final Thoughts

The first week of a travel PT contract is all about learning, adapting, and setting the foundation for a successful travel physical therapy assignment. While it might feel overwhelming at first, it gets easier with each contract. Stay flexible, ask plenty of questions, and trust that you’ll find your rhythm before you know it. Once you get through the first 2-3 weeks, you will be in a solid routine!

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