Where Can You Work as a Travel PT? Exploring Different Settings

Travel PT assignments offer the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, each with its own unique experiences and challenges, allowing you to develop a diverse skill set. Common environments include outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), acute care hospitals, and home health, while other options may include inpatient rehab, schools or pediatric settings, and specialty areas (pelvic health, sports, etc) although less common. The settings available can vary depending on the travel company and region.

Outpatient Clinics (OP)

Outpatient clinics are a popular setting for travel PTs. You can work in hospital outpatient departments, corporate clinics, or private practice settings. Majority of the time they are Most of my contracts have been in this environment, and I usually choose 1:1 assignments to maintain a solid work-life balance. Outpatient roles often have structured schedules and predictable patient loads, making them ideal for PTs who enjoy a clinic-based environment and consistent hands-on care. In my opinion, if you’re looking for a setting that allows you to maintain and further develop the skills you learned in PT school, outpatient clinics are an excellent choice.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)

Skilled nursing facilities provide rehabilitation for patients recovering from surgeries, illnesses, or long-term care needs. Many patients in SNFs transition from acute care because they are unable to care for themselves at home or lack caregiver support. PTs in SNFs need to adapt to a wide variety of patient conditions and maintain thorough documentation. I haven’t personally worked in a SNF, but it’s important to be mindful of productivity expectations in this setting and to stay as efficient as possible.

Acute Care/Hospitals

Acute care hospitals involve treating patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Travel PTs in hospitals need strong clinical judgment and flexibility, making it a great fit for those who enjoy a variety of cases and a constantly changing environment. I’ve taken multiple contracts in acute care and have had positive experiences. In this setting, the most important skills are thorough chart review and making discharge recommendations. The flexibility is solid, as you can typically start anytime between 7–9 a.m. at most hospitals and leave once your eight hours are completed or your patients have been seen. If you’re an outpatient therapist but also want to maintain or develop acute care skills, there are many outpatient/acute care mixed assignments available.

Home Health (HH)

Home health allows PTs to travel to patients’ homes and manage their own caseloads. This setting offers more flexibility than many others, along with autonomy and variety, as each patient’s situation is unique. Success in home health assignments requires comfort with travel, entering patients’ homes, managing your schedule, and making independent decisions.

Inpatient Rehabilitation (IRF)

Inpatient rehab focuses on intensive therapy for patients with complex conditions, such as stroke or spinal cord injuries. The average length of stay in inpatient rehab is about 1-2 weeks, allowing patients to transition from acute care to rehab and then back home. You typically see patients one-on-one, though there is usually one concurrent session per day. I’ve taken one job in inpatient rehab and enjoyed it overall. This setting challenges your clinical decision-making, though it can be physically demanding at times. Inpatient rehab assignments are less common in travel therapy, but they are still available. You may just need to be flexible about location when taking these jobs.

School/Pediatric Settings

Some travel PTs work in schools or pediatric environments, helping children with developmental, orthopedic, or neuromuscular needs. These assignments may be seasonal or part-time and require specialized skills working with younger populations. These assignments are much fewer than those previously discussed.

Specialty Areas

Specialty settings include, but are not limited to, sports, pelvic health, and vestibular. Availability depends on the agency and region. These assignments can provide unique experiences for PTs looking to expand their skills or explore niche populations.

Travel PT offers a variety of opportunities, from traditional clinics and hospitals to home health and specialized environments. Each setting provides experiences that can help you grow as a clinician while enjoying the flexibility of travel assignments. By understanding the range of settings and what to expect in each, you can make informed decisions that fit your career goals and lifestyle. Always check with your travel company to see what types of assignments they offer, as availability may vary by agency and location.