Official Therapist Blog

Required Documentation for Travel Therapy Jobs

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 02.01.2011 | Category Allied Healthcare, How To's, How to Tips, Travel physical therapy jobs, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy job questions

Talk about a “frequently asked question”! Many rehabilitation therapists who are considering a travel therapy job, especially the new physical therapy graduates, ask us what kind documentation is required for traveling. There are some basic requirements for all travel therapy jobs. Plus — depending on your specialty and the facility where you’ll be working — additional documentation may be required. Your travel therapy job consultant will let you know if additional paperwork is expected as you go along. Still, you’ll make the process more efficient by gathering the paperwork listed below, and you’ll reduce any stress that comes with that last-minute scramble:

• Copies of all active state rehabilitation therapy licenses — please don’t send originals, just photocopies of your licenses — front and back. 
• Copies of your signed AHA-issued BCLS for healthcare providers
• Any other special certifications needed for your clinical area. See this list of allied professional organizations
• Legible copy of your driver’s license, color copy recommended
• A Physician Statement completed within 12 months prior to your start date. Keep in mind that it’s easier to get a signature during a doctor’s visit, so bring a statement form with you on your next appointment — even if you’re just starting your therapy job search.
• Titre results with lab values for:
  • Rubeola
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hep C, Hep B and Mumps titres may also be required, so if you have had any of these drawn, save your results.
• Documentation of annual seasonal influenza vaccine
• Documentation including implantation date, read date and mm of your last two or three PPD’s
• Respirator Fit Test. Whenever you have a respirator fit test, request a copy of the results for your records; you will need it.

Although it isn’t required once you have completed your therapist job online application and skills lists, a current resume is a very helpful addition to your file. A current resume can help us fill in some of the details about your work history, so we strongly encourage you to upload a resume when available. You’ll also want to collect the contact information from the individuals who will be serving as job references. Find a list of therapist job forms and documentation.

You can complete and fax or email any travel therapist job forms to your consultant at Travel Force’s secure fax or email address:

• secure fax #: 888-884-6510.
• secure email: documentation@travelforce.com

Securing licensure approval in a new state can take eight weeks or longer. So if you’re interested in Texas physical therapist jobs, it’s a good idea to start looking into Texas licensure ahead of time. Travel Force Staffing can help with securing licensure and licensure reimbursement for working travelers. We review the paperwork basics with experienced and first-time travel therapists alike — and we remind everyone to keep their resume and their skills lists up-to-date. Every job you take can make you a more sought-after rehab therapist. So touch base with your travel therapy agency now and again to update your skills check lists and profile. In no time at all, you’ll be happily situated in your ideal travel therapy job.

Related therapy licenses blogs

• Want a rewarding career in Physical Therapy?
• Are you ready to begin an exciting Occupational Therapist Career?
• Securing a TN Visa or E-3 Visa is a Straightforward Process to get U.S. Physical Therapists Jobs

Are You a Speech Language Pathology Grad Looking for Top CFY Jobs?

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 10.07.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, CFY, Career Tips, How To's, Speech Language Pathologist, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Top Rehab Careers, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist

Find Clinical Fellowship Year Jobs now and start the therapy career you’ve been waiting for!

At Travel Force Staffing, our recruitment experts are poised to deliver career resources that guide speech language pathologists in achieving just about anything. Highly successful allied healthcare professionals who benefit from our services know how critical a Clinical Fellowship Year job (CFY) is in the beginning stages of a therapy career, and encourage those just starting out in SLP jobs to use our wealth of health marketplace information for the answers they seek.

Q: How do I find high-paying CFY jobs?

A: First step is to register online and complete an application today! Candidates who work with Travel Force gain access to career options in their chosen field, enjoying top pick and pay in facilities that include hospitals, outpatient centers and clinics. Just like any other full-time therapy job, Travel Force CFY jobs come with a generous benefits package.

As a Clinical Fellow and valuable member of the Travel Force family, you will acquire invaluable experience in rehabilitation hospitals, recognized year-after-year as the nation’s best in U.S. News & World Report. Travel Force ensures placement in facilities that provide SLPs with mentors—in other words, licensed speech language pathologists who serve as guides while you acclimate yourself to new procedures. And better yet? At Travel Force, Clinical Fellows enjoy the added security of client support services anytime they need it.

Before advancing in your speech language pathologist career, therapists must grow professionally—exponentially—in a CFY job. If you’re in your last year of graduate school and ready to complete supervised clinical training from a certified SLP, Travel Force can match you to a healthcare facility that needs your talent, STAT!

What are you waiting for? Get ready for your training in the perfect CFY job—one that lets you integrate what you learned in school with clinical on-the-job practice. Apply today for a high income CFY job at Travel Force.

We’ll see you soon!

Tips for Recent Graduates Seeking Permanent or Travel Physical Therapy Jobs

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 09.15.2010 | Category Career Tips, How To's, How to Tips, Physical Therapist Education, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Top Rehab Careers, Travel Therapist, Travel physical therapy jobs, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

How to get your therapist career on the fast track to success

Congratulations on completing a masters or doctorate degree in physical therapy! Now it’s time to land the perfect physical therapy job. New graduates include students with a Bachelor of Science and Masters degree, who spent part of a two-year program doing fieldwork in a clinical setting, and the Physical Therapy Doctorates—a more comprehensive three-year program that fulfills the highest standards in a clinical internship.

How far can you go as a Physical Therapist?

Those holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) from an accredited have hit the ground running. DPTs can expect to land a physical therapy job right away—even with limited experience. The rehab facility that hires a DPT will ask experienced physical therapists on staff to mentor the new recruit. These rehab facilities are likely to offer recent graduates a travel physical therapy job.

Masters level gradates can also expect a lucrative future; they are qualified to take the National Physical Therapy Exam and obtain licensure to practice in any state. Just as it is for DPTs, many healthcare employers see both permanent and travel physical therapist applicants as ideal candidates to train and provide unlimited continuing education credits (CEUs).

What makes a newly graduated physical therapist hirable?

Healthcare employers are looking for specific traits in the physical therapists they interview; the ideal candidate should be able to exhibit the skills he or she has learned during working internships or prior job experience, even if it was as an unpaid position. This much should be clear at the interview for a physical therapy job:

• Ability to multi-task
• High energy level
• Affinity for fast learning
• Ability to work independently
• Exudes self-confidence
• Possesses excellent communication skills
• Eager to heal patients
• Professional and career focused

New graduates grow their skills and expertise in physical therapy jobs, learning how to perfect and expedite their careers with clinical resources and topics that include articles like the Top 40 tips prepared for recent physical therapist graduates looking to get ahead. Physical Therapists are also encouraged to check out social media sites, like Facebook for the full scoop on job opportunities, cutting edge trends in physical therapy, and more.

How to find an ideal permanent or travel physical therapy job

Permanent physical therapy jobs offer bright futures, as there are always healthcare employers willing to train and work through learning curves. Permanent therapy jobs at Travel Force feature the opportunity to work in select specialties nationwide, with assistance from our experts that let you work in a desired location.

Life as a traveling physical therapist means you’re constantly changing things up, working in as many as four different medical facilities a year. Keeping things fast paced and new is a smart way to operate in the early stages of your physical therapy career.

When you work with Travel Force, your resume is padded with the most recognizable and well-received rehabilitation hospitals in America, where you enjoy benefits that include:

Physical Therapy Travel Career Benefits

• Top pay rates and benefits, including Free Group Health, Dental and Life Insurance
• Free Deluxe Private Housing Accommodations
• Tax advantage plan - Travel Force’s tax advantage plan allows you to take home increased pay. Therapists who qualify for the plan may increase their take home pay and benefits by as much as 15%. Meals and incidentals offered.
• Referral Bonuses - Earn even more when you refer a friend or colleague to Travel Force Staffing
• 401(k) Retirement plan
• Travel Reimbursement plan
• Professional Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance
• Licensure Reimbursement
• Free CE Online Courses

Why new grads need an expert staffing partner

Successful job searches begin with a Joint Commission Certified agency, like Travel Force Staffing, offering immediate access to physical therapy career resources. In order to practice physical therapy in the state of your choice, you’ll need to apply for licensure within that state. Travel Force helps experienced graduates by explaining what state physical therapy boards expect when it comes to licensure and certifications.

Travel Force Staffing offers:

• Travel and permanent physical therapy jobs that meet your objectives
• A variety of medical settings, including large outpatient centers
• The ability to set your own pace.
• Exposure to other physical therapists who welcome recent graduates
• Top compensation and earnings for new and experienced physical therapists

Apply with Travel Force Staffing today and start your physical therapy job search immediately. We have physical therapist jobs ready to fill now! Call us now at 800-617-0608 or Apply Online Now.

Therapy Career Resources for Foreign PTs—your Go-To Guide

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 07.23.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, How To's, How to Tips, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist Jobs, Respiratory Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, physical therapy job questions

Foreign PT License Requirements and FAQ’s you should bookmark!

Were you trained for a physical therapy career outside of the United States, and looking for a therapy job here? If yes, welcome to our Go-To guide, featuring information on the Top 10 states for physical therapy careers, as well as direct links to state licensure applications.

Top 10 States for PTs
You’ll note some states’ pages for foreign PTs answer frequently asked questions, while others route the foreign trained physical therapist directly to an online application, instructions for obtaining licensure or all of the above. Every state is slightly different in its approach, but the bottom line is the same: qualified applicants who meet state licensing authority criteria enjoy rewarding and high paying physical therapy careers!

California: The Physical Therapy Board of California assists foreign educated Physical Therapist graduates from accredited and non-accredited programs. You’ll note that this state’s page gives a shortlist of what you’ll need to get in order before you apply, plus a direct link to an online application.

Colorado: The Colorado Division of Registrations provides an online application and instructions on how to take the NPTE exam; it also lists basic requirements for foreign trained Physical Therapist licensure.

Florida: The Florida Department of Health answers FAQs for Foreign Trained Applicants and an “Apply for a license” link that helps you get started.

Iowa: The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Physical Therapist licensure information is the same for foreign and domestic applicants on the online application.

Illinois: The Division for Professional Registration handles licensure for all applicants, both domestic and foreign trained in physical therapy careers; this site does not provide a specific page intended for foreign trained PTs; however, they do provide contact information for sources who can answer your questions.

Massachusetts: The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation states that graduates of foreign physical therapy programs may be eligible for licensure in MA, but that the Board accepts only the evaluations prepared by the FCCPT

Maryland: The Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners provides detailed instructions for foreign trained Physical Therapist applicants; you’ll notice two different licensure links for foreign PTs; one for “Licensure by Examination” and one for “Licensure by Endorsement”. You will also note this state accepts evaluation credentials sent by the FCCPT.

Ohio: The Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board provides an online application for licensure as a PT or PTA, with instructions for foreign applicants on the PT applicant page.

Texas:  The Executive Council of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Examiners provides instructions for foreign trained physical therapist applicants; they provide, on this page, an “Apply for a License Now” link.

Washington:  The Washington State Department of Health reviews all applications for Physical Therapist licensure, domestic and foreign trained, and provides a “packet” of all the materials you will need to work in Washington physical therapy jobs.

Working in Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
For foreign students of physical therapy, the process of obtaining licensure is more difficult for PTAs (physical therapy assistants) than it is PTs—we covered the reason in a related press release, but you’ll want to read on for direct links to therapy career resources that exist to help you transcend this minor obstacle. Just do the following, in the following order, and you’ll soon be working in physical therapy assistant jobs:

Complete all educational requirements to become a Physical Therapist Assistant

• Apply for the National Physical Therapy Assistant Examination (NPTAE), pass it, then successfully take the National Physical Therapy Examination

And

• Apply for a student visa (F1 Visa) and then apply to accredited Physical Therapist Schools; Canadian physical therapists can work on a non-immigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa
• After you complete your education and prior to graduation, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the U.S. for up to one year.

Commonalities Shared by State Licensing Boards
Foreign trained applicants should have the following items in order before applying for state licensure:

• Social Security Numbers: you can apply for licensure and take the exam prior to getting a social security number; however, you will need the S-S-N prior to receiving your license.
• iBT TOEFL: a passing score on this test proves you are proficient in English. Minimum score required is 89, as well as accompanying minimum scores in the test’s four components: 24 in writing; 26 in speaking; 21 in reading comprehension; and 18 in listening comprehension
• A letter: from the applicant’s university stating that at the time the student received their first degree the language of instruction was English.
• Requirements for Credential Evaluations: Once you pass the NPTE exam, you must prove your education is on par with state standards.
• The Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT): This non-profit organization assists many foreign trained PTs in showing their educational credentials are equivalent to current standards in the United States. See if your state board of physical therapy will work with them.

Remember that using therapy career resources, like each relevant link in this blog, can help you get to work fast!  For the foreign trained, as well as every professional working in travel physical therapy jobs, we wish you great luck in your new home!

Footnote: Some online physical therapy career resources cited here were taken from The Rehab License Network, which was created with the goal of making allied healthcare licensing information easier to obtain and/or maintain for rehab professionals.

Physical Therapy Jokes: Join the Humor-in-Hospitals Movement!

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 05.25.2010 | Category Career Tips, How To's, How to Tips, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, humor-in-hospitals movement, physical therapy, physical therapy humor, rehabilitation therapy

Physical therapists are devoted to improving their patients’ quality of life, which means that professionals trained to succeed in their physical therapy jobs must possess the ability to empathize and sympathize; basically, to connect with patients on an emotional level. Since physical therapist jobs are fun and hands on, the sheer nature of the job—how it lends itself to social discussions as you work one-on-one with patients—puts you more than half way there when it comes to establishing rapport.

The good news is you don’t have to perfect your stand-up routine to utilize humor with patients. We have tips for jumping on the Humor-in Hospitals band wagon (cart) even if you’re missing the actual humor cart some medical facilities are using.  Click here for advice on how to create a hospital humor cart of your own.

Cart or no cart, physical therapy jokes don’t have to be jokes at all; they can be funny stories or even observations about what’s on TV—so long as you show your patients you share a mutual interest, hobby, or have something small in common, the potential for laughter is there—as well as the invaluable assurance that patients look forward to seeing you when you’re on call.

And why would physical therapy jokes or attempts at physical therapist/patient warmth qualify as a valuable career resource?

Because it’s the responsibility of physical therapists to provide pain management that lessons the patient’s discomfort. Laughter won’t alleviate pain, but it will provide the temporary benefit of distraction while physical therapists get pain management under control.

It’s true that the clinical skills and knowledge you learned in physical therapy schools are the biggest piece of the puzzle in improving patient mobility and independent function, but the ability to create warmth in doctor/patient rapport is important too; having realized this, more and more hospitals are filling humor and “ha-ha carts” with magazines, funny props—even water pistols.

The medical community has yet to produce definitive research that laughter is literally the best medicine, but studies—like one conducted by the University of Maryland—did discover laughter has some positive physiological benefits.  A good long laugh is equivalent to a couple minutes of cardiovascular exercise. Our pulse and blood pressure go up, we stretch muscles throughout our bodies and we breathe faster—sending more oxygen to our tissues. So bring on the funny jokes and funny stories in your physical therapy jobs!

The bottom line? Laughter is harmless. Physical therapists should hone their sense of humor, beef up their funny stories and funny jokes repertoire and make brightening a patient’s day part of their everyday work detail. When a patient smiles, it’s proof that their quality of life—what physical therapists help give back—is returning!

Footnote:

Interested in learning more from experts on how to use humor for your personal and/or career development? Click on the Humor Project to find pubic speaking events, featuring topics like humor in chronic illness, team building with humor, and the mirthful approach to excellence on the job. There’s no reason why the effort couldn’t translate into excellence in your physical therapy jobs too!

Top 40 Tips for Physical Therapy Career Success

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 04.06.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, How To's, How to Tips, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

The Physical Therapist’s Top 40 Countdown to Career Success and Financial Bliss

If your licensure is fairly new or you’re well on your way to passing the state exam, Kudos to you! Qualified physical therapists are highly compensated, always in demand, and guaranteed a job in just about any healthcare facility. In this article, experts share the tips you need to know on what it takes to get your physical therapy career off the ground and running in high gear.

Staying current with healthcare therapy news feeds is just a small part of being the best; before you know it, you’ll rub shoulders with talented physical therapists from education programs similar to the one you’re in right now—or—if you’ve not yet applied to a program, we deliver a state by state resource guide to physical therapy schools approved by The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)—we’re also counting down to banner personality traits that translate into rockin’ & rollin’ your way down the physical therapist career path.

With a full work or course load, not to mention your continuing education, downtime is scarce, but in the rare event you indulge in iTunes and websurfing, we’re kickin’ it old school with a leisurely Casey Kasem inspired Top 40 countdown of tips travel PTs use in their physical therapy jobs.

So, from #40 on the list to the most important tip at all, remember these facts and therapy career resources, and be #1—oh, and don’t forget the drum roll as we make our way to…budumbumbum…“The Top Tip”!

Salary and Financial Stability:

#40: Salary Surveys reveal that advanced degrees and training are well worth the effort. Physical therapists benefit from dramatic increases in salary after just five years of practice.
#39: PTs don’t have to worry about a recession affecting their careers; as the general population ages and athletes continue to get injured, physical therapy becomes ever more popular.
#38: Rehab therapists may work long hours, but it translates into well compensated overtime pay.
#37: Therapist staffing agencies offer bonus referral programs.
#36: PT salaries vary by state, but the good news is, in physical therapy careers, you can work anywhere! See Physical Therapist salary by  state chart at the end of this post.

A Career with Superb Benefits:

#35: Physical therapy jobs come with stellar medical and dental benefits.
#34: Rehabilitation therapy jobs offer attractive retirement benefits, like 401(k) savings and tax advantage plans
#33: Free private housing in luxury accommodations is available through companies like Travel Force.
#32: Most physical therapists receive free life insurance.
#31: Plenty of employers offer physical therapists licensure reimbursement to practice in the state of their choosing.

Career Advancements & Education:

#30: PT staffing agencies are quick to offer free Continuing Education online courses.
#29: Your physical therapy job provides additional travel reimbursements and road savvy info that help you enjoy your adventures to the fullest.
#28: Physical therapists gain employment with ease through therapist recruitment.
#27: “I can’t get no satisfaction” is a song you’ll never hear on this Top 40 countdown. Job satisfaction among physical therapists is documented in the APTA media room as second in the Top 5 careers for job satisfaction.
#26: You’ll never stop advancing in your physical therapy career unless you want to.

Work In Diverse Healthcare Settings:

#25: Working on the road means physical therapists steer clear of the blahs—nationwide assignments have plenty of flexibility; work as little as 8 weeks or as long as 8 months.
#24: You’ll enjoy lots of variety in travel physical therapy jobs; you can work in hospitals, clinics, offices, schools, home health, rehab centers and more.
#23: You’ll never be bored. Physical therapy jobs are among the most intellectually stimulating careers on the planet. Click here to watch an inspiring 10 minute video about physical therapists, talking about the analytical aspects of their jobs and more.
#22: Physical therapists will not be replaced by computers, and as there is a need for them in every health facility, qualified PT’s are guaranteed a job.
#21: Every day is different for physical therapists, keeping things fresh and exciting; keep up with PT news and learn how to make your therapist career better.

Making a Difference:

#20: You need compassion and humanity! As we get closer to the #1 tip, it becomes more evident physical therapy jobs require giving your whole self over to the profession; that means heart and soul, as well as your mind.
#19: You can become more than a caregiver. Long term care takes a personal turn when you work with patients you care about.
#18: Your work as an educator is paramount. Much of your job as a physical therapist will be educating patients, their families, and the general public.
#17: Cherish a connection to your colleagues? Good. You will interact with lots of other health professionals as a physical therapist.
#16: Physical therapy allows you to mentor patients, families, and other PTs.

Friendships for a Lifetime:

#15: If you hate to be isolated, physical therapy provides quite the opposite experience; in this career no man is an island—to help the patient, you and other members of the rehab team must pull together.
#14: As a physical therapist, you’ll be able to improve the morale of patients and their families.
#13: You can be a giver of hope to your patients
#12: Physical therapy works toward healing, putting an end to pain and suffering experienced by others.
#11: As a physical therapist, your work matters to your patients and their families.
#10: You care about your fellow man, and want to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives.

Get those drums ready! We are getting into the last 10 in the countdown, focusing on the personal traits that make the top earning, top achieving physical therapists.

Resilience & Teamwork:

#9: Physical Therapists need to be able to deal with doctors, patients, and coworkers in a tactful way.
#8: Physical Therapy is rewarding, but nevertheless, hard work—if you’re highly skilled and willing to work hard, this job’s for you.
#7: As a physical therapist, you’ll care for people every day, so empathy is a must.
#6: Physical therapists are constantly learning, so if you love to learn, a physical therapy career is a great option.

Dedication has its Rewards:

#5: Physical Therapists often work on their feet all day with minimal breaks; therefore, physical stamina is important. Stay healthy!
#4: Every day will be different, so being able to adapt is essential for physical therapists.
#3: If you have the ability to communicate and instill trust in people, you have the basic skills for becoming a physical therapist.
#2: You must be able to remember, write a lot, and be organized as a PT.

And let the drums roll, please!…………..

#1: You must be 110% dedicated! Physical Therapy is not just a job—it’s a lifestyle.

Physical Therapist Median Salary by State

How to make your therapist career an open road to happiness and professional fulfillment

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 03.01.2010 | Category Career Tips, How To's, Occupational Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Top Therapy Blogs, physical therapy

Occupational and physical therapist jobs are part of a strong rehab team, wherein everybody understands that attitude is key; a good one takes you places, sometimes—and especially on a Travel Force assignment—literally!

If you’re looking at travel physical therapist jobs or recently landed one, your chief concern is excelling at your new post. There’s no better feeling than being invited to return, receiving an offer to extend the therapist job, or simply making friends you’ll keep in touch with forever.

How can you be “PRFCT” in anticipation of, say, a new physical therapist career? In your best cheerleading voice, “What’s that spell?! “

The ‘P’ is for Professional; the ‘R’ for Reliable; the ‘F’ for Filling-in for a friend or colleague in need; the ‘C’ for Cordiality and, last but not least, the “T” is for Time Conscientiousness—you never, never want to run late.

So, ladies and gentleman of PT and travel occupational therapy jobs world, we give you PRFCT—tion in short order. When you do all of these things right, you can’t go wrong.

• Arrive a couple days ahead of your start date, so you can get a feel for your new environment.
• Make a test drive to work. How long does it take you to leave your new apartment and begin your shift?
• Take a tour of the facility and familiarize yourself with the unit you’ll be working in.
• Remember that your first day sets an overall tone for the rest of the assignment, so make sure it’s a positive “1st Day”!
• Be prepared for anything! Some assignments take a while to get intense, while others hit the ground running.
• Bring at least two pens and a notepad to take plenty of notes on your first day. The more technical savvy can use a new smart phone app called Evernote, reviewed here.
• Be a team player—as clichéd as it sounds, you know what it means and how important it is.
• At the end of each assignment, ask for written references from the colleagues and managers you worked with—it creates positive career momentum for your next job.

Lastly, get on the road to success in your travel therapist career by bookmarking career resources; its links provide, among other things, an opportunity to share pictures of your traveling experiences on all the major social networking sites, find AAA info, Zagat rated restaurants, maps, hotel recommendations, etc. You’ll get psyched to work hard and travel light!