Official Therapist Blog

Travel Physical Therapist Jobs FAQs

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 05.18.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Top Rehab Careers, Travel Therapist, Travel physical therapy jobs, Traveling Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, physical therapy job questions, rehabilitation therapy

Travel physical therapy jobs offer many advantages to physical therapist professionals. Some of the great benefits of travel physical therapy jobs are:

• Physical Therapists get to visit different exciting locations
• Career Advancement by gaining valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings
• Meet new and interesting people along the way and possibly make lasting friendships and career networking contacts

Travel Physical Therapy Job Career Fact: travel physical therapy jobs currently offer one of the fastest growing career opportunities for physical therapists. If you’re a PT who looks for adventure and professional challenges, a career as a traveling physical therapist might just be what you are looking for.

Q: Is there minimum experience required to start a career in travel physical therapy jobs?

Agencies like Travel Force cater to individuals in all stages of their physical therapy career from new grads to experienced working physical therapists alike. At Travel Force, we employ physical therapists including new grads, mid-career professionals, advanced professionals with DPT, to older PTs working through retirement.

Q: How long are travel physical therapist jobs?

Travel physical therapy jobs are typically 13-26 weeks in length. Physical therapists often renew their travel jobs to further explore favorite locations.

Q: Can I work full-time, year round as a travel physical therapist?

Yes, physical therapists can choose to be employed year round in travel physical therapist jobs or take time off between assignments if they wish. Travel Force presents you with PT jobs choices early in your assignment, so you have plenty of time to decide where you want to travel next. Many physical therapists have switched to a career in travel physical therapist jobs because it pays more, advances skills, and encourages travel to fabulous locations for free.

Q: What kind of work will I do in Physical Therapist Jobs with Travel Force?

Physical therapists working with Travel Force find PT jobs in facilities offering the latest technology and advancements as well as small to medium size outpatient clinics offering standard physical therapy services to patients. Travel Force is proud to have staffed therapists in several of America’s best hospitals ranked “Best Rehabilitation Hospitals” by the U.S. News & World Report.

Q: Does Travel Force offer Physical Therapy Jobs close to home?

Yes, Travel Force specializes in finding physical therapy jobs for physical therapists who wish to work close to home rather than relocate. In this case, your free private housing benefit would come in the form of a mortgage or rent subsidy added to your earnings.

Q: What is the pay range that I can expect to earn at Travel Force?

Physical therapist salary starts between $71,520 and $80,000 with a total compensation of $100,000 or more with benefits. Hourly wages for physical therapists average $35 per hour, and spike dramatically after five years on the job. The Travel Force tax advantage plan, coupled with the referral program and sign-on bonuses, plus reimbursement for meals and other travel incidentals means earning upwards of $100,000 a year or more in travel physical therapist jobs.

Q: Does travel physical therapist jobs include free healthcare insurance?

Travel Force is proud to offer a benefits package that includes free group health, dental and life insurance; our plan provides prescription drug benefits, along with a flexible health plan to healthcare needs, and is available to cover your dependents. For therapists who prefer to obtain their own insurance, Travel Force Staffing will assist in subsidizing the expense.

Q: Will  I get Professional Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance with a travel therapy job?

Yes. Travel Force Staffing provides professional liability malpractice insurance to all of our physical therapists, occupational therapists and other allied healthcare professionals on all travel therapy jobs.

Q: Are physical therapists provided a round trip travel allowance?

Yes, Travel Force provides a maximum round trip travel allowance on PT jobs – regardless of whether you travel by car, plane, train or bus.

Q: Do Travel Physical Therapist Jobs offer fully furnished housing?

Yes, physical therapists get fully-furnished free private housing; with upgrades such as fitness centers, pool and more at select properties.

Q: Do Travel Force jobs come with a 401(k) plan and retirement benefits?

Yes. The Travel Force’s company-matched 401(k) plan is generous. You can easily access your account online and individuals with vested retirement benefits may transfer them as they wish.

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Now that you know more  about travel physical therapist jobs; it’s time contact Travel Force Staffing to get your traveling physical therapist started right now. Call us at 800-617-0608 or Apply Online

The Travel Force mission is to provide you with the best career growth opportunities in assignments at facilities with the highest standards of clinical and professional excellence, while offering the most comprehensive support and compensation programs.

2010 Physical Therapy Association Calendar Packed with PT Events

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 05.10.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Certifications, Continuing Education Units (CEU), Fun Events, Monthly Events, Ongoing Education, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Continuing to grow and improve your skills as a PT takes time and dedication. Of course, you’ll learn a lot from your physical therapy jobs; but you’ll also want to attend as many physical therapy seminars as possible, to stay up on the latest trends in healthcare.

Luckily, The American Physical Therapy Association is a great resource for physical therapists. The association’s events calendar is jam-packed with interesting and informative activities, including the annual conference, as well as physical therapy seminars in everything from pediatrics, to geriatrics, to specific parts of the body (e.g., shoulders and feet).

Here’s a sampling of the physical therapy events on the 2010 events calendar, listed chronologically:

Pharmacology for Physical Therapists

• May 22-23
• Chapel Hill, NC
• Description: Study the effect of drug actions on the major body systems, problems of drug interaction, and variables that modify their effects.

Annual Conference

• June 16-19
• Boston, MA
• Description: This annual gathering for the Physical Therapy Association has everything the practicing physical therapist could wish: seminars, networking, discussions, and, of course, socializing with your fellow PTs.

Screening for Medical Referral: The Pediatric Client Birth to Six Years

• July 10-11
• Valhalla, NY
• Description: Course emphasizes taking a history for the pediatric patient and using evidence to screen and review the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, urogenital, and integumentary systems for infants, toddlers through the use of case studies.

Biomechanics, Examination, and Selected Interventions for Foot Disorders

• July 17-18
• Portland, OR
• Description: The biomechanics of the foot and ankle with normal and abnormal motion during walking will be evaluated especially in relation to lower extremity dysfunction and the physical examination of the foot.

Women’s Health-Men’s Health: What All PTs Need to Know

• Sept. 11-12
• Burlington, NC
• Description: Gender and sex differences are presented using an evidence-based, body systems approach that illustrates how the unique characteristics associated with sex/gender matter across physical therapy practice settings.

Evidence-Based Assessment, Examination & Rehabilitation Interventions in the Medically Complex Older Adult

• Sept. 25-26
• Somerville, NJ

Examination and Selected Interventions: Lower Extremity: Hip, Knee, and Ankle

• Nov. 6-7
• Jacksonville, FL
• Description: Course is designed to integrate a comprehensive clinical examination with selected manual therapy interventions for the hip, knee, and ankle.

In addition, there are several physical therapy seminars and conferences for specific disciplines scheduled around the country, such as:

The American Society of Hand Therapists Annual Meeting

• June 23
• Orlando, Florida
• Description: Meeting theme “Best Practice in Hand Therapy.”

Aquatic Section Summit

• Oct. 6-8
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Description: Conference of the APTA’s Aquatic Physical Therapy Section will coincide with World Aquatic Health Conference. Note: e-seminars will be available at this event.

Gait Analysis Seminars

• June 5-6, Tempe, AZ
• Nov. 6-7, New York, NY
• Description: For gait and foot-function specialists: Learn how in-shoe pressure mapping technology is used to analyze foot function and gait by revealing what the eye cannot see.

These are just a few of the numerous choices for physical therapy seminars and PT events around. With physical therapy jobs from Travel Force, you may very well find yourself on assignment in an area that is featuring one or more of these physical therapy seminars and conferences. In which case, you’ll certainly be in the right place at the right time!

Top 8 Physical Therapy Certifications by Specialty

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 04.13.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, Certifications, Continuing Education Units (CEU), Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Get Your Physical Therapy Certification and Earn more in Advanced Specialty Jobs

In the competitive field of physical therapy, you need an edge. If you’re looking for a higher physical therapist salary, preferential treatment in hiring and, most importantly, a huge upgrade in the level of service you provide your patients, you can fulfill all these and more career ambitions by getting certified in a physical therapy specialty ASAP!

We hope all PTs seeking physical therapist certification will jot down the relevant dates and info available in this post; we’ve taken it from a physical therapy source you should bookmark—the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)—timely information regarding your future physical therapist certification is displayed on their website.

But don’t wait—visit APTA’s Professional Development page today, where you’ll have the opportunity to earn Continuing Education credits in virtually all areas of physical therapy specialty; also in the spotlight, is a call to register NOW for the 2010 Annual PT Conference in Boston, June 16-June 19—it’s a great way to network, and investigate the newest products and services.

In addition to your review of the 8 physical therapy specialties outlined here, take heart in other forms of supportive PT literature, offering physical therapy career tips for success.  Remember that professions like orthopedic physical therapy, sports physical therapy and all allied healthcare jobs on this list come with top therapy job benefits.

Without further adieu, here is the Top 8 list:

1.    CCS (Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist)

Your patients:
•    Have recently undergone heart or lung surgery
•    Have been diagnosed with disorders of the heart or lungs
Medical conditions seen by CCS:
•    Hypertension
•    Chronic heart failure
•    Pulmonary fibrosis
•    Bronchitis
Your professional goal:
•    Increase stamina of heart and lungs; improve their function
•    Promote functional independence of patients

2. ECS (Clinical Electrophysiologic Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    Active individuals; their lifestyles or work conditions led to disorder
•    Those who experienced a high degree of trauma
Medical conditions seen by ECS:
•    Carpal tunnel syndrome
•    Injured War veterans
•    Car accident victims
Your professional goal:
•    Treat your patients through the use of a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit
•    Improve recovery outcomes by conducting electromyogram and nerve conduction velocity testing (EMG /NCV).

3.    GCS (Geriatric Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    Elderly people suffering from a wide range of conditions
•    Elderly patients recovering from surgeries, i.e. hip or joint replacement
Medical Conditions seen by GCS:
•    Arthritis
•    Osteoporosis
•    Cancer
•    Incontinence
Your professional goal:
•    Reduce discomfort
•    Hasten recovery
•    Improve mobility

4.    NCS (Neurologic Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    Recovering from a traumatic brain injury
•    Receiving rehabilitation therapy after diagnosis of neurological illness

Medical conditions seen by NCS:

•    Cerebral palsy
•    Multiple sclerosis
•    Parkinson’s disease
•    Spinal cord injuries
•    Stroke victims

Your professional goal:

•    guiding patients in learning to function independently
•    helping patients deal with issues related to neurological disorders, i.e., paralysis or problems with balance and coordination

5.    OCS (Orthopaedic Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    individuals suffering from chronic conditions
•    patients seeking rehabilitation post-surgery
Medical conditions seen by OCS:
•    All injuries, diseases and challenges related to the musculoskeletal system
Your professional goal:
•    To administer an array of treatment options and uniquely tailored therapy plans

6.    PCS (Pediatric Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    Infants
•    adolescents
Medical conditions seen by PCS:
•    challenges related to many types of disorders.
•    Disorders that categorize a child as “special needs”
Your professional goal:
•    help the patient build strength, increase fitness levels or develop gross and fine motor skills
•    improve the patient’s coordination and stability.
•    Detect physical issues early to ensure the best course of treatment.

7.    SCS (Sports Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    Athletes
Medical conditions seen by SCS:
•    evaluation and treatment of patients’ active and chronic pain
Your professional goal:
•    preventing injuries
•    preparing athletes for maximum physical exertion
•    equipment recommendations and tips on enhancing performance.

8.    WCS (Women’s Health Certified Specialist)

Your patients are:
•    Women of childbearing age
•    Menopausal and perimenopausal Women
Medical Conditions seen by WCS:
•    Pregnancy and post partum issues
•    Lymphedema
•    osteoporosis
•    pelvic pain
•    urinary incontinence
Your professional goal:
•    Helping and educating women of all ages with discomfort caused by both short term and chronic conditions.

Look for 2011 applications for Board Certification as a Clinical Specialist—in the 8 different areas of physical therapy specialties we’ve outlined above—at the end of April, when they become available on the APTA site!

For super specific info, download APTA “Application and Info” booklets—and don’t forget to apply for physical therapy certification on time!   July 1, 2010 is the application deadline for all specialties, except Cardiovascular/Pulmonary and Clinical Electrophysiology, which gives you until July 31, 2010.

Get busy this summer—work on your tan after you’re ABPTS certified—check out physical therapy career resources today!  Get that edge only physical therapy certification can give you!

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

Have an Appetite for Fun Food? Check our Therapist Deal’s Guide

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 03.17.2010 | Category Good restaurants nationwide, How to Tips, Locations, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Rehabilitation therapy jobs can create an appetite for fun food; read on to find some great deals ….

In physical therapy jobs, PTs and likeminded colleagues are bound to ask upon arrival in a new city: “So, is there a good place to eat around here?”

Any foodie worth his salt, especially a local one, is happy to answer this question, plugging local cuisine that lends the cities your Rehabilitation Therapy Jobs take place in, character…a la mode.

Yep, it’s the locals who recommend great vegetarian venue guides, like happycow.net, which puts veggie loving therapists in touch with the nearest organic restaurants and health food stores—with any luck, word spreads there’s an alternative to meat lover’s pizza at the next Occupational Therapy Jobs roundup.

Herbivore or meat loving, the locals know where it’s at; that’s why sites like Where the locals eat are worthy bookmarks in the months you work in physical therapist jobs away from home.

Food for thought: When physical therapy jobs mean you’re often too busy to cook, eatin’ good in the neighborhood—at restaurants that come highly recommended—means you’re twice as likely to extend your assignment.

Click on Applebee’s as proof that signing up to receive e-mails at your favorite franchises is a great way to save. Have OT Jobs and physical therapist jobs starved you for time to surf restaurants? Applebee’s sign-up page removes the guess work, and the good news is its simple steps to free membership are very similar to tasty competitors, i.e. Red Lobster’s Fresh Catch Club.

When restaurants like these are running a sale on surf or turf, you’ll be the first PT to know. Check in at all your favorite franchise websites to see what we mean.

You may already be a smart phone enthusiast working in travel therapist jobs whose restaurant app on the ol’ mobile quite capably makes your dining decisions for you, but that hardly means PTs and OTs aren’t interested in deep discounts available in the 2010 Entertainment Book. If you haven’t heard about it already, we’ve got the 411! This huge volume of coupons provides an online membership, where additional (printable) discounts are available just by typing your current zip code; you can also apply for an Entertainment Card, designed for discretion when the bill arrives.

Whether you find the perfect bargain or not, PTs, OTs and the medical professionals in between, gotta eat! Find out on the Travel Force therapy career resources page if you’re destined to work in one of the top 5 travel therapy spots.

Once you get there, make sure to ask: “So, is there a good place to eat around here?”

Ballet Puts Heart Health on Center Stage

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 02.26.2010 | Category Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapy, Therapy Jobs, Travel Nurse Blog , Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

As a physical therapist, you’re probably well aware that February is American Heart  Month – a time to take seriously all matters of the heart, from emotional well-being to physical health.

That means learning to take care of your own needs, as well as those of your physical therapy patients.  (For a review of the five fundamentals of heart health, see our primer on heart awareness.)

It also means reaching out in your traveling physical therapy jobs and finding like-minded health-care professionals to collaborate with on heart awareness.

One collaboration regarding heart awareness even led to a new ballet, titled “Heart (Function vs. Emotion).”  This production of the Bodiography  contemporary ballet company in Pittsburgh debuted on Feb. 19, and featured six performers who happen to be heart patients!

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the heart-centric ballet was inspired by a conversation between Bodiography artistic director and choreographer Maria Caruso, and Dennis McNamara, professor of medicine and medical director of heart failure/cardiac transplantation at UPMC.

The collective experiences of the patients, the doctors, and the dancers in the troupe led to a ballet that many described as life-changing. “We’re all in this experience together in bringing about awareness,” Caruso said.

What a lovely and magical way to commemorate American Heart Month!

Cover letter tips for landing your first physical therapist job

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 02.17.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Career Tips, How to Tips, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist Jobs, Respiratory Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapist licensing, physical therapy

If you recently graduated from a therapy program or expect to graduate soon, there’s good news – and bad news – on the job front.  Though you’ve chosen a career with great growth, there’s still plenty of competition out there – meaning it’s imperative to have a great physical therapy resume that is accompanied by an even stronger physical therapist cover letter.

As we’ve reported, the need for PTs is on the rise, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Demand is strong; new grads are encouraged to apply today to Travel Force and start reaping the rewards and benefits of travel therapy jobs!

But, it’s up to you to present yourself as the strongest candidate possible for those physical therapist jobs.  That means having a resume that includes all of your skills and experience learned in school and during internships and the like.

In addition,  it also means creating a cover letter that sings your praises – loudly. This document needs to be a persuasive marketing tool that highlights your strongest points and reiterates why the employer should consider you for that physical therapist job.

Here are some tips on writing a great cover letter for a physical therapy job:

• Highlight key professional skills developed throughout your career (school and otherwise). Did you develop some sort of “specialty” while in school — a skill you were known to be particularly good at? Mention it!
• Emphasize your knowledge of pertinent technologies; the more cutting-edge, the better.
• Cite evidence of leadership abilities. For instance, if you led a research team, discuss how you motivated your team to accomplish the project
• Discuss your academic achievements as proof of your intelligence and competence.
• Relate your skills, experience, and interests to the employer’s needs. (Do some research on the company or facility: Go online, or ask your Travel Force Consultant for tips and insights.)

For more guidelines, see the APTA’s Guide to the Cover Letter.

And, once you’ve gotten that all-important physical therapist job interview, prepare by reviewing our Interview tips for travel therapists.

Therapy Jobs Growing in 2010

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 02.01.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

2010 has just begun, and already physical therapists and occupational therapists are among the most in-demand allied health workers. With average unemployment rates rising, finding a career with job security may seem an impossible task, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to report an increasing demand for rehab therapists, predicting 30% growth between 2008 and 2018.

The growth of rehab jobs is generally attributed to the increasing elderly population. As the baby boom population ages, the need for rehab therapists in nursing homes and hospitals will continue to increase. Not all rehab jobs involve working with the elderly, however. Physical therapists and occupational therapists can also find work in schools, clinics, and private homes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that as medical technology advances, trauma victims and infants with birth defects are more likely to survive, increasing their need for rehab therapists, as well.

Salaries for rehab therapists are also on the rise, and travel therapists can earn an even greater salary than those in permanent positions. Travel therapists take home an average of 35% more than permanent therapists, while also getting free private housing and earning tax benefits.

To learn more about physical therapy jobs that might be right for you, visit Travel Force to contact a recruiter today.

Top 10 Happiest States Are a Good Destination for Traveling Therapists – Part II

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.27.2010 | Category Locations, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist

Mulling where to accept your next travel therapist job? Consider one of the Top 10 Happiest States – Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Alabama and Maine.

These Top 10 were named in a recent report on the happiest states, which ranked all the states by combining the results from two sources: a nationwide life-satisfaction survey; plus a study gauging a variety of lifestyle factors for each state — such as how much rain and sunshine the state received, commuting time, crime rate, air quality, housing affordability, spending on education and highways, and cost of living, and lastly number of hazardous waste sites.

In Part I of our report, we’ve already described the appeal of the first five states for traveling therapists. Here are details on the second group of the Top 10 Happiest States:

Mississippi

Louisiana’s neighbor to the east. Mississippi offers many southern charms all its own. Rehabilitation therapy jobs can be found throughout the Magnolia State, our nation’s 20th — from Biloxi, the coastal gambling town; to Jackson, the history-soaked state capital; to Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley (who would have turned 75 in 2010). So, slow down and soak it all in, y’all; and when someone asks you where the best physical therapy jobs are, spell it loudly and proudly: “M—I—S—S—I—S—S—I—P—P—I!”

Montana

Are you a traveling therapist who’s longing for wide-open spaces and majestic scenery as far as the eye can see? Then head for Montana, the 41st state. Even in the capital city of Helena, the physical therapist won’t find crowds or overpopulation — unless you’re talking about bison or horses! And the Treasure State sure lives up to its nickname in the geological-wonders department, with two of the country’s premier national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone (America’s first national park!).

South Carolina

Yet another Southern state in the Top 10 (are we sensing a pattern here?!), South Carolina also offers tons of history, culture and nature to the physical therapist. From the romantic port city of Charleston and world-class resort of Hilton Head along the Atlantic coast, the Palmetto State stretches inland to the capital of Columbia, and westward to the upcountry region, with plenty of scenic mountains, lakes and waterfalls along the way. Adventurous traveling health-care professionals, take note: Our 8th state is especially renowned for its water trails – including the longest blackwater river in the nation, Edisto.

Alabama

Alabama, the 22nd state, offers lots of opportunity for the therapist who’s also a history buff – from Civil War to civil rights. Whether your physical therapy job takes you to the Gulf coast town of Mobile, or the capital of Montgomery, or the high-tech city of Huntsville, there’s sure to be plenty to keep you occupied when not on the job. For the athletically inclined, the choice of activities includes hiking, biking, rock climbing, golf, water sports, hunting, fishing and more.

Maine

Traveling therapists will find that Maine, the only Top 10 state in the northeast, is worthy of its high happiness ranking. Our 23rd state is vast in size, but modest in population. Cities such as Portland and Augusta (the capital) are pleasantly compact and livable. Plus, with more than 30 state parks and one of the finest national parks — Acadia — Maine deserves its ranking as the fourth healthiest state. Physical therapist, heal thyself: Take a hike or go rafting, or take a whale-watching cruise, then feast on freshly caught lobster. “Ayuh,” indeed!

Physical Therapists Are Pet Owners Too: How to find a dog-friendly assignment

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.21.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, How to Tips, Occupational Therapy, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Here’s a fun fact: according to recent census data on pets, almost 46 million households own a dog. If you and a special furry someone fall into that category, you wouldn’t dream of leaving Honeybee behind to take a job. With therapy job benefits tailored to your specific needs—those being, especially, pets and children of all ages and sizes—this is of no concern to you; the only thing you need to worry about is finding an assignment that meets your pet lover’s criteria.

If you haven’t heard of DogFriendly.com, you need to visit the site and bookmark it immediately; it provides highway guides, rest stop and park reviews, outdoor dining info and more—all with dog accompanied travelers in mind.

Top dogs in pet related businesses recommend the following geographical criteria for raising a happy pooch:

• The city should be welcoming of dogs on public transportation
• The city should not unreasonably regulate dogs if they are leashed
• The city should have a wide variety of vets to choose from
• The city should feature parks, open to the public and ideal for dogs to roam

In a feature article by Forbes Magazine entitled: In Pictures: America’s Most Pet Friendly Cities, physical therapists with dogs will be inspired to check out Colorado Springs, touted by Forbes as the best place in America to enjoy your pets.

PTs, who just happen to be traveling with their dogs, might also try Seattle Physical Therapy jobs since The Emerald City, as the Washington city is known, offers dog-walking parks galore. Have fun “sniffing around” the possibilities!