What are the necessary steps to becoming a physical therapist? Great question. We'll walk you through the basics and essentials, from the scope of work to education, certification, and landing your dream assignments. 

<p>
  A career as a travel physical therapist offers an exciting blend of adventure
  and healing others. If you&#39;re passionate about helping people live a
  healthy and active lifestyle while exploring new places, a travel physical
  therapist may be the perfect career.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  What are the necessary steps to becoming a physical therapist? Great question.
  We&#39;ll walk you through the basics and essentials, from the scope of work
  to education, certification, and landing your dream assignments.
</p>

<h2>What Does a Physical Therapist Do?</h2>

<p>
  Physical therapists help those with limited movement and motion range, either
  from an injury, chronic condition, or illness. Through various techniques and
  exercises, patients strengthen weakened muscles and manage pain that they can
  then continue at home.
</p>

<h2>Education and Prerequisites</h2>

<p>
  Becoming a travel physical therapist starts with a solid educational
  foundation. After you have completed your bachelor&#39;s degree in a related
  field, such as anatomy or kinesiology, an accredited Doctor of Physical
  Therapy (DPT) program is the next step.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  What is the difference between a PT and a DPT? A PT is a physical therapist
  with a bachelor&#39;s or master&#39;s degree in physical therapy. There is a
  reason why some physical therapists have the D, doctor, at the beginning of
  their title.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  In 2016, the
  <a
    href="https://timeline.apta.org/timeline/the-clinical-doctorate-or-dpt-becomes-the-only-degree-conferred-by-capte-accredited-educational-institutions/#:~:text=Adoption%20of%20th"
    target="_blank"
    >Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education </a
  >(CAPTE) made the DPT the required degree for all its accredited entry-level
  physical therapist education programs. The adoption of the DPT is because the
  <a
    href="https://timeline.apta.org/centennial-timeline/#story-923"
    target="_blank"
    >American Physical Therapy Association</a
  >
  (APTA) recognized that &quot;the complexity of patient needs requires a
  greater understanding of how to treat an individual, one that comes with a
  doctorate-level education.&quot;
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  A DPT program is three years and includes classroom and clinical training. To
  practice as a physical therapist, you must pass the National Physical Therapy
  Examination (NPTE) in the specific state you will be practicing in to obtain a
  license.
</p>

<h2>Acquiring Experience</h2>

<p>
  There are several ways to gain experience that will help you excel as a travel
  DPT, both in your craft and in ensuring a positive patient experience.
</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    Clinical Training
    <ul style="margin-top: 0px;">
      <li>
        As mentioned, you will receive clinical training during your DPT
        program, enabling you to receive hands-on experience in various areas of
        physical therapy.
      </li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>
    Internships
    <ul style="margin-top: 0px;">
      <li>
        Seeking internships while earning your DPT program will expose you to
        diverse clinical environments, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics,
        and rehabilitation centers, allowing you to gain exposure to multiple
        patient populations to become a well-rounded therapist.
      </li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>
    Mentorship
    <ul style="margin-top: 0px;">
      <li>
        Connecting with an experienced physical therapist who can mentor and
        guide you will help you become a more proficient practitioner.
      </li>
    </ul>
  </li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  Your exposure will help you understand and develop the proper
  cross-disciplinary skills necessary to succeed as a DPT.
</p>

<h2>Specialization and Certification</h2>

<p>
  While not mandatory, specializing in a specific area of physical therapy can
  open more doors to career and travel opportunities, increasing your
  competitive edge in the travel therapy job market. Specializing requires 2,000
  hours of experience in a specific area of interest and additional
  requirements, such as passing an exam or completing a residency.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  You can then apply for specialty certification from the
  <a href="https://specialization.apta.org/" target="_blank"
    >American Physical Therapy Association</a
  >
  (APTA), which offers board certification in the following areas:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>Cardiovascular and Pulmonary</li>
  <li>Clinical Electrophysiology</li>
  <li>Geriatrics</li>
  <li>Neurology</li>
  <li>Oncology</li>
  <li>Orthopedics</li>
  <li>Pediatrics</li>
  <li>Sports</li>
  <li>Women&#39;s Health</li>
  <li>Wound Management</li>
</ul>

<h2>Is a Travel Physical Therapist a good career path?</h2>

<p>
  If freedom, various settings, meeting new people, helping patients thrive,
  experiencing new places, and earning a high salary sounds impressive, then a
  travel physical therapist is a good career path.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  Did you know a travel physical therapy position can pay between
  <a href="https://www.apta.org/" target="_blank">15% and 20% more</a> than a
  permanent DPT job?
  <a
    href="https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs"
    target="_blank"
    >US News &amp; World Report</a
  >
  listed a career in physical therapy as the #3 &quot;best job&quot; in health
  care based on the number and percentage of projected openings from 2021 to
  2031 as determined by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
</p>

<h2>Discovering Your Travel Assignment</h2>

<p>
  Support is vital if you are ready to explore a career as a travel physical
  therapist. Partnering with a reputable healthcare recruiter you can build a
  relationship with, and trust will be essential for your success.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  Ensure your chosen agency provides a comprehensive benefits package, including
  insurance, housing, transportation, competitive pay, employee discounts, and a
  sign-on bonus. When you figure out your ideal location, your recruiter will
  present you with available options. Perhaps you crave the tranquility of a
  rural area, the charm of a coastal town, or the energy of a big city.
</p>

<h2>Licensing and Credentialing</h2>

<p>
  Depending on which state you will be working in, there will be various
  licensing requirements. The right recruiter should be able to assist you with
  maintaining the latest state licensing requirements and licensure, which can
  be complex.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  Becoming a travel physical therapist is a fulfilling journey combining your
  passion for helping others and your love for adventure. With the proper
  education, experience, specialization, and guidance from your recruiter, you
  can embark on a career filled with diverse assignments and exciting locations.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/">Cross Country</a> has everything
  you&#39;re looking for in a staffing agency, all in one place. When you work
  with Cross Country, you take advantage of the top-paying, flexible healthcare
  opportunities you want and the industry&#39;s best customer service and
  benefits.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  Start your journey today and positively impact patients across the nation, one
  assignment at a time.
</p>

<p style="margin-top: 20px;">
  <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/travel">Click here</a> to learn more
  about partnering with Cross Country.
</p>


How to Become a Travel Physical Therapist