A career model that swaps the permanent position for freedom, adventure, and often a bigger paycheck — here's everything you need to know.

Travel therapy is a staffing model in which licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other rehab professionals accept short-term contract positions at healthcare facilities across the country. Contracts are typically 13 weeks in length, though they can range from 13 to 52 weeks — and are highly negotiable. For instance my first contract was 6 months in length, second contract was 9 months, and my third is 13 weeks. Contracts can also be renewed if both the clinician and facility agree.

The concept grew out of a persistent shortage of rehabilitation professionals in rural, underserved, and high-turnover markets. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics that couldn't attract permanent staff began partnering with staffing agencies to fill gaps on a temporary basis. Today, travel therapy is a multi-billion dollar industry.

As a travel PT, you're employed by a staffing agency rather than the facility where you work. The agency handles your credentialing, licensing, housing stipend or placement, health insurance, and pay. In return, they take a portion of the bill rate the facility pays — the remainder flows to you as a combination of taxable hourly wages and non-taxable stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals.

Settings range from skilled nursing facilities and acute care hospitals to home health, outpatient ortho, and schools. The flexibility is remarkable — every contract you can choose a completely different state, setting, and caseload.