Physical Therapists’ FAQ

General Physical Therapist Information

What Is a Physical Therapist?

The model definition of physical therapy adopted by the American Physical Therapy Association states that physical therapy includes:

• Examining individuals with impairment, functional limitation, and disability or other health related conditions in order to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention.
• Alleviating impairment and functional limitation by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions.
• Preventing injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and quality of life in people of all ages.
• Engaging in consultation, education, and research.

How to Become a Physical Therapist

To become a physical therapist, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy, including numerous science courses, especially chemistry, biology and physics. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) web site (apta.org) provides up-to-date information about the physical therapy field. The APTA also provides a list of accredited schools. You should contact your top choices to find out more about their admissions standards.

Per Diem Physical Therapy Staffing

What per diem opportunities are out there?

There are lots of opportunities for per diem physical therapists. You have the option to work in per diem, part-time, full-time, or blocked assignments. You can choose your shift and work preferences, and coordinate with the facility to match your particular needs.

Where can I work as a per diem physical therapist?

Per Diem physical therapy jobs are offered everywhere from your local hospital to around the country. Some of the places you can work in as a per diem physical therapist are: Hawaii, Florida, Texas, California, Alaska, Montana, Maine, Washington, Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Arizona.

How do I get started in per diem physical therapy?

To get started on finding per diem physical therapist work, we recommend connecting with a recruiter from one of our partner sites by completing our online application. After you have completed the application, a recruiter will get in touch with you to discuss your per diem physical therapy career goals, location preferences, work experience and availability, and assist you in completing your registration. Your registration includes providing your recruiter with additional information required by OSHA and JCAHO, such as health clearance paperwork, licensure verification and a completed qualifying exam. From there, your assigned recruiter will present your per diem physical therapist employment application and capabilities to the appropriate facilities based on your personal schedule and requirements.

How long will it take to before I can begin my per diem work?

Application approval is usually complete after your agency has checked your references. You could begin your first assignment within one week, as long as your documentation is in order and you have the proper requirements the facility is looking for.

Travel Physical Therapy Staffing

Why do physical therapists travel?

Some healthcare professionals travel to see different parts of the country, while others travel because they will receive better compensation. It depends on the individual, but most healthcare professionals travel for a combination of location, pay, benefits, and professional opportunities.

What are the minimum requirements to become a traveling physical therapist?

You must have an advanced degree from an accredited healthcare program in the United States or Canada. Some facilities also require one year of professional experience.

How do I become a traveling physical therapist?

The first step to getting your traveling physical therapist job is to find a travel healthcare staffing agency. To connect with a recruiter from one of our partner sites, simply complete our online application. After you have completed the application, a recruiter will get in touch with you to discuss your travel physical therapy career goals, location preferences and work experience and begin to coordinate telephone interviews with the facilities you are interested in.

How long are travel assignments?

A typical assignment is 13 weeks, but some companies offer different ranges of assignments.

Where can I go as a travel physical therapist?

Most healthcare staffing agencies have positions available across the country in all 50 states. Some of the exciting places you can work in as a travel physical therapist are: Hawaii, Florida, Texas, California, Alaska, Montana, Maine, Washington, Colorado, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Arizona.

Where will I live and how do I get to my assignments?

Most placement agencies offer free housing as part of their package offering. If you arrange for your own housing they will normally provide you with a subsidy based on your assignment location. Typically you will be placed within a short distance to the facility you will be working at, however it is often recommended that you take your vehicle with you so that you will have a means of transportation. Most agencies will reimburse you for miles traveled to and from your assignment.

If I'm on assignment and don't like it, do I have to stay?

You are obligated to the facility and your placement agency to complete your designated assignment. Once an the term is complete, it is up to you to decide if you’d like to continue with another travel assignment or select a different career option.

Can I travel with family or friends to my assignments?

Yes! Traveling as a physical therapist is a fantastic way to explore the country with your family or best friends. Most agencies will make arrangements to provide you with housing suitable for your family and/of friends.

Is it possible to take an assignment together with a friend?

Yes! Many travelers select their assignments together and either work at the same hospital or at different hospitals in the same city. Some travelers share apartments while others arrange to have their own private apartments in the same complex.

Permanent Placement Physical Therapist Jobs

How do I get started?

One of the best ways to search for a permanent physical therapy job is to connect with a job placement agency recruiter, which you can do by completing our online application. Your recruiter will work with you to understand your goals and interests, collect all of the necessary information, and start the search to find you the perfect job. Your recruiter will also take care of the details of every aspect of the placement process from making sure your CV is in order, to arranging interviews and everything in between.

Will using a recruiter affect my salary?

No. The fees that are paid to recruitment firms are budgeted items and do not impact your salary or income guarantees. Salary and compensation largely depends on your specialty and experience, as well as the geographic location you choose.

How does the placement process work?

With most placement agencies, the process is focused on preparation. They know the decision makers in the search process, the culture of each organization, and the reputation the facility has in the marketplace. Candidates must be willing to invest in the process for it to have a successful outcome. "Investing" means making time to interview, preparing for interviews, being honest with your feelings and opinions, and keeping your representative updated on your other job leads.

Why is a relationship with a recruiter better than searching and posting on an Internet job board?

Rather than relying on an impersonal system to match you to a position, a trained professional works with you to find positions based on your experience, needs and goals. Most recruiters also know about positions that you will not find on Internet job boards.

Will my information be used without my knowledge?

No. Your recruiter will always contact you before sending your CV to interested employers.

What about confidentiality? I do not want anyone at my present facility to know I am looking.

Recruiters abide by a strict confidentiality policy. Databases are proprietary and not accessible to anyone outside of your chosen organization. No one will have access to your information other than your recruiter.

How do I find out about opportunities?

The best way to find out about our opportunities is to stay in touch with your recruiter. He or she can tell you about positions that meet all of your requirements or act as your agent to find ones for you.

Compensation for Physical Therapists

What will my physical therapist salary be?

Per diem, travel and permanent pay rates depend on your specialty and experience, as well as the facility and the location.

Are cash bonuses paid at any assignments?

Yes, many facilities offer cash bonuses—but these range greatly based on whether you are working in per diem, travel, or taking a permanent position.

Are there programs / reimbursement for Continuing Education?

Yes! Most placement agencies have programs to help you enhance your credentials and education.