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What it is, how it works, and why it matters for your career

If you’re a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant dreaming about taking your skills on the road (or the next state over), there’s one tool that can make that process a whole lot easier: the PT Compact. 

In Short, the PT Compact is an agreement between 35 states plus Washington, D.C. (as of July 2025) that allows eligible PTs and PTAs to practice in another state without having to go through the full licensure process for each state. Instead of waiting weeks —or sometimes months—for a new license to process, you can purchase a compact privilege and often start working in your new location that very same day.  

Think of it as a passport for your license: once your home state—where you live and are licensed—participates in the compact agreement and you're in good standing, you can quickly add other compact states privileges to your resume with minimal red tape. It’s a game changer for travel therapists who want flexibility, speed, and more options when choosing assignments. 

A beginners guide to help you land your first travel PT, OT, or SLP job, prep for the road, and thrive from day one

Your new adventure starts here—and you’renot in it alone. Whether you're chasing passion, exploring the country, or simply craving change, traveling as a physical, occupational, or speech therapistoffers you a career path that’s equal parts meaningful and adventurous. But how do you actually get started traveling?Here’s your step-by-step guide to a smooth beginning to your journey as a travel therapist. 

Keeping Your Four-Legged Friend Close While Pursuing Your SLP Travel Career 

For many travelSpeech-Language Pathologists, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where their furry companion curls up after a long shift, greets them with tail wags or purrs, and turns every short-term assignment into something that feels a little more permanent. If you're a therapist considering the leap into travel but wondering how your four-legged friend fits into the picture, you're not alone. Pet parents are finding creative, fulfilling ways to take their animals along for the adventure—and they’re thriving. 

Landing an interview as a traveling Occupational Therapist isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a powerful reminder that your skills are needed somewhere new. It’s a doorway into a community you’ve yet to meet, filled with clients whose lives you might help transform, one session at a time.  

And while interviews can bring a few nerves, they’re also your chance to speak about your passion out loud, connect with a future team, and begin a journey rooted in both service and self-growth. Here’s how to walk into your travel OT interview prepared, confident, and grounded in your purpose.

Every new contract is a chance to hike unfamiliar trails, paddle across new lakes, connect with strangers-turned-friends, and make a difference along the way. For travel therapists who live for the thrill of the unknown and the freedom of the open road, packing isn’t just preparation—it’s the first step into something extraordinary.Whether you're venturing into national parks, exploring coastal towns, or mapping out weekend road trips between shifts, here’s your essential guide to packing smart, light, and with purpose.