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’re not in it alone. Whether you're chasing passion, exploring the country, or simply craving change, traveling as a physical, occupational, or speech therapist offers 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. 

1. Find Recruiters You Like and Trust

A good recruiter makes all the difference. This is someone who should genuinely care about your goals—not just fill a job. Your recruiter should listen, follow through, and communicate clearly with you. One of the best ways to find a great match? Ask fellow travelers. Facebook groups like this Travel Therapy Group can be goldmines for honest recruiter recommendations. You can even find specific groups like New Grad Travel Therapy or Travel Therapy Mentors Community Group to find like-minded travelers. Another great place to find recruiter recommendations is through Instagram. Many travel therapists share their insights, experiences, and agency or recruiter recommendations with followers to help more therapists enter the travel world with ease. Here are just a few travel PT, OT, and SLPs you can check out on IG: 

• Claudia, a travel Occupational Therapist 

• Chelsea A.K.A. Transcend Travel Therapy, a travel Occupational Therapist 

• Rahul, a travel Physical Therapist 

• Whitney & Jared A.K.A. Travel Therapy Mentor, a travel Physical Therapy couple 

• Julia, a travel Speech Language Pathologist 

 2. Set Up Your Profiles with Travel Companies (Yes, More Than One!)

Travel therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig, and neither are the companies that staff them. Setting up a profile with 2–3 trusted travel therapy agencies is a smart way to keep your options open without overwhelming yourself. Your profile is made up of information like your license, resume, references, and job preferences like a specific city or state. This will help your recruiter recommend the travel jobs that are the best possible fit for you. And here’s the good news: setting up a profile is free and doesn’t lock you into anything. Think of it as preparing your resume in advance—so when the perfect job comes along, you’re ready to pounce. 

3. Your Profile’s Complete—Now It’s Go Time 

When something catches your eye, let your recruiter know ASAP that you’d like to be submitted to that job (which is just travel agency lingo for applying to a job). This is also when you want to share any important details — like your preferred start date or any time off you need during the contract. Transparency here helps everyone get on the same page and helps ensure there are no hiccups along the way. You’re also allowed to be curious. Getting submitted to multiple jobs you’re interested in (either in different states or settings) gives you choices. That said, do a little research before having your recruiter submit you to any jobs. Can you picture yourself living in that location for 3 months? Is it close to what fills your cup — nature, good food, urban life, quiet trails? Listen to your gut before committing to an interview. 

4. Interview Time: Stay Open, Stay Confident

While your pet might not join you at the clinic, being transparent with your recruiter and facility about your lifestyle can help you set boundaries and schedule needs. Your coworkers may have local recommendations for pet sitters, parks, or vet services. And many pet parents find an added bonus in working alongside staff who are also animal lovers—instant connection! 

5. Be Prepared to Move Quickly After the Interview 

Be sure to update your recruiter immediately after the interview. Did you like the team? Could you see yourself there? If you’d like to accept the position, say so! Travel jobs move quickly, and hesitation can mean missing out. Being prepared to take the next step will help ensure you’re landing the contracts you want! 

6. Review The Offer Details and Say Yes to the Assignment 

If you’re offered the contract, your recruiter will break down all the details: pay package, shift hours, any applicable housing stipends, etc. This is where you ask questions, clarify details, and get a real feel for what life will look like on this assignment. If the offer feels right, then you’re ready to accept! If it’s not the right fit, that’s okay too. Your next opportunity might be just around the corner. 

Starting out as a travel physical, occupational, or speech therapist can feel big, but every traveler started somewhere. The process gets easier the more you do it — and the more you learn to trust your instincts, your recruiter, and the path you’re carving out for yourself. You’re not just finding a job. You’re building a lifestyle you love, one assignment at a time.