Travel PT has traditionally been used by independent physical therapists to pursue contract work in different locations. CORA’s Travel PT program takes that concept to the next level, helping young PT professionals expand their horizons.
If you are thinking about, training for, or just entering the physical therapy profession, congratulations on choosing this in-demand field. Between now and 2030, the number of PT job openings in the U.S. will grow by nearly 20%, creating ample opportunities for both stationary and travel PT clinicians.
What’s the difference? Traditionally, physical therapists have chosen a location and worked their way up through a corporate structure or private practice. The advantages of staying stationary include steady income, reliable benefits, roots in the community, and specialization to meet the unique needs of the client base.
Conversely, travel PT clinicians pursue contract roles in different communities across the country or around the world. The advantages of being a travel PT include the flexibility of location, and the choices of timing and commitment. The primary disadvantage is not knowing when or where the next opportunity will arise.
CORA Physical Therapy is one of the largest U.S. providers of PT services and recently unveiled an in-house Travel PT program. Senior Vice President of Operations Sally Darlin oversees the program and explains why now is the perfect time for its launch.
“Travel PT is becoming even more popular and attractive to new grads, who have the freedom to explore new areas while paying off school loans. Therapists can enjoy the perks of traveling while also enjoying the benefits of working with one stable and growing company. We consider this program to be the best of both worlds!”
Sally Darlin PT, ATC, LAT, CEAS
CORA’s 250+ locations span from the white sandy beaches of Fort Myers to the shores of Lake Michigan, covering 10 states in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest. In each community it serves, CORA clinics tend to specialize in different types of injuries and rehabilitation services. While shoveling snow may cause back pain in Illinois and Wisconsin, Florida and Georgia might see more fishing and watersports injuries. At each stop along the way, travel PT clinicians learn something new.
“Therapists can grow their clinical skills through exposure to a variety of programs, including pediatrics, sports medicine, worker’s comp, industrial rehab, lymphedema and hand therapy. They can also gain firsthand knowledge of the area from our local team, including the best places to eat, live and cool things to do.”
Sally Darlin PT, ATC, LAT, CEAS
Travel PTs operate on a 13-week cycle, and are offered options for where they would like to be placed next. Each clinic uses the same EMR system, which helps to ease the transition between assignments, empowering therapists to hit the ground running in a new market.
Hopefully, after rotating through several communities, travel PT clinicians will find a full-time position in a clinic that they love. With dozens of new CORA clinics opening each year, there are also many opportunities to manage a new clinic full-time.
Learn more about Travel PT
All the fun of travel, plus the benefits!
Therapists accepted into the travel PT program receive the same great benefits as stationary clinicians, including:
- Retirement, healthcare and an extensive career pathway;
- CORA’s one-on-one year-long mentorship program;
- Tuition reimbursement for advanced certifications;
- Accrued paid time off, which can be used at any time;
- Free internal continuing education;
- Free MedBridge subscriptions for continuing education;
- Additional mentorship from different clinic managers and local leadership.
Travel PT is already a success for CORA, both in attracting the next generation of industry leaders and sharing knowledge among different clinics in the organization.
“This program is a home run for CORA. The clinics have a trained therapist that can walk in and contribute to the team very quickly. The clinics also benefit from learning new best practices, tips, exercises, and innovative approaches that the travel PT picked up from other clinics.”
Sally Darlin PT, ATC, LAT, CEAS
Ideal travel PT clinicians are flexible and team-oriented. They should easily build a rapport with patients and coworkers, embracing life in the communities that CORA serves. They need to have great communication skills, building trust and working relationships easily.
If this sounds like a challenge you’re ready to accept, please consider applying to CORA’s Travel PT program today. Click here for program details and to contact our Talent Acquisition Team.
