So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into travel PT. Great choice—prepare for adventure, higher pay, and the undeniable flex of telling people, “Yeah, I just move to a new city every three months for fun.” But before you start picturing yourself hiking in the Rockies after work or sipping coffee in a cute Seattle café, there’s one big hurdle: actually landing your first travel contract.
And let’s be real, this process can feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a plan that’ll make sure you land in the right spot, not in some nightmare clinic that double-books patients and expects you to play front desk, tech, and therapist all at once (trust me, they exist).
Timing Is Key: When and How to Build Relationships with Recruiters
I get it—you’re pumped about travel PT and eager to get a head start. Honestly, your drive to plan ahead shows you’ve got the right mindset for this lifestyle. But before you start cold-emailing recruiters six months in advance, take a step back. While reaching out early isn’t a bad idea, it’s not really necessary. The contract you’re eyeing today? Chances are, it won’t be around in five or six months.
If you’re a new grad focus on crushing your final clinical, passing your board exam and getting licensed first. Use that time to build confidence, efficiency, and independence in the clinic—trust me, that’ll serve you way more than stressing over jobs that don’t even exist yet. For licensed clinicians and new graduates, once you’re about 2-3 months from your start date, that’s when you should start reaching out to recruiters. At that point, you’ll have a clearer idea of where you want to go, what setting you want, and most importantly, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
When you do start talking to recruiters, don’t just settle for the first one who replies. Different companies have access to different contracts, and the clinic you really want might only work with a select few. If you’re not talking to the right recruiter, you won’t even know it’s an option. So, play the field—talk to multiple recruiters, see what they offer, and then make an informed choice based on pay, location, housing, mentorship, etc.
Pick Your Setting First, Then Find a Company
Most new travelers get this backwards. They pick a company first and then try to find a contract through them. Big mistake. Not every company has access to the setting you want. If you’re dead set on working outpatient but sign up with a giant staffing agency that mostly places in skilled nursing, guess what? You’re gonna have a hard time finding what you actually want.
Instead, prioritize finding your setting first. Here’s how:
- Talk to other travelers – If you know a PT who’s already traveling, ask them where they’ve had great contracts. Some clinics only work with a few select travel companies, and word-of-mouth is gold.
- Ask recruiters directly – Instead of asking, “What do you have available?” ask, “Which companies have access to the best outpatient (or whatever setting you want) contracts?”
- Use recruiter recommendation forms – If you have no idea where to start, filling out a recruiter recommendation form (like the one we have on our site!) can help you connect with the right people.
If you’re not super picky about where you go, big companies will always have plenty of options. But if you’re a new grad, you should absolutely be picky about your first contract.
Your First Contract Can Set the Tone for Your Travel Healthcare Experience
Your first contract is crucial—it can either set you up for success or leave you questioning your decision to travel. A challenging contract can quickly turn exciting opportunities into frustrating nights spent catching up on work, while a well-balanced contract will help you build confidence and grow in your role.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🚩 Lack of support – If you’re expected to manage everything from patient scheduling to administrative tasks on your own, that’s a red flag my friend. Look for contracts with adequate team support. We’ve interviewed at clinics that double book, have no techs and you do the scheduling (barfs).
🚩 Unrealistic expectations – Whether it’s productivity, caseload, or long hours, make sure your workload leaves room for exploration and rest. Don’t let your weekends be consumed by catching up on work.
🚩 Excessive double or triple bookings – If you’re new to a setting, juggling multiple patients at once can be overwhelming. It’s okay to ask for manageable caseloads as you get accustomed to the travel lifestyle and work environment.
A solid first contract should offer the right balance—manageable expectations, adequate support, and room for personal growth. To ensure you’re stepping into the right role, asking the right questions during the interview process is key. Click here to see our list of essential interview questions that will help you assess the contract and setting before you commit.
The Bottom Line
If you take nothing else from this, remember:
✅ Start talking to recruiters 2-3 months in advance.
✅ Find the setting you want first, then find a company that can place you there.
✅ Be picky with your first contract.
Get this part right, and travel PT will feel like the dream job it should be—high pay, new adventures, and a career that doesn’t tie you down. Now, go start making connections and lock in that first contract!
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