Taking on a travel physical therapy or occupational therapy assignment offers exciting opportunities for growth and adventure. However, it’s important to ensure the role is a good fit for your career goals and lifestyle. By asking the right questions before committing to a new position, you can gain clarity on the expectations, caseload, work environment, and logistics involved. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced therapist, these 30 questions will help you evaluate potential assignments and make an informed decision.
General Information:
- Why is this position open?
- What are the expectations for a traveler in this role?
- Have you worked with new graduates before?
- Do you offer ramp-up training or orientation for new grads?
- Is mentorship available during the assignment?
Caseload & Patient Population:
- What is the typical caseload for a traveler?
- How many evaluations are expected per day?
- How much time is allotted for evaluations vs. follow-up visits?
- What is the patient population like (e.g., ortho, neuro, post-op, vestibular, pediatrics)?
- What is the average length of stay for inpatient patients?
- Does this role include pediatric care?
Scheduling & Productivity:
- What schedule options are available (e.g., 4x10s, 5x8s)?
- How many hours per week are guaranteed?
- Are weekend or holiday shifts required?
- What are the productivity expectations?
- How are non-billable tasks handled?
- What is the facility’s policy on overtime?
- Is there a ramp-up period for caseload expectations?
- How many patients are expected per day?
- How do you handle cancellations or no-shows?
Team & Supervision:
- Will I be supervising assistants? If so, how many?
- Is there at least one other PT/OT in the clinic to collaborate with?
- How often is staff available for collaboration or support?
Documentation & EMR:
- What EMR system do you use?
- Will I have access to my own computer or tablet for documentation?
- Is documentation expected to be completed immediately during patient care, or is there dedicated time for charting?
- Will training on the EMR system be provided?
- Is time built into the schedule for completing documentation?
Facility & Equipment:
- What types of therapy equipment are available for sessions?
- Are there specialized treatment programs offered (e.g., vestibular, dry needling, aquatic therapy)?
- How large is the facility, and how many treatment rooms or beds are available?
Work Environment & Culture:
- What is the dress code?
- What does the first week of work typically look like?
- Will I be building my caseload, or will I start with a full schedule?
- What team-building activities or events are offered?
- Are there opportunities for continuing education?
Housing & Living Arrangements:
- Where is a safe area to live nearby?
- Are there seasonal increases in housing costs?
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