The physical therapy field faces a critical shortage, with demand projected to outpace population growth significantly. This article explores how travel PT jobs offer a dynamic solution to this pressing issue. By addressing staffing gaps in underserved areas, providing diverse expertise, and reducing burnout, travel PT positions play a crucial role in maintaining quality care nationwide while offering unique opportunities for therapists to grow professionally and personally.
Is there a physical therapist shortage?
Yes, physical therapists (PT) are in high demand nationwide. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the demand for physical therapists is projected to reach 14.7% over the next decade. This figure is almost double the projected U.S. population growth of 8%. Scaling back to the current timeline, there is already a shortage of thousands of physical therapists needed—calculated to be a 5.2% shortfall according to the APTA’s latest data.
One of the many factors to blame is the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Given the immense pressure allied health clinicians faced, many opted to retire early or switch fields entirely. Between 2021-2022, the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) reported more than 15,000 PTs left the occupation, highest among all allied health jobs. Unfortunately due to the barriers to entry of the field, the shortfall of PTs is not expected to improve. This can be attributed to the high cost of education, length of PT programs, physical demands, licensure requirements, among other constraints.Â
How many years does it take to become a physical therapist?
It takes approximately six to seven years to become a physical therapist, according to the APTA. PTs must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, complete residency assignments, and pass their state licensure exam. Given the complexity and potential six-figure price tag on the degree, many candidates are either currently in the middle of their education or considering other options. However, those who stuck through the educational process reported to the U.S. News & World Report Rankings, high levels of satisfaction.Â
But, like all jobs in healthcare, the increasing shortage can lead to burnout. That’s why clinicians and facilities have turned to travel PT jobs.
How do travel PT jobs ease the physical therapist shortage?
Travel PT jobs play a crucial role in addressing the physical therapist shortage by offering several benefits to both healthcare facilities and therapists. Here’s an expanded look at how these positions help:
Provide Coverage for Underserved Populations
Travel PT jobs are instrumental in bringing care to underserved areas, which include both rural and aging populations:
- Rural Areas: Many rural communities struggle to attract and retain permanent physical therapists. Travel PTs can fill these gaps, ensuring that residents in remote areas have access to essential rehabilitation services.
- Aging Populations: As the population ages, the demand for physical therapy services increases, especially in retirement communities or areas with a high concentration of older adults. Travel PTs can meet this growing need by providing specialized care for age-related conditions.
- Temporary Staffing Solutions: Healthcare facilities can use travel PTs to cover staff shortages during peak seasons, maternity leaves, or unexpected vacancies, ensuring continuity of care.
Diverse Expertise/Experience
Travel PTs bring a wealth of diverse experiences to healthcare facilities:
- Varied Clinical Settings: Travel PTs work in multiple settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, gaining exposure to different patient populations and treatment approaches.
- Best Practices Sharing: As they move between facilities, travel PTs can share best practices and innovative techniques they’ve learned, enhancing the overall quality of care.
- Adaptability: The nature of travel work fosters adaptability, allowing these PTs to quickly adjust to new environments and patient needs.
- Specialization Opportunities: Travel PTs can seek assignments that align with their interests, potentially leading to specialization in areas like sports medicine, geriatrics, or pediatrics.
Reduce Burnout
Travel PT jobs can significantly help in reducing burnout among physical therapists:
- Work-Life Balance: Travel assignments often offer flexible schedules and the opportunity for breaks between contracts, allowing PTs to maintain a better work-life balance.
- Change of Scenery: The ability to work in different locations can prevent the monotony that sometimes leads to burnout in permanent positions.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Travel PTs typically focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks, which can be a significant source of stress for permanent staff.
- Professional Growth: The variety of experiences gained through travel work can reignite passion for the profession and provide new challenges that keep PTs engaged.
Additional Benefits
- Economic Impact: Travel PTs can bring economic benefits to underserved areas by supporting local businesses during their stay.
- Cultural Competence: Working in diverse communities enhances cultural competence, improving patient care and communication.
By addressing these aspects, travel PT jobs not only help to alleviate the immediate shortage of physical therapists but also contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the profession.
Interested in becoming a travel physical therapist? We have many open travel PT jobs on our job board—check them out and apply today!