Becoming a travel occupational therapist (OT) is a rewarding adventure that combines your job with the ability to travel the country. You may be excited to get started, but before you hit the road, there are a few key decisions you’ll need to make. To help, we’ve outlined the steps you can take to help you through the process. From graduation to your first assignment and beyond, we are here to help!
Start with a strong foundation
Your journey to becoming a travel occupational therapist begins with you gaining your degree. The degree you gain must belong to a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Once you’ve received your occupational therapy degree and fulfilled all your field work requirements, you have to pass the NBCOT exam. From there, you’ll have to apply for a state license in whatever state you want to work in. As a traveling occupational therapist, this means applying for a state license in each new state you want to work in. Understanding the licensing process for multiple states early on and getting a good handle on all your documents can help you stay ahead.
Choosing the right agency and recruiter
Once you have your license(s) in hand, it’s time to explore the world of travel therapy agencies. This part of your journey is about more than just finding a job placement, it’s about finding people who truly support your goals and growth. When looking at different agencies, you will want to evaluate their reputation, the jobs they offer, their benefits, as well as what support they offer their travelers. Keep in mind things that will make your journey easier, like a strong compliance team or housing resources.
However, just as important, if not more important, than choosing the right healthcare staffing agency is finding the right recruiter. Interview a couple – and make sure you ask them questions. Questions like, why are you a recruiter, what support do you provide during assignments, what’s your communication style like, and others that give you a good sense if you will be a good match together.
Finding the right recruiter is critical. This is because your recruiter is more than just the person who sends jobs your way – they’re your advocate on the other side. They can help guide you through any questions you have and provide you with a friendly voice whenever you are in a new city. Make sure you look for a recruiter who listens, communicates clearly, and genuinely wants to help you succeed.
Finding the perfect assignment
You’ve selected your agency, you have a recruiter, and now it is the point in your journey of becoming a travel occupational therapist where you pick your first assignment. The trick to finding your perfect assignment is twofold. First, you want to be firm on your non-negotiables, but then learn to be flexible with everything else. If location is most important to you, then understand that you may have to adjust to a different setting or pay range.
Second, you want to have clarity. Guarantee all your I’s are dotted and T’s crossed. Have a full understanding of the expectations of the assignment. Know what your guaranteed hours are, expected scheduling, and things of that nature, so you know exactly what the job entails, and you don’t run into any surprises down the road.
Bring along a friend
One of the best parts of becoming a travel occupational therapist is that you don’t have to do it alone! While some therapists love traveling solo, others prefer the camaraderie of going with a friend or partner. Traveling with another therapist can ease the transition into new places, make housing easier to coordinate, and offer built-in support as you adjust to a new clinical setting.
Travel With Ventura MedStaff
When you’re ready to start the adventure of becoming a travel occupational therapist, we’re here for you! We offer assignments in all 50 states, contact a recruiter today to learn more and get started.
