When many therapists picture their ideal travel assignment, they might think of a bustling city, a coastal hotspot, or somewhere with easy access to big attractions. But according to Lacey, our Director of Therapy, small-town assignments might be one of the best-kept secrets in the travel world, and for more reasons than you’d expect.
We sat down with Lacey to talk about the clinical, financial, and personal benefits of choosing a rural or small-town assignment. Here’s what she had to say.
Helping You Grow Clinically
Lacey emphasized that one of the biggest clinical benefits of working in a smaller town is the variety of experience you can gain.
“You’ll likely get exposure to multiple settings on one assignment, especially in smaller facilities where therapists often float between SNF, outpatient, or even home health,” Lacey said. “That kind of variety is huge for your development. It builds confidence, makes your resume stand out, and builds a great foundation for the future.” Not only that, but it’s a great way to gain experience in a setting you’ve been curious about and can help you find the right fit for future assignments.
She pointed out that even new grads have found success in small-town placements, though it’s important to be selective. “I’ve had new grads thrive in rural settings,” Lacey shared. “But it depends on the person and the support system in place. For example, you don’t want to be the only PT in the middle of Alaska without support. But if you’re a PT in a Montana town with a great director and solid team of other therapists you can go to, it can be a phenomenal experience.”
Lacey stressed the importance of using interviews to ask thoughtful questions about the facility, leadership, and productivity expectations. “What’s the support team look like? What are the productivity expectations? Those insights can make all the difference,” She noted.
Lifestyle Perks of Small-Town Living
It’s not just about the experience you can gain; small-town assignments can be a mental and financial reset, too.
“You can often find cheaper housing and even higher pay for these assignments since they’re harder to staff,” Lacey explained. “That combo lets you save more, and that money can go toward student loans, investing, or some great adventures in between assignments!” She also highlights how the slower pace of life and easier access to nature can be a game-changer for travelers feeling burnt out.
“You don’t need to spend the whole weekend recovering from your week,” Lacey said. “In small towns, mentally, it’s just less stressful. You’ve got the energy to get outside, hike, explore, and enjoy your time off.”
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Small-town assignments might not be on your radar, but Lacey has seen them completely change someone’s outlook on travel.
“For some travelers, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered,” she said. “I’ve seen people come from high-productivity, high-stress assignments—seeing 20 patients a day—and then they land somewhere rural with a normal caseload and supportive team. It can totally shift how you feel about your work.”
Going on a travel assignment doesn’t just have to be about hitting up the best places to visit; sometimes it’s about finding a sense of balance and purpose again, she noted. “You’re not drowning in paperwork. You’re actually enjoying what you do again.”
Advantages of Small Towns
From a career-building standpoint, small-town placements can give travelers a competitive edge. “At the end of the day, I’ve seen travelers gain valuable experience and grow in small towns in ways they didn’t expect,” Lacey said.
She shared some of the most common benefits she sees:
- Higher pay in hard-to-fill areas
- More affordable housing
- Experience across multiple settings
- Lower productivity expectations
- Incredible access to nature and outdoor activities
- Lower stress levels and better job satisfaction
“And no, you don’t have to go off the grid,” Lacey added. “There are awesome small towns in every state: Texas, Colorado, California, you name it.” This means you can enjoy the perks of small-town assignments and check off your big-city bucket list on weekends or days off!
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
If you’ve never considered a small-town assignment, now might be the time to take a closer look. Whether you’re trying to build your resume, explore a new pace of life, or simply take a break from burnout, a rural placement could offer more than you expected. Connect with a recruiter today to get started on your next adventure.
