Last Updated Aug 2013
There are hundreds of health care staffing companies operating in the US right now and hundreds, if not thousands, of travel therapy job opportunities up for grabs. If you’re a physical or occupational therapist, then considering to become a traveler might be the right career move.
Travel therapists are constantly in demand nationwide. What’s more, and this is especially true if you’re an excellent worker, travelers generally earn a comfortable living compared to permanent therapy employees.
Leaving one’s backyard isn’t for everyone though, and before you decide to give it a go you have to look at the pros and cons.
Many will tell you that not only is traveling great for one’s career in therapy but it’s also a good way of widening one’s horizons and enriching the soul. Here are just some of the reasons to take a travel assignment:
Visit New Destinations
Even if you’re someone who doesn’t like to travel, you might want to give it a try. It’s not the same as visiting another state for the weekend or a short vacation. To take on a travel assignment means to live in a new city for a couple of months. After a while, 
you stop being a tourist and start living in a new location. It’s a great learning experience. You will discover how people actually live in other places and, in the process, learn something about yourself. Maybe you like a warmer climate than what you’re used to. You’ll never know until you actually you give it a try. Another thing that differentiates travel therapy from
vacationing is that you get paid while exploring new territories. Instead of spending money to see the country, you’d actually be earning.
Flexibility
Since travelers can pick and choose locations to go with the therapy job, they’ll be able to plan out their life a little bit better. For instance, after two consecutive assignments, you might feel the need to stop working for a few weeks to take care of a personal project or go on vacation with your family. Go ahead. No one will stop you. Permanent employees can’t take month-long breaks every so often but travelers can.
Meet New People
For the typical thirteen weeks that travel therapists are on an assignment, they will get the chance to meet new people. Each new health care facility is a treasure throve of new relationships, some temporary and strictly professional, while others will be personal and lifelong. Friendships will be developed over the job period and, what’s more, you will be able to increase the number of people in your network without trying.
Learn More
Travel therapists are exposed to different settings and facilities of all sizes. This will help you become adaptable to various challenges and facility protocols. As a result, not only will you develop the skills of a well-rounded, hit-the-ground-running worker, you’ll also be able to determine your preferences when it’s time to pick a specialty or when you’re ready to settle in 
a permanent position.
Of course there are cons as much as there are pros. When you’re a traveler, loneliness is a constant challenge. Moving your stuff around can get stressful at times. It’s really up to you to weigh the positive along the negative to determine whether travel therapy as a career option is for you.
That said, if you do decide to take on travel therapy jobs, know that the rewards are going to be great.
Based in Charlotte, NC, Cirrus Medical Staffing is an award-winning, Joint Commission Certified healthcare staffing firm that for over 10 years has been successfully placing medical professionals to leading healthcare facilities across the nation. Cirrus specializes in placing nurses and allied health professionals into travel and contract employment.
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