Can new graduates jump straight into travel physical therapy? The short answer is a resounding yes.
While the "deep end" of travel therapy might seem intimidating when you've just walked across the graduation stage, the right partnership makes all the difference. At Anders Group, we don’t just place you in a job; we build a foundation for your entire career.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how you can start your career as a traveling PT and what recruiters are looking for in the next generation of therapists.
For many new physical therapy graduates, the traditional 9-to-5 in a local clinic feels a bit too... permanent. You have your degree, your license is in sight (or in hand), and your wanderlust is at an all-time high.Traveling right out of school allows you to pay off student loans faster with competitive pay, gain diverse clinical experience across multiple settings, and explore the country while you’re still flexible.
When you apply for travel PT jobs, recruiters aren't just looking at your GPA. They are looking for "traveler readiness." Here are the key traits that make a new grad stand out:
Facilities hire travelers to fill immediate needs. Recruiters look for new grads who are open to different settings—whether it's acute care, outpatient orthopedics, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Being flexible with your first location and setting is the fastest way to land that first contract.
Since you don’t have years of work history, your clinical rotations are your "experience." Recruiters will need two professional references—usually your Clinical Instructors (CIs)—who can vouch for your clinical skills, work ethic, and ability to handle a full caseload.
At Anders Group, we actively recruit new grads because we know you have the drive to succeed. However, we want to ensure you are supported. We look for candidates who are proactive about seeking mentorship. We specifically match new graduates with facilities that offer robust onsite support and clinical guidance.
"Relationships first, we care" means we advocate for you during the interview process, ensuring the facility knows you are a new grad and that they have the resources to help you thrive.
Why choose us for your first adventure? Traveling with a premier agency like Anders Group unlocks a comprehensive support system designed to make your transition from student to professional seamless.
Ready to turn your degree into an adventure? The process is simple: