Starting a Career in Travel PT Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Travel Physical Therapy (PT) jobs continue to be one of the fastest-growing career paths in healthcare. With strong demand, competitive pay, and increasing flexibility, 2026 is an excellent time to start a career in travel PT—whether you’re a seasoned therapist or newly licensed.

This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to get started in travel PT jobs in 2026, including requirements, licensing, choosing an agency, and landing your first assignment.

Step 1: Understand What Travel PT Jobs Are

Travel PT jobs are short-term assignments—typically 13 weeks—where physical therapists work in facilities experiencing staffing shortages. These roles allow PTs to gain experience in different settings while earning competitive pay.

Common settings for travel PT jobs include:

• Acute care hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
• Home health
• Rural and underserved communities

Most travel PT pay packages include weekly pay, tax-free housing stipends, and travel reimbursements.

👉 Browse live travel PT opportunities with Anders Group: Travel Physical Therapy Jobs

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements for Travel PT Jobs

To qualify for most travel PT jobs in 2026, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

Education & Licensure

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent degree
• Active PT license in the assignment state

Experience

• Most travel PT jobs require 1–2 years of clinical experience
• Some outpatient roles may consider strong new graduates

Certifications

• BLS (required for most facilities)
• Additional certifications may be required based on specialty

2026 trend: Facilities remain flexible due to staffing shortages, but experience continues to improve job access and pay.

Step 3: Navigate PT Licensure (Including the Compact)

Licensure is one of the most important steps when starting travel PT jobs.

Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

If your home state participates in the Physical Therapy Compact, you may qualify to practice in multiple states using compact privileges.

Why this matters in 2026:

• Faster onboarding for travel PT jobs
• Access to more job opportunities
• Reduced licensing delays between contracts

Many travel PTs maintain two or more active licenses to stay competitive.

Step 4: Define Your Travel PT Job Preferences

Before applying, clarify what you want from travel PT jobs to ensure the best match.

• Highest pay vs. work-life balance
• Urban or rural locations
• Preferred clinical settings
• Short-term travel or long-term career

Clear goals help recruiters find travel PT jobs that align with your priorities.

Step 5: Partner With a Travel Healthcare Agency

Working with a reputable travel healthcare agency is essential when getting started in travel PT jobs.

A quality agency should offer:

• Nationwide access to travel PT jobs
• Dedicated recruiter support
• Licensing and credentialing assistance
• Transparent pay packages
• Housing and relocation support

In 2026, agencies that prioritize clinician advocacy and pay transparency continue to lead the market.

👉 Search all travel healthcare jobs (including PT, PTA, OT, SLP) at Anders Group: Anders Group Travel Healthcare Jobs

Step 6: Interview and Review Travel PT Job Offers

Interviews for travel PT jobs typically move quickly, often within a few days of submission.

Important questions to ask:

• Are hours guaranteed?
• What is the patient population?
• Is overtime available?
• What documentation system is used?

When reviewing offers, focus on the full pay package—not just the hourly rate.

Step 7: Prepare for Your First Travel PT Assignment

Once you accept a contract, you’ll complete credentialing requirements such as background checks, drug screening, and facility onboarding.

Tips for success:

• Arrive prepared and adaptable
• Ask questions early
• Learn facility workflows quickly

Facilities expect travel PTs to integrate smoothly and provide immediate support.

Step 8: Build a Long-Term Career in Travel PT Jobs

After completing your first assignment, travel PT jobs become easier to secure.

Career growth strategies for 2026:

• Extend contracts at preferred facilities
• Explore new states and specialties
• Negotiate higher pay with experience
• Consider hybrid or telehealth-supported roles

Is 2026 a Good Time to Start Travel PT Jobs?

Yes—2026 continues to be a strong year for travel PT jobs due to ongoing staffing shortages, competitive pay, and expanded licensure options.

For physical therapists seeking flexibility, career growth, and financial opportunity, travel PT jobs remain an excellent choice.