Travel PT jobs give physical therapists the freedom to explore new regions, earn competitive pay, and gain experience across a variety of clinical settings. For PTs who want to move from the West Coast to the East Coast, licensing is often the biggest challenge. The PT Compact License helps remove that barrier by allowing eligible therapists to work in multiple states without applying for individual licenses.
This guide explains how the PT Compact works, why it matters for travel PT jobs, and which states can support a west-to-east travel path.
What Is the PT Compact and Why It Matters for Travel PT Jobs
The Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact) is an agreement among participating states that allows physical therapists to practice across state lines using Compact privileges. Instead of applying for and maintaining multiple state licenses, PTs can activate privileges in Compact states as they accept new travel assignments.
For travel PT jobs, the Compact provides:
- Faster onboarding at new facilities
- Reduced licensing paperwork and fees
- More flexibility to accept short-notice assignments
- Less downtime between contracts
Important: To use Compact privileges, your home state license must be a PT Compact member state and in good standing.
Using the PT Compact When Traveling from the West Coast
Not all West Coast states participate in the PT Compact. However, many physical therapists who live or start their careers on the West Coast establish a Compact-eligible home state license in a nearby member state. Once eligible, they can use Compact privileges to accept travel PT jobs throughout much of the country.
This approach allows PTs to plan longer travel routes, move between regions more efficiently, and remain competitive in high-demand markets.
PT Compact States That Support West-to-East Travel
The following PT Compact states form a practical corridor that allows PTs to travel from western regions through the Midwest and into the East Coast.
Note: PT Compact participation and implementation can change. Always confirm current Compact status before accepting an assignment.
Western & Mountain Region
These states are often used as starting points for west-to-east travel PT jobs:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Utah
- Arizona
- Colorado
Central & Midwest Compact States
The Midwest is a major hub for travel PT jobs due to consistent demand across inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation settings. Compact participation in this region makes it easier to move between assignments without long licensing delays.
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
Eastern & East Coast Compact States
These states allow PTs to complete their journey to the East Coast while continuing to use Compact privileges:
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- New Hampshire
- Maine
States That Are Not Part of the PT Compact
Several high-demand states for travel PT jobs are not currently part of the PT Compact and require separate licensure:
- California
- New York
- Florida
- Massachusetts
Many experienced travel PTs plan ahead by applying for these licenses early or scheduling non-Compact states between Compact assignments.
Strategic Tips for Using the PT Compact in Travel PT Jobs
- Maintain a Compact-eligible home state license at all times
- Stack assignments in Compact states to minimize downtime
- Use non-Compact states selectively for high-pay or destination roles
- Track license and privilege expiration dates carefully
Final Thoughts
The PT Compact License makes it significantly easier to travel from the West Coast to the East Coast while building a sustainable career in travel PT jobs. By understanding which states participate and planning your route strategically, you can reduce licensing delays, increase flexibility, and focus on what matters most—your career growth and patient care.
Whether you’re preparing for your first assignment or planning long-term travel, the PT Compact is one of the most valuable tools available to today’s traveling physical therapists.