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.
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:
Important: To use Compact privileges, your home state license must be a PT Compact member state and in good standing.
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.
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.
These states are often used as starting points for west-to-east travel PT jobs:
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.
These states allow PTs to complete their journey to the East Coast while continuing to use Compact privileges:
Several high-demand states for travel PT jobs are not currently part of the PT Compact and require separate licensure:
Many experienced travel PTs plan ahead by applying for these licenses early or scheduling non-Compact states between Compact assignments.
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.