First off, keep in mind that for traveling physical therapists, traveling occupational therapists, traveling speech pathologists, and some assistants, the job options are scattered throughout the country. If you have a good idea of a plan A, B, and C when you start a search, it will be easier to lock down an assignment within your time frame and by your rules – not your agency’s. Having a set plan in case plan A doesn’t work out will make sure you’re always in control of your search, and it will keep your agency from suggesting things they know will waste your time. For instance, if you are licensed in MT but aren’t interested in ever going back – tell your agency….otherwise, expect a call one day that goes like this “Hey traveler! I know you’re looking to go to SC for your next assignment, and we’ve been looking, but there’s not much available there. Would you consider going back to MT? I have this GREAT job in MT that is available ASAP!”

Second, plan your search around the seasons. Think about it – how many people want to be in FL or AZ during the winter? How many people want to be in New England during the summer. If you’re looking for an area that is seasonally popular, expect a lot of competition. It’s not hard to find someone who wants to find an assignment in south FL from October through February, but it is tough to find someone in FL for June through August. The same rule applies to areas that are known for harsh winters – a traveler can find a great assignment in northern OH during the winter, but will have a tougher time finding something in the summer when the weather warms up.

Third, think about what you may have left out and be flexible with your target location. In my experience, I have seen several travelers accept assignments in areas they didn’t originally consider, and these assignments ended up being some of the best! If you’re looking in MD, have you considered DE? If you’re looking in northern CA, you might want to consider OR. If you’re looking in AZ, you might want to look at NM. Sometimes a neighboring state offers everything you like about your target destination with a healthier travel therapy job market.

Finally,

1. Less traffic. And less traffic means better gas mileage!
2. Quiet. Did you hear that? Yeah, me neither.
3. Less crime. Especially good if you are traveling alone.
4. More space for less money. You can’t go wrong with that!
5. Charm/Hospitality. People in small towns just seem nicer.

And not to mention, the out-of-the-way areas probably PAY BETTER too.. so keep that in mind when your contract is coming to an end.  Smaller towns need love too!

Until next time, safe travels!

Tom Hidock

Senior Recruiter

Call us for your next Physical, Occupational or Speech travel job!

Disclaimer: These numbers are being brought to you by www.payscale.com, and are an average of therapists surveyed in full time positions throughout the country. These numbers are in no way relevant to the compensation packages offered for travel physical therapy jobs.

Less than one year experience: $52,885 per year on average.

One to four years experience: $55,213 per year on average

Five to nine years experience: $61,691 per year on average

10 to 19 years experience: $67,137 per year on average

20 years or more: $68,323 per year on average.

Remember, these are the average rates of pay for physical therapy jobs. These numbers could go up or down depending on the situation, so don’t be surprised if you receive an offer that is lower than the aforementioned salary notes. However, hopefully this information will give you a great tool to help you negotiate compensation as you get started in your physical therapy career.

For travelers, expect to see compensation packages that are comparable to these rates, only with added perks such as per diems, housing, and other tax-free benefits that will make you glad you didn’t stick around town your first year out of school. If you would like to find out more about travel therapy jobs, feel free to call or email me at any time.

When considering a new position in Rehab Therapy, remember that $$$ is not the only thing to consider.  In addition to great rates, there are many other factors that show Cirrus Allied is a top company to choose from when considering new Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Language Pathology opportunities.

Some of the exclusive benefits include:
-BCBS Insurance, available day ONE!
-Loyalty Rewards
-PTO accrual
-CEU Reimbursements
-Rehabilitation Therapy focused; Specializes in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy
-Unique Client relationships
-Knowledgeable Recruiters available at all times, this is A NUMBER ONE for keeping your sanity!!

My advice is to list the pros and cons of everything that’s important to you.  Remember, money is important but there are a lot of other intangibles that are also great reasons to work with Cirrus Allied, we’re here for you!

Thanks for listening and until next time, safe travels.

Tom Hidock

Senior Recruiter

• Realistic productivity expectations
• One on One treatment
• Great for therapist who are looking to see “results in patient care”
• Therapists are paid by the hour not per cases, guaranteed 40 hours
• 6 visits a day with 5 on patient conference day = 29 visits a week
• Flexible schedule
• Average radius 60 miles a day
• Therapists don’t track mileage (auto allowance)
• Impressive financial packages offered

Joseph Carlino
Cirrus Allied
678 993 2318
jcarlino@cirrusallied.com

The best way to describe travel therapy is a way to see the county, make good money, and have someone pay your rent!

Sounds to good to be true? Think again!

Everyday thousands of therapists are hitting the road and loving the freedom it entails. You have the luxury to write your own ticket as far as where you want to go and how long you want to stay there. It’s an excellent way to visit old friends and family or to visit places that you have always want to go. Traveling therapists are a select group that allows opportunity to embark on journeys, travel the country, and make a living, all at the same time.

If you have any questions regarding how travel works, feel free to contact me!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Craig Matijow

Recruiter

Cirrus Allied

866-518-1750 EXT 7474

cmatijow@cirrusallied.com

One of our largest clients is currently looking for all modalities to fill their needs in multiple hospital and skilled nursing settings. This health care system is one of the most prestigious in the United States and has won numerous  national awards making them an industry leader.

Why should you go to Long Island for your next contract assignment?

• An excellent compensation package
• Long or short-term contracts
• Only a short train ride from Manhattan
• Opportunities in multiple settings
• Looks fantastic on your resume

Please call today to be submitted!

Kelly Hall

866-518-1750

If you want to be considered, taken seriously, and start off with confidence its starts with being able to know yourself and articulate in detail what you have to offer.

At a minimum, follow these steps and you will get the opportunity and response you are looking for. Especially when working with a recruiting firm, this does the most important thing: enables your recruiter to promote your abilities.

Step 1- Simple Stuff
Let the employer know if you have a CPR or first aid certification. While this is usually not a requirement for a regular physical therapist job, it can become an asset when working at clinics that deal with older patients or at-risk populations. Even if your certification expired, it’s still a good indication of additional knowledge.

Step 2- Experience
Mention what methods, besides traditional therapy, you know and have used with patients. This can include the use of acupressure or acupuncture. If you are not a licensed practitioner of those techniques, you can still mention that you have used them as an add-on and highlight the importance of keeping up to date with new techniques and practices. (But if you are not licensed, tell the recruiter. Don’t lead on that you are licensed in something that you’re not.)

Step 3- What has Worked
Find a way to include patient success stories in your resume. This can be done in the resume itself, mentioned as a simple reference and then explained by annexing recommendation letters, or expanding on the information on your cover letter.

Step 4- Familiar Equipment
Include a list of the type of equipment you are familiar with, making sure you write down both diagnostic and treatment machines. This can be particularly helpful if you can work with new, innovative equipment most physical therapists would need in additional to on-the-job training to handle properly.

Step 5- Athletics
Showcase any experience or credentials that have to do with sports. Many physical therapists have worked as personal trainers, for example, which becomes key to understanding the cause of injuries and the level of post-recovery work a patient can do.

We are implementing a travel program for new graduates soon!  We have partnered with health care facilities across the country to offer travel opportunities to new grads interested in PT, OT, SLP, PTA, COTA positions.

If you have an adventurous spirit and love to travel, give us a call for more details on this exciting new program!

Pamela Mackey

Account Manager

704-887-4408

pmackey@cirrusallied.com

Recently, I ran into a situation that I would like your opinion on. After placing a therapist with an important client in Connecticut, I learned from my recruiter that the traveler had a list of dates that they needed off. Travel therapy jobs are out there for specific reasons. But what it comes down to it, they all need coverage.

When a physical therapist needs to take a week off in the middle of an assignment, it puts the facility in a tough spot. They are already hiring the traveler to cover for someone else in most cases. So, what I try to do is plan in advance for that week, or more, off. In most cases the traveler can take a vacation/break in between assignments while keeping benefit coverage! My client felt I was not being honest during the submittal process in order to secure the deal.

We managed to work through the time off that the therapist needed. My goal is to get the word out there: if time off is needed, though it could possibly hurt your chances of actually getting the assignment, it is better to know dates off upfront.

Do you keep your recruiter updated on your time off? What do you think is the best way to manage this through the submittal or interview process? Cirrus Allied has a long list of opportunities for the Allied Health traveler.
Let us know if we can help you out with your next assignment, even if time off is needed…everyone needs a break at some point, right?

Joseph Carlino
Manager Key Accounts
Cirrus Allied
3000 Northwoods Parkway
Suite 105
Norcross • GA • 30071
toll-free: 866-518-1750 x2318
phone: 678-993-2318