Travel occupational therapy can be an appealing career option for professionals who want to combine helping people improve their ability to perform everyday activities with the opportunity to work in different locations.
To enter this line of work, aspiring travel OTs must first qualify for a professional license and then begin preparing for the additional demands that come with temporary interstate practice.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how to become a travel occupational therapist and explore whether this can be a suitable career choice. We will also take a look at how these professionals arrange their travel assignments, review the contracts they work under, and explain how occupational therapists can transition from conventional practice to a traveling role.
Understanding Travel Occupational Therapists
Travel occupational therapists are licensed OTs who, instead of remaining permanently employed by the same organization, provide occupational therapy services through temporary assignments. Depending on the opportunities they pursue, their work may involve moving between different facilities, cities, or states over the course of their careers.
Although traveling OTs regularly move between different workplaces, their temporary employment arrangements do not significantly change the clinical work they perform.
Like all other occupational therapists, travel OTs evaluate patients, identify limitations that affect their ability to complete everyday activities, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide interventions designed to improve their independence and overall functioning.
What truly separates travel occupational therapists from permanently employed OTs is the way these professionals organize their employment. Because travel OTs regularly move from one assignment to another, they may need to work with staffing agencies, regularly secure short-term contracts, and make sure they are authorized to practice in each state where they accept a position.
For this reason, understanding how these arrangements work is one of the most important parts of understanding travel occupational therapy as a career.
Licensing Across State Lines and OT Compact Privileges
The first thing that licensed OTs interested in travel work need to understand is exactly how they may get the authorization to practice across state lines. As you may be aware, occupational therapy licenses are issued and regulated at the state level, so holding a license in one state does not automatically give an OT the right to practice in another.
The way that eligible travel OTs can simplify the process of obtaining authorization to practice in other states is by leveraging the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. The Compact is an interstate agreement supported by the American Occupational Therapy Association that allows qualified OTs to practice in another state without obtaining a separate traditional license.
That said, not every state in the US is currently a member of the Compact, and out of those that have joined, not every member state can issue OT Compact practice privileges. At the moment, 37 states are members, but only Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have completed the necessary system integration.
What’s more, travel OTs themselves must reside in and hold their home-state license in one of these eight states before they can apply for privileges through CompactConnect.
Naturally, when a Compact privilege is not available, occupational therapists who want to accept a job position in another state need to obtain a traditional license from the state where they intend to work before beginning the assignment.
Travel Occupational Therapy Contracts
Another aspect of travel occupational therapy that is important to understand before we get into the requirements and steps involved in pursuing this type of work is how these temporary employment arrangements are formalized.
In practice, travel OTs work under employment agreements known as travel occupational therapy contracts, which establish the terms of each assignment. These contracts generally cover the assignment’s duration, schedule, compensation, benefits, any housing or travel reimbursements, as well as conditions for extending or ending the agreement.
While the length of these traveling OT contracts can vary, most travel occupational therapy assignments last around 13 weeks. For this reason, travel OTs should review each contract carefully before accepting an assignment and make sure they understand both what the facility expects from them and what they will receive in return.
Once the contracted period ends, the therapist may extend the assignment or move on to a new one in a different location.
Working With Travel Occupational Therapy Recruiters
Now that we have a clearer understanding of how travel occupational therapy works in practice, we should also explain how travel OTs secure the assignments that allow them to work in different locations. One of the most common ways they source travel OT jobs is by working with recruiters from healthcare staffing agencies.
These recruiters serve as intermediaries between travel OTs and facilities looking to fill temporary occupational therapy positions. Their role is to identify available assignments, connect therapists with suitable employers, and help coordinate the process of securing a placement.
When a travel OT connects with a recruiter, the recruiter will first learn about the therapist’s clinical experience, licensing status, preferred locations, availability, and desired work settings. Based on this information, they can begin presenting assignments that align with the therapist’s qualifications and preferences.
Once the travel OT identifies an assignment they would like to pursue, the recruiter can submit their profile to the facility and help coordinate the hiring process. If the facility decides to move forward, the recruiter may continue assisting with communication, credentialing, and other preparations until the therapist is ready to begin the assignment.
Requirements for Becoming a Travel Occupational Therapist
Having established the practical side of travel therapy, we can now take a look at the qualifications professionals need before they can begin pursuing travel assignments.
For the most part, these are the same education, examination, and licensing requirements that apply to all occupational therapists. They include:
- Completing the undergraduate education and prerequisite coursework required for admission to an occupational therapy program
- Earning an entry-level master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
- Completing the fieldwork requirements included in the professional program
- Passing the NBCOT certification examination
- Obtaining a license to practice occupational therapy
- Securing any additional state licenses or OT Compact privileges required for assignments in other states
In other words, travel occupational therapy does not require a separate degree or a national certification that goes beyond these standard professional qualifications. However, it’s worth pointing out that some facilities and staffing agencies may also look for previous clinical experience or experience in a particular practice setting when selecting therapists for certain assignments.
Steps to Becoming a Travel Occupational Therapist
Now that we have a better idea of what it takes to become a travel therapist, we can move on to something more practical and walk you through the entire qualification process, step by step.
Complete Your Undergraduate Education
The first educational requirement aspiring OTs need to complete to eventually qualify for professional occupational therapy practice is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
The undergraduate phase of education is meant to prepare students for the academic demands of occupational therapy training before they move on to professional degree program that will provide them with the specialized training required to enter occupational therapy practice.
Because of this, aspiring OTs are not required to major in any specific subject and have considerable flexibility when choosing what to study. However, majors related to human health and behavior, such as biology, psychology, or kinesiology, can provide useful preparation by introducing them to concepts they are likely to encounter again during their occupational therapy education.
That said, regardless of the major they choose to enroll in, aspiring OTs want to make sure they complete the prerequisite courses required by the occupational therapy programs they plan to apply to. These commonly include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics, although the exact requirements vary between programs.
Earn an Accredited Occupational Therapy Degree
After completing their undergraduate education and the necessary prerequisite coursework, aspiring OTs can move on to the graduate phase of their education by enrolling in an occupational therapy degree program. At this stage, they have two main degree options they can enroll in:
- A Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy:
An entry-level master’s program that provides the academic and clinical preparation needed to become an occupational therapist, which takes around two to three years to complete. For aspiring OTs whose main goal is to qualify for professional practice, this is typically the shorter of the two available pathways.
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD):
An entry-level OTD prepares graduates for the same occupational therapy practice while adding further study in areas such as leadership, research, program development, and advanced professional practice. These programs generally take longer to complete and also include a doctoral capstone experience.
We should point out that both of these advanced degree pathways can prepare graduates to become licensed occupational therapists, so aspiring professionals do not need to earn an OTD simply because it is the higher-level credential.
However, regardless of which option they choose, aspiring OTs should make sure they attend a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), as only these programs can qualify them for professional OT licensure.
Satisfy the Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Requirements
In addition to completing the academic coursework included in their chosen program, aspiring OTs also need to satisfy the fieldwork requirements that are built into both of the entry-level degree pathways available to them.
These supervised experiences are designed to give them an opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom while developing the practical skills needed for occupational therapy practice.
As part of this practical preparation, aspiring OTs complete both Level I and Level II fieldwork, with each level serving a different purpose in preparing them for professional practice.
Level I fieldwork is meant to help students connect concepts from their coursework with the work professionals perform with clients, while Level II fieldwork is considerably more intensive and gives them the opportunity to develop entry-level clinical skills under supervision.
Occupational therapy students in both degree pathways must complete the equivalent of at least 24 weeks of full-time Level II fieldwork before graduating. Those pursuing an entry-level OTD also complete an additional 14-week doctoral capstone experience and culminating project, which is not required in the master’s pathway.
Pass the NBCOT Examination
With their academic and fieldwork requirements behind them, occupational therapy graduates can move on to the national certification stage of the qualification process. To become certified healthcare professionals, they need to pass the Occupational Therapist Registered examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
The examination is designed to assess whether candidates have the knowledge and clinical reasoning needed for entry-level occupational therapy practice. Once they pass it, graduates earn the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) credential and become nationally certified occupational therapists.
However, NBCOT certification does not by itself authorize them to begin practicing independently. Occupational therapy is regulated at the state level, so candidates still need to obtain a license from the appropriate state licensing authority before they can legally work as OTs.
Obtain Your Occupational Therapy License
After passing the NBCOT examination and earning the OTR credential, candidates can move on to obtaining the state license required to enter professional occupational therapy practice.
To apply for professional OT licensure, candidates need to submit an application and the required supporting documentation to the licensing authority in the state where they intend to practice.
Depending on where they intend to practice, they may also need to complete additional requirements such as a background check, jurisprudence examination, or other state-specific application steps.
Once the licensing authority reviews the application and confirms that all requirements have been met, it can grant the candidate an occupational therapy license and authorize them legally to start working as occupational therapists in that state.
Gain Experience as an Occupational Therapist
Even though obtaining an occupational therapy license gives new professionals the legal authority to begin practicing, many OTs need to gain some clinical experience before they start their transition to travel OT career.
Most travel OT positions require at least one year of recent experience, while some employers and facilities look for candidates with two or more years in the profession.
Starting a travel OT career by working in permanent positions allows newly licensed professionals to become more comfortable evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, managing caseloads, documenting care, and carrying out the other responsibilities they will eventually need to handle in travel assignments.
Just as importantly, it gives them an opportunity to build experience in different clinical settings, such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing facility. This can become especially relevant when applying for travel positions that require recent experience in the same type of environment.
This level of preparation is important because travel OTs are generally expected to adapt quickly when they arrive at a new facility and begin working with unfamiliar teams, procedures, and patient populations. As such, aspiring travel therapists should expect to spend around one to two years building their professional experience before moving into travel work, depending on the requirements of the assignments they intend to pursue.
Obtain Any Additional State Licenses or Compact Privileges
By the time occupational therapists have gained enough professional experience to begin pursuing travel work, they should also start considering where they want to accept assignments and whether they are authorized to practice there.
Since OT licenses are issued at the state level, working in a different jurisdiction may require them to secure additional authorization before they can start an assignment.
As we explained earlier, eligible therapists may be able to obtain an OT Compact privilege instead of applying for a traditional license in certain participating states. When that option is not available, they generally need to apply directly to the licensing authority in the state where they intend to work and satisfy any additional requirements it imposes.
For this reason, travel OTs should look into licensing requirements as soon as they begin considering assignments in a new state. Some staffing agencies can assist with the licensing process and may even reimburse certain application costs, but therapists are ultimately responsible for making sure they hold the authorization required to practice before starting work.
Connect With a Travel Occupational Therapy Recruiter
Once occupational therapists have the experience and licensing foundation needed to pursue travel work, they can begin connecting with recruiters who specialize in placing healthcare professionals in temporary positions.
As we discussed earlier, these recruiters work with staffing agencies and can help travel OTs identify assignments that match their professional background and preferences.
When connecting with a recruiter, travel OTs should be prepared to provide information about their work experience, current licenses, availability, preferred locations, and the types of settings in which they want to work. Recruiters can use this information to build their candidate profile and begin presenting them with suitable openings as they become available.
Travel OTs do not necessarily need to work with the first recruiter or agency they contact. Comparing different staffing companies can help them find one that offers assignments in the locations and settings they are interested in and provides the level of support they want throughout the placement process.
Apply for and Accept Your First Travel Occupational Therapy Assignment
After connecting with a recruiter and identifying an opening that fits their experience, licensing status, and preferences, travel OTs can move forward with the application process. In most cases, the recruiter submits the therapist’s profile and supporting credentials to the facility, which can then decide whether to invite them for an interview and continue with the hiring process.
During the interview, therapists may be asked about their previous clinical experience, familiarity with the relevant practice setting, availability, and ability to adapt to a new workplace relatively quickly.
If the facility decides to extend an offer, the travel OT can review the proposed contract and make sure the assignment’s schedule, compensation, duration, and other terms align with what they discussed with the recruiter.
Once they accept the offer, therapists generally need to complete any remaining credentialing and onboarding requirements before the assignment begins. After these steps are finalized, they can start working under the terms of their first travel occupational therapy contract and gain the experience needed to pursue additional assignments in the future.
Final Words
Occupational therapists help people overcome physical, developmental, and other limitations that can interfere with their ability to perform everyday activities independently. Travel OTs provide this same type of care while moving between facilities that need temporary occupational therapy support.
Becoming a travel occupational therapist is a demanding process that requires real dedication for success. For OTs who are willing to adapt to new environments and regularly take on new assignments, this career path can offer greater flexibility while allowing them to continue developing their professional experience.
FAQs
What is a traveling occupational therapist?
A traveling occupational therapist is a licensed OT who works through temporary assignments in different locations instead of remaining permanently employed by the same facility. These professionals perform the same core clinical duties as other occupational therapists, and the main difference that distinguishes them is the way they are employed.
Travel OTs typically accept short-term contracts, often through healthcare staffing agencies, and may move between facilities, cities, or states as they take on new assignments.
How much do travel occupational therapists make in the US?
Travel occupational therapists in the US earn around $2,000 per week on average, according to AMN Healthcare. However, this figure only provides a general indication of earning potential, as actual weekly pay can vary considerably depending on factors such as location, clinical setting, experience, and the terms of the individual contract.
Current travel OT positions listed by AMN Healthcare offer weekly pay ranging from approximately $1,007 to $3,235, showing how much compensation can differ between assignments. Some travel contracts may also include housing, travel reimbursements, or other benefits, which can further affect the overall value of the compensation package. (AMNHealthcare)
Can occupational therapists travel the world?
Yes, occupational therapists can work internationally, but they generally need to meet the licensing or registration requirements of each country where they want to practice. Their US license does not automatically authorize them to work abroad, so the exact process depends on the destination.