Your Roadmap to Traveling
From graduation to your first 13-week contract.
Pass Your Board Exam & Get Licensed
Pass the NPTE, NBCOT, or Praxis. Apply for licensure in your home state first, then target states. Look into the PT/OT Compact.
Set Up Your Tax Home
Before your first assignment, establish a permanent address where you pay rent. This qualifies you for tax-free stipends worth $15k–$25k/year.
Interview 2–3 Staffing Agencies
Talk to multiple recruiters and compare pay transparency, benefits, cancellation policies, and new grad support.
Gather Compliance Documents
License, BLS card, immunization records, TB test, drug screen, background check, and references. Start collecting early.
Pick a New-Grad-Friendly Setting
SNFs and outpatient clinics are most welcoming to new grads with structured orientation and mentorship.
Land Your First Contract & Go
Most therapists are placed within 2–4 weeks. Your first assignment is the hardest — after that, it only gets easier.
Let's Clear This Up
The biggest misconceptions keeping new grads from traveling sooner.
"You need 2 years of experience first"
Many agencies now place new grads, especially in SNF and outpatient settings.
Travel therapy accelerates your learning
You'll see more diagnoses and documentation systems in one year than three years at a single facility.
"Travel pay isn't good for new grads"
New grad travel contracts typically pay $1,800–$2,400/week — significantly more than permanent positions.
You can pay off loans years faster
Many new grad travelers put $1,500–$2,500/month toward student loans, paying off $80k+ in 3–4 years.
Best Settings for New Grads
Where you'll find the smoothest onboarding.
Skilled Nursing (SNF)
Highest availability. Structured caseload, mentorship common.
Outpatient Clinic
Great for ortho-focused grads. Predictable schedule.
School-Based
Perfect for SLPs and OTs. Built-in schedule, summers off.
Home Health
Higher autonomy required. Great pay but independent work.
Inpatient Rehab
Complex patients, team-based care.
Acute Care
Fast-paced, high acuity. Most want 1+ years.
First Assignment Stories
Questions New Grads Always Ask
How long until I can start?
Most new grads can be on their first assignment within 4–8 weeks of passing boards.
Will I get good mentorship?
Ask your recruiter to find placements with strong orientation programs.
What if I hate my first assignment?
It's only 13 weeks. Your recruiter can start looking for your next one before it ends.
How does traveling affect future employment?
Travel experience is seen as a major asset. You'll have diverse clinical exposure.
Ready to Start Your Travel Career?
Get matched with new-grad-friendly assignments — free and confidential.