Where to start based on your discipline, comfort level, and career goals.
Highest volume of new-grad positions. Typical caseload: 8-12 patients/day. Productivity expectation: 85-90%.
Some clinics welcome new grads, especially in underserved areas. Best for PTs who enjoy orthopedic populations. Look for clinics with 2+ therapists on staff — avoid solo positions for your first contract. Caseload: 10-16 patients/day.
High autonomy — you treat patients in their homes. Some companies train new therapists. Scheduling is flexible but you need strong clinical judgment working alone. Best for self-starters. Caseload: 5-7 visits/day.
Good for new grad SLPs and OTs. Academic-year contracts (longer than 13 weeks). Structured caseloads, school hours, summers off. Large caseloads for SLPs (50-80+ students) with significant IEP paperwork.
High acuity, fast-paced, weekend rotations. If acute care is your goal, consider 6-12 months in a permanent position first, or look for small community hospitals that are more flexible.
IRFs, pediatric specialty, hand therapy — almost always require 1-2+ years. Great goals for your second year of travel, not your first contract.
Large agencies have more total positions but often push travelers toward whatever needs filling. A recruiter who is an actual therapist will understand which facilities are genuinely new-grad-friendly versus which ones just say they are to fill the position.
When evaluating an agency for your first assignment, ask: "How many new grads have you placed at this specific facility?" and "What feedback did they give?" A recruiter who can't answer these questions is guessing.
Connect with professionals who specialize in placing new grad travelers.