Physical Therapists Do Get Around! |
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January 23, 2007
by Gabby Hyman
Healthcare Programs Columnist
According to The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a trained physical therapist need not be confined to a dull and routine life in an outpatient clinic. Physical therapists treat a wide range of clients for nerve and muscle ailments. Today, there is no such thing as a basic physical therapy job.
Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, home health agencies, nursing homes, women's clinics, and veterans' health centers. They can also earn additional training in a growing range of new specialties; there are now several newly accepted physical therapist specializations and certifications in clinical electro-physiologic, pediatric, cardiopulmonary, geriatric, orthopedic, neurologic, and sports physical therapy.
Have Training, Will Travel
If you want a varied and engaging career, consider signing up with an agency that places trained physical therapists in traveling positions. Agencies can send you to virtually any state in the union for up to three months on temporary engagements in clinics, hospitals, and treatment facilities.
Traveling physical therapists combine job flexibility with their desire to have new experiences. You can take as many back-to-back assignments as you like, or take time off between them. If you're interested in working abroad, schools and agencies are looking for certified physical therapists to work in far-flung positions in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Physical therapist job agencies often provide travel expenses to and from the assignment, as well as dental insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and paid training, vacation, and sick leave. Appointments can last up to a year or more. Many traveling engagements turn into permanent positions if both the employer and the physical therapist find they have a good match. With physical therapy training, there's no reason you need to feel stuck in a dead-end job!
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.
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