A: “I obviously think it does since I have been a traveler for 7 years. It highlights your flexibility and adaptability to new documentation systems and changing environments. It demonstrates your ability to interact and communicate with ever changing populations – physicians, colleagues, patients. Being a traveler enhances your cultural awareness by exposing you to many different population groups. It provides opportunities to improve your clinical skills; improves your knowledge of alternative treatment methods by exposing you to different clinicians and their approaches to care that you may not have previously considered. I could go on and on, but I think you get the drift.
I thought that I would do travel for 2 years….but I have been enjoying it so much that I continue. I have returned to several areas because of friendships that I have developed. Between my assignments I generally go home and/or take trip somewhere. This keeps me fresh and interested in my career. BTW, I have been a therapist for 31 years now. What a great life!
Lastly, what a GREAT way to explore the entire country… most people have never gotten to experience the things, nor seen the many places that I have seen thanks to travel PT.”
Debbie A.
“I’m not sure about the resume part, but there are tremendous benefits. I wanted to settle 3 years ago and one employer wasn’t too thrilled about the stability and “loyalty” my resume “showed” and did not hire me. His loss. He didn’t seem to understand that I’ve only had 3-4 perm jobs, and have traveled/contracted into 70+ facilities over the years in order to survive my student loans -And the fact I graduated in the late ’90′s when everything collapsed d/t BBA and there were NO jobs.
I personally feel the exposure to all of the good, bad and different out there has made me more versatile, better person and PT. And this in turn helps organizations I work with. This includes change, documentation systems, equipment, clinic design, laws/regs, treatment philosophies, cultures/demographics, etc…
I think exposure can be a good thing.
Georgia N.
Depending on setting most employers are looking for skills, certifications, work experience as it pertains to the specific patient population. I don’t think b/c you traveled it would necessarily make you a better candidate.
If you are single, I agree that it would be a great personal opportunity to see the world and make a nice salary!
Amanda U.
