How to Build a Strong Resume as a Travel Allied Professional

Are you considering a career as a travel allied health professional? This dynamic field offers numerous opportunities to work in diverse settings, gain valuable experience, and explore new places. However, breaking into this industry requires a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills, experience, and flexibility. Here's a comprehensive guide to building a strong resume as a travel allied professional. 

Travel allied health professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and radiologic technologists, need a resume that showcases not only their clinical skills but also their adaptability and willingness to travel. Employers in this field look for candidates who can quickly integrate into new environments and work effectively with different teams. 

Your resume's professional summary should be a concise statement that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This is your elevator pitch, so make it compelling. Mention your profession, years of experience, and any specializations. Emphasize your flexibility and enthusiasm for travel. 

Example: 

Dynamic and adaptable physical therapist with over five years of experience in diverse clinical settings. Specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, I am committed to providing high-quality patient care. Eager to leverage my expertise and passion for travel to contribute effectively in various healthcare environments.  

In the allied health field, having the appropriate licenses and certifications is crucial. List these prominently on your resume. Include state licenses, national certifications, and any other relevant credentials. If you have multi-state licenses or compact licenses, be sure to highlight these, as they are particularly valuable for travel positions. 

Example: 

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Licensed Physical Therapist (DPT), State of California, State of Texas 
• Certified Orthopedic Specialist (OCS) 
• CPR and First Aid Certified  

Your professional experience section should provide a clear picture of your clinical background and accomplishments. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Focus on your ability to adapt to different settings and your experience working with diverse patient populations. 

Example: 

Professional Experience: 

Physical Therapist | ABC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA | June 2018 - Present 

• Provided comprehensive physical therapy services to patients with orthopedic injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain conditions. 
• Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans, resulting in a 30% increase in patient satisfaction scores. 
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated patient care. 

Travel Physical Therapist | XYZ Travel Health, Various Locations | January 2016 - May 2018 

• Delivered physical therapy services in multiple healthcare facilities across the country, adapting quickly to new environments and protocols. 
• Successfully managed patient caseloads in acute care, outpatient, and home health settings. 
• Trained and mentored new staff, enhancing team efficiency and patient outcomes. 

In addition to clinical expertise, employers value soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Highlight instances where you demonstrated these abilities. Mention any experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems, as well as your ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively. 

Example: 

Key Skills: 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to build rapport with patients and colleagues. 
• Proficient in various EHR systems, including Epic and Cerner. 
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, ensuring efficient patient care delivery. 
• Proven adaptability, quickly learning and adhering to new protocols and procedures in diverse clinical settings. 

Continuous learning is important in the allied health field. List any relevant continuing education courses, workshops, or professional development activities you have completed. This shows your commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices. 

Example: 

Continuing Education: 

• Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques Workshop, 2023
• Pain Management Strategies in Physical Therapy, 2022 
• Annual APTA Conference, 2021 

While it might be tempting to use the same resume for every job application, customizing your resume for each position can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. Carefully read the job description and adjust your resume to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills. 

A well-organized resume with a clean layout makes a positive impression. Use consistent formatting, clear headings, and bullet points to make your resume easy to read. Avoid using overly elaborate designs or fonts that can distract from the content. 

Finally, ensure your resume is free of errors. Typos and grammatical mistakes can leave a negative impression. Proofread your resume multiple times and consider asking a colleague or mentor to review it as well. 

Building a strong resume as a travel allied professional involves highlighting your clinical skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm for travel. By following these tips, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers and sets you on the path to a rewarding and adventurous career in allied health. Remember, your resume is your first opportunity to make a great impression, so take the time to craft a document that truly reflects your qualifications and passion for the field. Happy job hunting!