Is Travel Occupational Therapy Right for You?
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- •April 08, 2025
Whether you’re newly certified or a seasoned OT looking for change, this could be the fresh start you didn’t know you needed.
When Routine No Longer Feels Rewarding
You’ve worked hard to build a meaningful OT career. Maybe you’re fresh out of school. Maybe you’ve spent years supporting the same patient populations in the same facility.
And maybe now… something feels off.
You’re still passionate—but also feeling limited.
That craving for growth, challenge, or simply something different? It’s not random. It’s readiness.
Why Travel OT Might Be the Career Shift You’ve Been Looking For
Travel occupational therapy isn’t just for recent grads. It’s a powerful career move for clinicians at any stage, offering:
Broader Experience, Faster
Get exposure to different populations, specialties, and facilities—from pediatrics to geriatrics, hospitals to home health. If you're wondering what a typical assignment looks like, here’s a day-in-the-life story from one of our travel OTs.
Geographic Flexibility
Want to work in the mountains? Along the coast? In a major city? Travel roles let you choose where and how long you want to stay.
Professional Advancement
Adaptability, leadership, and clinical range—travel OTs grow faster and more diversely than those in static settings.
“Great company. FlexCare is responsive, open to feedback, actively working to make things work smoothly, and keeps the best interest of their travelers in mind.” Staff Occupational Therapist, CA.
Financial Benefits
Travel positions often come with competitive pay, housing support, travel stipends, and robust benefits. Check out our housing tips and travel hacks for OTs on assignment.
A Lifestyle That Fits You
This isn’t about escaping work—it’s about creating a career that fits your life, not the other way around.
How We Make the Transition Seamless—and Personal
If stepping into a travel OT role feels overwhelming, we’ve got you.
You’ll be partnered with a dedicated, single point of contact who manages every detail—from job matching to state licensing and logistics. No handoffs. No confusion. Just one experienced pro, committed to your success. See what working with a dedicated recruiter really looks like. We’ve guided thousands of OTs through this transition—and we know what it takes to make your journey smooth, rewarding, and tailored to your goals.
Ready to Make the Move? Here’s What You’ll Need
Whether you’re just starting or already established, the steps are simple:
- Graduate from an accredited MOT or OTD program
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam
- Obtain licensure in the state(s) you want to work - here’s a step-by-step guide to getting licensed in different states
Already licensed and practicing? You could be eligible to start much sooner than you think.
Is Travel OT Right for You?
It could be—if any of this sounds like you:
- You’re eager to break out of a rut
- You want to challenge yourself clinically
- You crave more autonomy and adventure
- You’re ready to level up your experience—and your life
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
You’ve already made a difference in the lives of your patients. You’ve shown up, adapted, and delivered high-quality care in challenging times and ever-changing systems.
But now, it might be time to do something just as important: invest in your own professional evolution.
What if you could…
- Step into a new role without giving up your clinical identity.
- Learn from new teams, cultures, and systems—all while staying rooted in patient care.
- Experience more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment without sacrificing job security.
That’s exactly what travel OT offers. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Still Have Questions? We Get Them All the Time.
Do I need prior travel experience?
Not at all. Many travel OTs start with no prior travel background. What matters is your openness to learning and adapting to new settings.
How long are typical assignments?
They range from 13 weeks—but we work with your preferences. Want longer stability or shorter bursts of experience? We can align with that.
Will I be left on my own to navigate the process?
Never. You’ll have a single, knowledgeable contact guiding you through everything—from matching with facilities to managing licensure and logistics. This isn't a hand-off. It's a partnership.
What if I love a place—can I stay longer?
Absolutely. Extensions are often possible, and sometimes permanent opportunities come from travel assignments. You’re never boxed in.
Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
No big commitment. No pressure.
Just a chance to talk about what you’re looking for, where you see your career going, and how we can help make that path a reality—smoothly, supportively, and with your best interest at the center.