If you love helping people, have a passion for healthcare, and enjoy traveling, then becoming a traveling Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) may be the perfect career choice for you. A traveling PTA is a licensed healthcare professional who assists physical therapists in treating patients with mobility or functional disabilities. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to become a traveling PTA.
Step 1: Obtain a Degree
The first step towards becoming a traveling PTA is obtaining a degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program. The program usually takes around two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. You can find these programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities.
Step 2: Obtain a License
After completing your degree, you must obtain a license to practice as a PTA. The licensing requirements vary by state, but generally, you need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam and a state-specific exam. You also need to meet the state’s education and clinical practice requirements.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Before you can become a traveling PTA, you need to gain experience as a PTA. You can start by working at a local hospital or clinic. Once you have gained enough experience, you can start looking for traveling PTA jobs.
Step 4: Find a Traveling PTA Job
There are many websites and agencies that specialize in finding traveling healthcare jobs, including traveling PTA jobs. Some popular websites include TravelPT, AlliedTravelCareers, and PT Solutions. You can also contact healthcare staffing agencies that specialize in traveling PTA jobs.
Step 5: Prepare for Travel
Before you start your traveling PTA job, you need to prepare for travel. This includes obtaining any necessary travel documents, such as a passport or visa. You also need to pack appropriately for your trip, including any necessary medical equipment or supplies.
Step 6: Start Your Traveling PTA Job
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you can start your traveling PTA job. Traveling PTAs typically work in short-term assignments, usually ranging from a few weeks to several months. During your assignment, you will work with physical therapists to provide rehabilitation services to patients in various clinical settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
What is a traveling PTA? | A traveling PTA is a licensed healthcare professional who assists physical therapists in treating patients with mobility or functional disabilities. They work in short-term assignments in various clinical settings. |
What are the requirements to become a traveling PTA? | You need to obtain a degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program, obtain a license to practice as a PTA, gain experience, and find a traveling PTA job. |
Where can I find traveling PTA jobs? | You can find traveling PTA jobs on websites and agencies that specialize in traveling healthcare jobs, or by contacting healthcare staffing agencies that specialize in traveling PTA jobs. |
What do I need to prepare for travel? | You need to obtain any necessary travel documents, such as a passport or visa, and pack appropriately for your trip, including any necessary medical equipment or supplies. |