Occupational therapy is a rapidly growing field that offers numerous benefits as a career choice. It is a rewarding profession that allows individuals to help others improve their quality of life through therapeutic interventions. As an occupational therapist, you have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and play a vital role in assisting individuals struggling with physical or emotional challenges. While many people are aware of the existence of traditional OT jobs, many aspiring OTs don’t realize how beneficial working as a healthcare traveler can be. If you’re in need of advice, keep reading for tips on securing a travel occupational therapy job.
How can you secure a travel occupational therapy job?
First, you should know that it’s actually easier than ever to obtain travel occupational therapist jobs. This is primarily because of the existence of staffing agencies that are specifically focused on job listings for healthcare travelers like occupational therapists and nurses. These staffing agencies allow you to find jobs all over the country, no matter what your specialty is or how many years of experience you have. You can peruse open listings from a variety of healthcare providers all in one convenient location and find the open positions that are a good fit for you.
Before applying for jobs, you need to be sure that you have the necessary credentials and qualifications required by the position you are applying for. This includes having an appropriate educational background as well as any certifications or licenses needed to practice occupational therapy in your destination state or country. It’s also crucial to research what other requirements may be set forth by the employer; many travel positions require additional training prior to hire, and you need to fully understand what will be expected of you before submitting an application.
Staying up-to-date on industry trends, techniques, and standards of practice is a factor too. Knowing the latest developments in your field will allow you to stay competitive. This may involve activities such as reading journals related to your discipline, attending conferences where new methods are discussed, or utilizing online resources such as webinars and podcasts.
What can you expect from a career in occupational therapy?
Now that you know how to find a travel OT job, let’s discuss some of the things you can expect when you pursue a career as an occupational therapist. For example, occupational therapists tend to have excellent job security and earn above-average salaries. The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $85,570 as of 2021. Employment of occupational therapists is also projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, due to the aging population and increase in healthcare needs.
Working in occupational therapy can be a deeply fulfilling career as well. One of the greatest benefits of becoming an occupational therapist is the satisfaction that comes from helping others improve their lives. By allowing people to regain their independence, you’ll be making a positive impact on their well-being and quality of life. It’s an ideal field for anyone who cares about assisting others and enjoys working in a healthcare setting. As a travel OT, you will also be a part of the solution for the country’s healthcare worker shortages.
As this article illustrates, securing a travel occupational therapy job requires careful consideration and preparation. Some things you can do to advance your career include using a staffing agency for healthcare travelers, ensuring you have the credentials for the jobs you want, and staying up-to-date on industry trends and new standards of practice as they emerge. Taking these steps will help you land the job and ensure your experience is both successful and rewarding. If you follow the advice in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving career as a travel OT.