New Graduates in Travel Therapy

Some facilities require experience in the setting before they will hire a traveler. This could be 1-2 years of experience, or less. As therapists, we undergo substantial clinical experience prior to graduating. If you were able to manage full caseloads efficiently as a student, this is worth leveraging in order to fight for positions and higher pay. If this is something that you advocate for, prepare to start with a full caseload on day one. 

If you are looking to try a new setting, and feel that you require training, you may need to accept a lower rate at the site. This is because the site will have to expend time and resources to help train. One alternative is trying to negotiate a lower caseload in the first 1-2 weeks of a contract.

Do not accept lower pay pages solely because you are a newer grad. Bill rates at sites are set and do not change for new graduate applicants. If they propose a lower pay package due to you being a new grad, ensure that they are able to provide mentorship or offer a lighter caseload to justify the decreased pay package. As experienced therapists, we are only willing to compromise on our pay packages if we find incredible locations or receive support in a brand-new setting. 

If you are confident in your skillsets and are competent in your ability to manage a full caseload in a setting, advocate for your skills. Above all, never offer to take a lower pay package in order to try and appear more valuable to a staffing agency or a site. Therapists are in high demand, and we provide valuable care in all settings.