How to Get Started in 5 Steps
From graduation to your first assignment — the exact roadmap.
Pass Your Board Exam & Get Licensed
You need to pass the NPTE (PT), NBCOT (OT), or Praxis (SLP) and get your initial state license. Many travelers start the licensing process before graduation. Look into the PT Compact — it lets PTs practice in multiple states with one license.
Establish Your Tax Home
Before your first contract, set up a tax home at your permanent address. This is how you qualify for tax-free stipends — the thing that makes travel pay so much higher. You need your name on a lease/mortgage and to be duplicating expenses. Read our full tax guide here.
Connect with 2-3 Recruiters
Work with multiple travel therapy agencies simultaneously. This lets you compare pay packages for the same jobs. Ask each recruiter about new-grad-friendly contracts. Don't sign an exclusive agreement with any single company. See our company rankings.
Choose Your First Assignment
For your first contract, we recommend: a setting you're comfortable in (SNF is most new-grad-friendly), a location close enough to feel supported but far enough to qualify for stipends, and a 13-week contract. Don't chase the highest pay on your first assignment — focus on getting comfortable.
Handle Logistics & Go!
Your recruiter handles credentialing, compliance, and can help with housing. Get your state license (allow 4-8 weeks), complete any required certifications (BLS, etc.), and pack your bags. Most travelers find housing through Furnished Finder, Airbnb, or company-provided options.
💰 The Financial Case for New Grad Travel
Why more new grads are choosing travel therapy as their first job out of school.
Myth-Busting: New Grad Travel Therapy
"You need 1-2 years of experience before you can travel"
While many agencies recommend experience, plenty of companies accept new grads — especially for SNF, school-based, and home health settings. Some agencies even have formal new grad mentorship programs.
"Travel therapy looks bad on your resume"
The opposite is true. Travel therapists gain diverse clinical experience across multiple settings, patient populations, and EMR systems. Hiring managers value this adaptability. You'll have more varied experience in 2 years of traveling than 5 years at one facility.
"You'll feel isolated and unsupported"
A good agency provides clinical support, and your recruiter is always a phone call away. Plus, the travel therapy community is incredibly welcoming — Facebook groups, Instagram communities, and meetups at TravCon make it easy to connect with fellow travelers.
"The pay seems too good to be true"
It's real, and it's legal. The higher take-home comes from tax-free stipends (not higher gross pay). The IRS allows this because you're duplicating expenses by maintaining a home base while living elsewhere for work. As long as you follow the tax home rules, it's completely above-board.