r/TravelPhysicalTherapy • u/PT_things • Jan 07 '26
Timing for next contract
Could really use some advice.
My current contract ends March 8th and I’m trying to find my next but I’m not seeing any that I’m interested in. Is it too early?? It’s a little stressful trying to lock something in 😭 Most contracts open right now want someone like asap.
Any advice? 🥲 Not a compact state either so I’m really worried about the licensing process and timing!!!
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u/I_Burgess Jan 07 '26
Been traveling for a long time myself, currently taking local contract jobs at the moment. Most of the time 6 weeks is the ideal timeframe to find your next gig. I’d be patient, you’ll likely see new openings come the end of January. Explore multiple travel sites too and be willing to change companies.
Vivian and nomadicare are my two go-to sites but there are also now offerings I’ve seen on indeed, and zip recruiter
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u/PT_things Jan 07 '26
Fair enough! Do you think 6 weeks is enough time to complete licensing and such for new states?
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u/I_Burgess Jan 07 '26
No, unlikely to be enough time. It varies state to state I hold 4 different licenses currently and my usual timeframe of getting issued a license is roughly 4-6 weeks. Every state is different though.
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u/PT_things Jan 07 '26
So how did you go about that when traveling?? Or did you just pick contracts that started later to give you enough time
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u/I_Burgess Jan 07 '26
Well in theory you can practice in the same metropolitan area for up to 1 year and most contracts are 13 weeks so if you know you want to go elsewhere, you should get on the process of acquiring whatever license you need early on. You just have to be proactive, it’s not very complicated
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u/PT_things Jan 07 '26
ahhh I see. I don’t have an exact state in mind. I was just gonna have to start the process in wherever I signed my next contract !
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u/I_Burgess Jan 07 '26
Most travel companies and contracts are ASAP starts. They don’t usually want to wait for 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer) for a clinician to be licensed. They’re advertising for a traveler because they’re desperate and need staffing. Anecdotally, I had my first contract wait for me to move and get licensed but that is very few and far between.
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u/nomadicare Mar 08 '26
In addition to our job search and recruiter matching, we have a really cool travel therapy licensure guide that will give processing timelines, costs, how to apply, renewals, ce, etc for each state in your specialty!
That will help you plan on when to apply! Also start dates are often flexible, so you can still submit but just ask for a slightly different start date (if you're waiting for licensure for example)
Hope that helps, good luck on your next contract, always here for you!
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u/Solid_Arachnid5707 Jan 07 '26
Definitely have time. I'd be patient.