How Travel Therapists Can Stay Connected to Their Communities and Colleagues
For travel therapists, including occupational and physical therapists, the opportunity to explore new places, connect with diverse patients, and grow professionally while on the move is undeniably exciting. Yet, the transient nature of travel therapy can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or a lack of connection with familiar communities, both personally and professionally.
Staying connected with colleagues, keeping up with industry trends, and engaging with supportive networks is vital—not only for advancing your career but also for maintaining your overall well-being.
If you're a travel therapist, travel occupational therapist, or travel physical therapist looking for ways to stay connected, we've got actionable strategies to help you build and nurture your network no matter where your assignments take you.
6 Ways to Stay Connected as a Travel Therapist
Before we jump into how to stay connected, it's important to understand why it matters. For travel therapists, staying engaged with your community and peers can provide a stronger professional network, access to new opportunities, valuable insights into industry advancements, and an emotional support system in what can sometimes feel like a solitary career path.
Whether you’re a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist, having a network ensures you’re never truly working alone—no matter how far your assignments take you.
1. Build Strong Professional Networks
Networking doesn’t stop when you leave a full-time clinic. Staying connected with professionals in your field is key to taking your career to the next level.
Attend Local Networking Events
Whenever you settle into a new assignment, make it a point to attend local networking events or workshops, whether hosted by healthcare organizations, associations, or universities. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet other therapists and build local connections.
Join National Associations
Organizations like the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) or AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) provide national networks and opportunities. Many offer special memberships tailored to travel therapists, allowing you to attend conferences, workshops, and webinars that are invaluable for learning and networking.
Tap Into Digital Networks
LinkedIn is more than just a job application platform—it’s a robust space for connecting with other professionals in therapy fields. Go beyond posting your own updates by joining therapy-related groups or actively commenting on relevant industry trends.
Connect Through Assignments
AMN Healthcare, for instance, provides clinicians with mentorship opportunities where travel therapists are paired with experienced professionals. These mentors offer guidance not only for clinical challenges but also for navigating your travel lifestyle.
2. Use Online Resources to Stay Updated
Healthcare and therapy industries are constantly evolving. Travel therapists who stay informed about industry news and advancements can better serve their patients and improve their career prospects.
Webinars and Online CEUs
Continuing education is a vital part of many therapy professions. Many organizations, like AMN Healthcare, offer free or discounted webinars and online courses for clinicians to stay up-to-date with certifications and industry developments. These courses also provide opportunities to engage with other professionals who share similar goals.
Subscribe to Industry Newsletters
Stay informed with newsletters from trusted industry sources like the APTA, AOTA, or Speech Pathology Australia. These newsletters often include the latest research, case studies, and updates on regulatory changes that impact travel therapists.
Explore Professional Forums
Platforms like Therapy Network and Reddit’s r/physicaltherapy or r/occupationaltherapy communities are great for keeping up with trends and learning from others’ experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or participate in discussions—you’ll likely find others in the same boat.
3. Find Support in Virtual Communities
Sometimes the best connections happen online. These digital spaces allow therapists to share experiences, exchange job tips, and even provide emotional support when the travel lifestyle feels isolating.
Join Therapy-Focused Facebook Groups
Social media groups like “Travel Therapy Therapists” or “Travel PT/OT/SLP Therapists” are fantastic for connecting with like-minded professionals. Here, you can ask for advice about moving to a new city, discuss the pros and cons of specific travel agencies, or even find housing tips.
Create a WhatsApp or Slack Group
If you're regularly in touch with a close-knit group of peers, consider creating a private WhatsApp or Slack group. This can be your go-to space for sharing daily updates, clinical insights, and even personal wins or challenges.
Engage in Virtual Meetups
Organizations like AMN Healthcare occasionally host virtual meetups or Q&A sessions for clinicians. These gatherings allow you to exchange ideas and experiences with peers, no matter where you’re working.
4. Prioritize Relationships with Colleagues
Building connections while on assignment isn’t just possible—it’s essential. By taking small steps to engage with your fellow clinicians and staff members, you'll not only strengthen your professional network but also create lasting friendships.
Attend Workplace Events
If your current facility hosts team-building activities or luncheons, actively participate. These moments are perfect for introducing yourself and integrating yourself into the team, even during short assignments.
Ask Questions and Collaborate
On every assignment, make it a point to engage with colleagues. Ask more experienced team members for advice or collaborate on challenging cases—you’ll find that colleagues are often eager to share their expertise.
5. Stay Grounded in Your Personal Community
While professional connections are critical, don’t forget about the relationships that keep you personally grounded.
Use Video Calls to Stay in Touch
Set time aside for regular video calls with family and friends. Apps like Zoom or FaceTime make it easy to stay connected with your loved ones, and scheduled check-ins can give you something to look forward to throughout the week.
Share Your Adventures
Being a travel therapist is exciting, so don’t hesitate to share updates and photos from your assignments with your support circle. They’ll love staying updated on your professional and personal adventures.
Visit Home When Possible
If your travel schedule allows, plan short visits back to your hometown. Spending even a weekend with family or close friends can help you recharge emotionally and physically.
6. Leverage Community Resources
Wherever your next assignment takes you, explore community resources to help you feel at home.
- Public Libraries often host free events and provide access to local resources.
- Meetup is a great platform for finding local therapy-related gatherings or hobby-focused groups.
- Volunteering your skills or time in a new city can expand your local network and leave a positive impact.
Strengthen Your Journey with Industry Connections
Being a successful traveling therapist isn’t just about clinical skills—it’s about building a strong personal and professional network. By fostering meaningful relationships, using online tools wisely, and taking advantage of virtual and local communities, you’ll thrive both as a professional and an individual.
Looking to expand your traveling therapy career? AMN Healthcare offers unmatched opportunities to connect with specialized mentors, access professional resources, and advance your career while exploring the country. Apply through AMN Healthcare and start building a network that spans the nation.
