Thank you for taking the time to consider a travel therapy job or allied health career with Onward Healthcare. Below are a list of answers to many of the common questions we receive from our rehab professionals in order to better serve you. We hope you find them helpful and informative. If you are not able to find your answer or have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-278-0332 or info@onwardhealthcare.com.
Why do rehab professionals choose travel careers?
Some therapists travel to explore the country, while others do it receive better compensation and test out new settings. While a lot depends on the individual, most therapists choose a travel career for a combination of location, pay, benefits, and professional opportunities.
What are the minimum requirements to become a travel therapist?
To work as a travel therapist, you must have a valid degree in your area of practice from an accredited healthcare professional program in the United States or Canada and have passed the national licensure exam.
Where can I go as a travel therapist?
By working as a travel therapist, you have the flexibility to go almost anywhere in the country. We have therapy and rehab positions from coast to coast, in small towns and large cities. When you speak with your recruiter, you'll be able to specify your top preferences and we will give our best effort to find you the travel therapy job that matches your criteria.
Is Onward Healthcare certified by the Joint Commission?
Yes, Onward Healthcare received the Gold Seal of Approval through the Joint Commission’s Health Care Staffing Services (HCSS) Certification Program. We adhere to all the standards and requirements set forth by the Joint Commission regarding the placement of temporary therapy / rehab staff.
What types of allied health / rehab professionals does Onward Healthcare staff?
Onward Healthcare offers nationwide travel assignments, permanent placement and per diem jobs for a range of allied healthcare professionals, including physical therapists (PTs), physical therapy assistants (PTAs), occupational therapists (OTs), certified occupational therapist assistant (COTAs), speech language pathologists, respiratory therapists and select radiology professionals.
How do I get started as a travel therapist with Onward Healthcare?
Getting started as a travel therapist is easy. Just complete our online Travel Therapy Application or email your resume to alliedjobs@onwardhealthcare.com along with a statement regarding what type of employment you are looking for.
Am I required to pay a fee to Onward Healthcare for their placement services?
No. Our services are free of cost to our candidates.
Am I required to commit to a job with Onward once I have submitted my application?
No. Your application or statement of inquiry is simply used to qualify you for potential employment. However, if you decide to pursue a travel therapy job, this will be all the information we need to submit your profile to one of our client facilities.
How long will it take to find me a travel therapy assignment or permanent / per diem therapy job?
Once we have verified your references, our recruiters will discuss with you all of the opportunities available at Onward Healthcare. You could obtain a therapy job in as little as one week as long as your documentation is in order and you have a current license in your desired state, however the typical process is usually two to three weeks.
Do I need to sign a long-term contract in order to work with Onward?
No. Your obligation to Onward only lasts for the length of the particular therapy job you choose to commit to.
How long are travel therapy assignments?
A typical travel therapy assignment is 13 weeks. Longer-term assignments are also an option either by extending your contract at your current facility or working with your recruiter to find a new location.
Can I work for Onward Healthcare without traveling?
Yes. In addition to permanent and per diem opportunities, Onward offers a form of employment called “local travel” or blocked bookings, in which we can place you in a facility within your geographic region for a contracted period of time. This allows you to enjoy all the benefits of a travel therapy job, without leaving your family or friends.
How is my travel therapy assignment determined?
Assuming you have met all the prerequisites for employment with Onward Healthcare, your recruiter will evaluate your employment preferences, career goals and desired locations in order to find the ideal travel therapy job for you. You will then be presented with a list of options, including location, pay rate and background information on the facility. Once you have determined that a particular job is right for you, your recruiter will set up a phone interview between you and the designated contact at the facility. To find out more about this process, visit our getting started as a travel therapist page.
How will Onward Healthcare prepare me for my travel therapy job?
Once you have accepted your travel therapy assignment, your Onward recruiter will confirm your start date, salary and any other details about the position. We will send you a welcome package with all the information you will need to start your travel therapy assignment, including information about your housing accommodations.
When and how will I be paid while on assignment?
Onward Healthcare offers weekly direct deposit to all of our healthcare professionals.
What happens when my travel therapy assignment is complete?
If the facility offers to extend your travel therapy assignment, you can elect to sign a new contract and remain there for another contracted period of time. If you (or the facility) do not wish to extend your current assignment, your Onward recruiter will work with you to find a new travel therapy job. If you decide that a travel therapy career is not right for you, then you can part ways with Onward and continue your career search on your own.
How do I get to my new assignment?
Onward reimburses travel costs up to a designated amount defined in your assignment agreement. We do recommend that you drive your car so you have a means of transportation once you arrive in your new location. However if you are traveling to a metropolitan city where parking is scarce and public transportation is available, you may elect to fly in which case you will still be reimbursed under the same guidelines.
Where will I live while on a travel assignment?
Onward Healthcare offers free, private housing accommodations for each travel therapy assignment. Multi-bedroom apartments are available for a fee in select locations. To learn more, visit our traveler housing page.
What happens if I don’t require housing from Onward Healthcare?
If you do not require housing on your assignment or wish to find your own accommodations, you will receive a monthly housing subsidy in addition to your standard pay. The amount varies for each assignment and location.
Do you pay for my moving costs?
As stated above, we reimburse the miles traveled to and from your tax home, up to the travel cap defined in your assignment agreement. Your reimbursement is based on IRS mileage reimbursement rates. If you require moving services, Onward may pay all or a portion of the costs based on these guidelines.
If I reside in Onward Healthcare housing, are my personal items insured?
No, they are not. We recommend that you look into short-term, inexpensive renters' insurance that will cover your personal belongings. Your Onward Housing Coordinator will help you locate a reliable company if you so choose.
Can I bring family or friends with me on my travel assignment?
Yes. Many travel therapists elect to travel with family, friends or colleagues who are also looking to explore the country. However, if you request larger accommodations for your guest(s) you may incur a modest fee from our housing department.
Does Onward Healthcare offer reimbursement for the cost of my license in a new state?
Yes. Once you commit to a minimum 13-week assignment, Onward will reimburse you for the cost of your licensure in that particular state.
Does working as a travel therapy professional have any implications for me from a tax perspective?
Tax questions typically depends on your individual situation. Thus, Onward recommends that our travel professionals consult a tax advisor to properly understand the tax implications of their travel assignments. If you do not have a tax advisor, the following consultants / firms specialize in travel healthcare-related tax services:
| Vendor: | Website: | Phone Number: |
| Joseph Smith, RRT, EA | www.traveltax.com | 877-TRAVTAX |
| Dan Kobaly, EA | www.kobaly.com | 800-905-6692 |
| H&R Block Specialty Tax Services | www.mytaxconcierge.com | Region-Specific |
Please note these firms are not affiliated with Onward Healthcare, and we do not endorse their services over any other tax advisors. Onward Healthcare does not provide tax advice, and should you engage with one of the above firms, the relationship you have is solely between you and the firm.
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