Travel with GetMed Staffing as an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people with injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or conditions that affect their ability to do daily activities.

An OT session will focus more on functional restoration.

• Strengthening or performing the task differently
• Using adaptive equipment
• Modifying the environment to get the job done
• Gain or regain independence

Whether they are a child born with developmental delays, a baker with a significant hand injury, or an older adult who has survived a stroke.

One way to experience these opportunities in the field is to travel. Traveling as a healthcare professional in any modality offers many perks. For those looking for a new challenge or change of pace, it can be a fulfilling next step in a career. 

Required education and essential skills of an OT Traveler

To become eligible to travel as an occupational therapist, you must meet the same qualifications as a traditional OT.

• Earning a master's degree in occupational therapy
• Passing the national exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Requirements vary by location, though all states require practitioners to pass the NBCOT exam to earn the title "Occupational Therapist, Registered" (OTR) and obtain state licensure.

Additionally, to successfully travel as an Occupational Therapist (OT), individuals must possess a range of essential skills. These skills are necessary for adapting to new environments, collaborating with diverse individuals, and delivering mobile therapy services.

Excellent communication skills are essential for OTs who travel. As you encounter different cultures, languages, and communication styles, being able to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues is crucial. This includes not only verbal communication but also active listening, non-verbal cues, and the ability to adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of each individual.

Flexibility and adaptability are also key skills for traveling OTs. They must be able to quickly adjust to new settings, whether it be a different clinic, hospital, or even a client's home. This requires the ability to think on their feet, problem-solve, and adapt their treatment plans to suit the resources and limitations of each new environment. Being open-minded and embracing cultural differences is important for establishing trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Organizational and time management skills are crucial for traveling OTs. They often have to juggle multiple clients, appointments, and paperwork while on the road. Being able to prioritize tasks, manage their schedule efficiently, and stay organized is essential for providing quality care and ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time.

Another important skill for traveling OTs is self-motivation and independence. They often work independently or with minimal supervision, requiring them to be self-starters and take initiative in their work. This includes being able to set goals, manage their own professional development, and stay motivated even in unfamiliar or challenging situations.

Lastly, cultural competence is a vital skill for traveling OTs. They must be able to understand and respect the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of the communities they work with. This includes being aware of cultural norms, customs, and sensitivities, and adapting their approach to therapy accordingly. By demonstrating cultural competence, traveling OTs can build trust and establish effective therapeutic relationships with their clients.

Individuals hoping to travel as an OT must possess a range of essential skills. These include excellent communication, flexibility, adaptability, organizational and time management, self-motivation, and cultural competence. By honing these skills, traveling OTs can provide effective therapy services, build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds, and thrive in new and unfamiliar environments

• Strong communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital to effectively understanding and anticipating patient needs, documenting treatments, and progress, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.  
• Problem-solving: No two people are alike. Therefore, OTs must be resourceful to determine the best course of action for each unique situation when working with patients. 
• Patience: Therapy is a long road. To succeed in the role, OTs must be patient and flexible when dealing with the high and low points throughout restoring a patient's independence.

What makes occupational therapy different than physical therapy?

At first blush, occupational therapy seems similar to physical therapy, but the two fields are quite different in practice. Occupational therapy works holistically with a person to address their physical, mental, and emotional needs to help them engage with their daily lives better. 

For example, a person recovering from knee surgery would visit a physical therapist for help walking, bending, and building endurance by putting weight on the knee. A person recovering from a stroke would visit an occupational therapist to learn how to adapt new ways to handle daily tasks like brushing their teeth and changing clothes independently.

As Michael Roberts, associate professor and program director of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Regis College, puts it, "When we say 'occupation,' we mean the activities that we do every day; the roles, tasks, and goals that define who we are. Everyone has activities that define their identity, whether it's work tasks, artistic expressions, or leisure pursuits." Roberts goes on to say, "The biggest difference between OT and many other health care professions is that 'We do with people, not to people.'"

Start as an Travel OT with GetMed

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for OTs is expected to grow by 14% from 2021 to 2031.

The growing number of occupational therapist roles is predicted to rise due to the increasing demand for care for the aging baby-boom generation, treating ailments like arthritis and stroke. There are many benefits to becoming a traveling OT, such as:

• Diversifying your knowledge base and experiences as a healthcare professional
• Building a professional network
• Excellent compensation opportunities

With GetMed Staffing, we have experienced recruiters here to help and guide you every step of the way. We take pride in providing opportunities nationwide that should meet every new traveler's excitement to hit the road! Becoming a GetMed traveler means you also receive the following benefits:

• Medical (health, dental, vision) insurance, 401K + Company match, and life insurance. 
• License and Certificate Reimbursement 
• Referral Program 

However, the benefits continue beyond there. Your dedicated recruiter will ensure the process from finding your next assignment to navigating your first day is a breeze. Our core values of integrity, excellence, and quality are infused into every interaction with our travelers.

Explore the United States by connecting with our team today to learn more about how GetMed can take your OT career to the next level.