differences in pediatics vs adults in travel therapy:

Peds contracts are often longer- outpatient peds typically requires 6 months, and school based jobs are for the school year (or remainder of the school year from your start date)

Many many pediatrics jobs require previous experience, which is different than many travel adult jobs. Level II fieldwork can often count as this, as long as you are comfortable with the setting. You can always say something like this if you are in this boat: “Yes I have worked in a school setting previously! While it was a level II Fieldwork for 12 weeks, I was able to independently plan and execute treatment sessions, assessment and attend IEP meetings. I feel comfortable working with kids with XYZ diagnosis and use this philosophy…….”

More educational model, less medical model- a large majority of pediatric travel OT jobs are in school systems, rather than pediatric hospitals, outpatient or home health. These of course exist, but schools are by far the #1 peds settings for travel OTs.

Independence- when it comes to schools, you are likely to be the only OT at a particular school (maybe not the district but totally possible). This is why many require experience prior to hiring, because “you’re on your own kid” (thank you Taylor Swift for the reference here), and have less people to bounce ideas and questions off of. This may not be in the case in outpatient or hospital based peds services.

Are you thinking about making the leap to travel therapy, or have already begun the process? Your first contract shapes your views of travel therapy and can mold your travel therapy career. The thought of your first travel contract can be a scary, daunting one, we know, but it doesn’t have to be. We hope with some of our suggestions below, curated from our own mistakes, triumphs and hiccups you can make the leap to a successful travel career.

how do I pick my next adventure in the world of travel OT? Here’s a little peek into my process:

When I’m beginning the process to look for an assignment, I always narrow down my search to a region I’d like to be in next. 

I reach out to my preferred agencies and relay my preferences for that contract.  I’m sure to communicate whether setting, pay, or a specific state is the priority to me in the upcoming contract. 

Length of contract is also something I take into consideration. Most contracts are 13 weeks, frequently with an option to extend. However, some may be to cover a leave of another therapist resulting in different requirements. I just wrapped up a contract that required 6 months minimum, which was a bit longer than standard