Travel Therapy Contracts Explained

Most travel therapy assignments run 13 weeks (one quarter). This timeframe works because it's long enough to be productive, short enough to maintain IRS temporary status, and aligns with quarterly billing cycles. Some contracts are shorter (8 weeks for crisis needs) or longer (26 weeks for school positions).

Guaranteed Hours

Your contract specifies weekly hours (usually 36-40). Guaranteed hours means the facility must pay you even if patient census drops and they can't fill your schedule. Without this clause, your pay can be cut when census is low. Always confirm guaranteed hours before signing.

Cancellation Clause

Specifies how much notice the facility must give to cancel your contract early. Push for 30 days — this gives you (and your recruiter) time to find a replacement assignment. Some contracts only offer 2-week notice, which is risky.

Overtime Policy

Some facilities need extra hours. Know the overtime rate (typically 1.5x your taxable rate) and whether overtime is optional or expected.

Call-Off Policy

What happens if the facility tells you not to come in due to low census? With guaranteed hours, you still get paid. Without it, you lose that day's pay. This is critical to understand before signing.

Extending at the same facility is common and often beneficial. The facility saves onboarding costs, you avoid moving, and both sides know what to expect. Extensions can be negotiated for the same or better terms — don't assume the same rate. Ask for a pay bump, especially if they clearly want you to stay.

Pay rate — always ask if there's room to increase. The worst they can say is no.

Guaranteed hours — non-negotiable in your favor. Don't accept without it.

Cancellation notice — push for 30 days minimum.

Start date — if you need an extra week for housing or travel, ask.

Schedule — 4x10s vs 5x8s, weekend requirements, holiday expectations.

Travel reimbursement — if the agency doesn't offer it, ask. Many will add it.