A realistic month-by-month timeline from "I'm interested" to your first day on assignment.
3-4 months from decision to first assignment day for most therapists. The biggest variable is licensure processing time. If you already have a compact privilege or active licenses in target states, it can be as fast as 4-6 weeks.
Week 1-2: Read the 101 Guide, understand pros and cons, talk to current travelers.
Week 2-3: Set up your tax home. Start license applications.
Week 3-4: Sign up with 2-3 agencies. Begin gathering credentialing documents.
Week 5-6: License applications processing. Complete immunization titers if not current. Schedule background check.
Week 7-8: Licenses arriving. Submit compliance packets to agencies. Start browsing available assignments.
Week 9-10: Interview for assignments. Compare pay packages. Accept an offer.
Week 11-12: Complete facility-specific requirements. Arrange housing. Plan your move.
Week 13-14: Move to assignment location. Orientation. Start your first travel contract.
PT/OT Compact privilege: Activated in days vs. weeks for individual licenses. Current health records: Up-to-date immunization titers save 1-2 weeks. Pre-existing licenses: If you already hold licenses in target states. Organized documents: Having your compliance packet ready when you sign with agencies.
Slow state licensing boards: Some states take 6-8 weeks. Missing immunization records: Blood titers take 1-2 weeks; if you need a vaccine series (Hep B), that's months. Background check delays: FBI fingerprint processing varies. Indecision: Waiting for the "perfect" assignment when a good one is available now.
For the detailed step-by-step process, see How to Get Started.
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