Are you an occupational therapist looking for an opportunity to make more money, travel the country, and help patients in need? If so, becoming a travel occupational therapist is the job for you. By partnering with us as a travel healthcare clinician, we’ll connect you with a job that meets your personal and professional goals at a facility that’s short staffed, opening up a world of new experiences and possibilities in your healthcare career. But where are occupational therapists needed? We’ve analyzed our current open listing data as of mid-January and compiled the top six states for travel occupational therapy jobs so far in 2024.
Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in Alaska
First on our list of the hottest states for travel occupational therapy jobs in 2024 is the northernmost state in the union, Alaska. We currently have two jobs open in The Last Frontier, both for 13-week assignments; one is for 4–5 days a week for 8–10 hours, and the other is Monday–Friday for 8-hour shifts.
Alaska is renowned around the world for its natural beauty—when you take an assignment in this state, you’ll have unparalleled access to sites such as Denali National Park, the third-largest national park in the country. There are plenty of other natural attractions to check out, like the Tracy Arm Fjord, a glacier area full of interesting wildlife such as moose, bears, whales and seals.
Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in California
Want to spend a few weeks working in a state that’s a bit warmer on average than Alaska? We currently have an open 13-week assignment for an occupational therapist at a nursing home in California (Monday–Friday, about eight hours a day), as well as another 13-week assignment (seven to eight hour shifts) in the Golden State.
While it might depend on where you find yourself in California (it’s a pretty large state by area), there are many cities to travel to and explore on your off days, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Redding.
Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in Louisiana
If the south calls to you more than the wintry north or sunny West Coast, consider taking a travel occupational therapist job in Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State. We currently have an open 13-week occupational therapy job open at a hospital—be aware: you must have at least two years of experience and a BLS certification for this specific assignment.
Louisiana is well-known for its immense contributions to American culture—in fact, jazz was invented in the state back in the early 20th century. Louisiana is also home to New Orleans, the state’s most populous city, which holds an annual Mardi Gras festival and sports The French Quarter, a historic neighborhood known for shopping, dining, and other tourist attractions.
Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in Massachusetts
Are you an American history lover who enjoys experiencing distinct seasons, great food, and fun cities? If so, Massachusetts is calling to you—in fact, we currently have two open travel occupational therapist assignments in the Bay State, both are 13 weeks long at a nursing home.
Although you might be most familiar with Boston, the state’s capital and one of the most historic cities in the United States, Massachusetts is also home to other interesting cities such as Salem, where the infamous witch trials took place in 1692, and Worcester, located in the heart of the state. In addition, Massachusetts offers beautiful beaches around Cape Cod and wonderful hiking trails the more west you travel.
Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in Montana
The seventh-least populated state in the United States, Montana is a beautiful place in the Mountain West that we’ve been seeing a demand for travel occupational therapists. In fact, we have an open 13-week assignment in the Treasure State for an occupational therapist at a hospital.
When you take an assignment in Montana, you’ll be in the same state as Yellowstone National Park, which boasts over two million acres of wilderness and wildlife that is ripe for exploration on a weekend off. Yellowstone isn’t the only national park to check out in Montana, there’s also the stunning Glacier National Park, which is home to mountain ranges, alpine meadows, thick forests, tall waterfalls, and much more.
Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs in New Mexico
Last on our list for travel occupational therapist jobs is New Mexico, a southern state that has arid deserts in the south and an alpine climate in the north. Like all the other states on this list, we are currently seeking a travel occupational therapist for a 13-week assignment at a hospital in New Mexico.
Known as “The Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico, especially its northern areas, is a hotspot for skiers during the winter. The state also has a lot of nature to explore, such as White Sands National Park, Gila National Forest, and Sante Fe National Forest.
Why Take a Travel Occupational Therapist Job?
Occupational therapists, and allied health clinicians in general, benefit from many unique aspects of taking on the travel healthcare life. Travel occupational therapists make around 14.7% more than their permanent counterparts on average, according to our internal data, making it an easy choice for many who are looking for extra money. In addition, travel occupational therapists can choose which assignments they take and when, a freedom you won’t have while working in a permanent role.
When travel occupational therapists partner with us, they gain access to competitive compensation, a stipend to cover lodging and travel expenses, A-rated medical malpractice insurance, and much more.
Depending on when you read this article, the specific jobs mentioned may or may not still be available. But we’re always looking for occupational therapists to join our network—check out our most up-to-date list of open assignments and apply today!