What Is a Travel OT and How to Become One
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What Does a Travel OT Do?
As a travel occupational therapist (OT), you provide occupational therapy services to a patient in their home or a health care facility as part of their treatment plan. Your responsibilities include offering various physical or occupational therapy services designed to help a patient with a physical or mental disability complete necessary daily tasks, like bathing, eating, and socializing. You carry out your duties wherever your patients need you, so you might travel between several homes or facilities each day. As a travel OT, you can work on a contract basis or find employment through physical and occupational therapy centers, medical offices and facilities, or hospitals.
How Can I Become a Travel OT?
The qualifications to become a travel OT include a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and a passing grade on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, plus occupational therapy licensure in your state. You also need some experience as a regular OT. Some positions require a master’s degree, which your state may also require for occupational therapy licensure. You also need to have a reliable form of transportation and a valid driver’s license to travel to your patients. Working as a travel OT also requires excellent interpersonal communication and listening skills, physical strength and endurance, compassion, empathy, and patience.
