1

Travel Pta Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Travel Pta information

What is a travel PTA?

A traveling Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a person who travels to different locations around the country to aide in the physical recovery and rehabilitation of patients. As a PTA, you work under the supervision of a physical therapist to provide care for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and physical therapy practices. As a traveling PTA, you fulfill those same duties, but instead of being based at one location, you will travel and work at various offices for periods of eight to twelve weeks. Because you need to manage multiple appointment schedules, organizational skills are vital in this career.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a travel physical therapist assistant (PTA)?

To thrive as a Travel PTA, you need an associate degree from an accredited PTA program, state licensure, and a solid grasp of therapeutic exercise, patient care, and rehabilitation techniques. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems and various physical therapy modalities is typically required, and a Compact PTA license can be beneficial for multi-state assignments. Strong communication, adaptability, and organizational skills help you quickly build rapport with new teams and patients in diverse clinical settings. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering quality care, ensuring smooth transitions between assignments, and maintaining compliance with varying state and facility standards.

What unique challenges do travel PTAs face compared to traditional PTA roles?

Travel Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) often adapt quickly to new clinical environments, electronic medical record systems, and team dynamics at each assignment. They must be comfortable working with diverse patient populations and be proactive in building rapport with both patients and staff. Managing logistics such as housing, licensure across states, and travel arrangements can also be challenging. However, these experiences can foster adaptability, broaden clinical skills, and offer valuable networking opportunities.

What is the difference between Travel Pta vs Travel Cota?

AspectTravel PtaTravel Cota
CertificationsLicensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) licenseCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinicsRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Industry UsageHealthcare, physical therapy settingsHealthcare, occupational therapy settings
Common Search/ComparisonTravel PTA vs Travel COTA

Travel Ptas and Travel COTAs work in similar healthcare environments, providing therapy services under supervision. The main difference lies in their certifications: a Travel Pta is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, while a Travel Cota is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Both roles are in high demand for travel assignments in healthcare facilities, but they serve different therapy disciplines.

How much can a traveling physical therapist assistant make?

A traveling physical therapist assistant typically earns between $25 and $40 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and assignment duration. Compensation often includes housing stipends, travel allowances, and benefits, making it a competitive option for those with licensure and relevant skills in physical therapy assistance.

Is being a travel PTA worth it?

A travel PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) works on temporary assignments at various healthcare facilities, often earning higher pay and gaining diverse experience. The role requires certification and adaptability to different environments, making it suitable for those seeking variety and flexibility in their career. However, it may involve frequent travel and adjusting to new teams and settings.

What are popular job titles related to Travel Pta jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Travel Pta jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Travel Pta jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Travel Pta jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Travel Pta jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Travel Pta job openings:

Infographic showing various Travel Pta job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 16% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Travel Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Physical Therapist

Athens, AL • On-site

Ardor Health Solutions
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 201 - 500 employees

$24 - $32/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Ardor Health Solutions is seeking a travel Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Physical Therapist for a travel job in Athens, Alabama.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Physical Therapist
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – Skilled Nursing

Athens, Alabama

Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Profession: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Schedule: Full-Time
Contract: Travel Assignment

COTA Opportunity – Athens, AL

Ardor Health Solutions is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for a Skilled Nursing Facility travel assignment in Athens, Alabama.

This is a great opportunity for a COTA who enjoys working with an adult and geriatric rehabilitation population, helping patients regain the functional skills needed to safely complete daily activities and achieve their highest possible level of independence.

You'll work under the direction of an Occupational Therapist and collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.

Position Highlights
  • Skilled Nursing Facility
  • Adult and geriatric rehabilitation
  • Short-term rehabilitation and longer-term patient needs
  • ADL and functional independence training
  • Upper-extremity strengthening and coordination
  • Transfer and functional mobility training
  • Adaptive equipment training
  • Safety and fall-prevention education
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary rehab team
What You'll Do

The COTA will provide skilled occupational therapy treatments under the direction and plan of care established by the Occupational Therapist.

Treatment may include ADL retraining, upper-extremity strengthening, ROM and coordination activities, transfer and functional mobility training, adaptive equipment education, safety training, and therapeutic activities designed to improve independence.

You'll monitor patient response to treatment, communicate progress with the supervising OT, complete timely clinical documentation, and collaborate with PT, PTA, SLP, nursing, and other members of the care team.

Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
  • Current Alabama COTA license or ability to obtain prior to start
  • Current BLS certification
  • Strong treatment and patient-care skills
  • Comfortable working with adult and geriatric patients
  • SNF or skilled rehabilitation experience preferred
  • Strong communication and documentation skills
Why Athens, AL?

Athens is in North Alabama between Huntsville and the Tennessee state line, making it a convenient location for travelers who want a smaller community while staying close to a larger city.

Huntsville is roughly 30–40 minutes away, giving you easy access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and plenty to do on your days off. You're also convenient to Madison and Decatur, with Nashville within reach for a weekend trip.

Why Travel with Ardor Health Solutions?

Ardor Health Solutions has been helping healthcare professionals find travel opportunities for more than 25 years and offers:

  • Guaranteed weekly per diems — even during approved time off
  • Double-time pay for hours worked between the facility's guaranteed hours and 40 hours
  • Day 1 medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Travel and licensing assistance
  • Referral bonuses
  • Dedicated recruiter support throughout your assignment

Amanda Anson | Ardor Health Solutions

Hi! Amanda with Ardor Health Solutions. I have a **COTA SNF contract in Athens, AL**, about 30–40 minutes from Huntsville, working with an adult/geriatric rehab population. Ardor offers **guaranteed weekly per diems even during approved time off, DT pay between the facility guarantee and 40 hours, Day 1 medical/dental/vision, weekly pay, travel & licensing assistance, referral bonuses, and dedicated recruiter support.** Interested in details?

About Ardor Health Solutions

Ardor Health Solutions formed in 2001 and remains a privately held medical staffing business owned and operated by the same family. Over the years we have expanded our staffing and recruiting capabilities to include therapy services, nursing services, and all allied services.

If you would like the personal service that comes with a staff of recruiters that have an average tenure with the company between 5 and 15 years, and the knowledge of our client services representatives with similar experience, there is no need to look any further.

At Ardor Health Solutions you can expect better than average pay packages, extraordinary benefits, and the peace of mind that you will not be forgotten once you start your assignment. Perhaps that is why so many of our caregivers have completed more than a dozen different assignments with us over our long history.

Ardor Health is pleased to offer a free medical insurance plan in addition to major medical plans. Please contact a recruiter for more details on the free medical plan and/or any other general inquiries.

One final fact about Ardor Health Solutions. We have been paying our caregivers weekly since 2001, and we have never, ever, missed a payroll. If you are currently on an assignment with us, thank you. If you have traveled with us before, we would like to welcome you back. If you have never traveled with us, give us a try. You will not be disappointed.


Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Holiday Pay
  • Pet insurance
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Life insurance
  • Discount program

Ardor Health Solutions logo

About Ardor Health Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ardor Health Solutions is a Fortune Ranked, award-winning, expanding company that has also recently been ranked the 20th Largest Allied Staffing Firm in the Nation by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) and by Fortune`s Great Places to Work Surveys several years in a row. Ardor Health Solutions formed in 2001 and remains a privately held medical staffing business owned and operated by the same family. Over the years we have expanded our staffing and recruiting capabilities to include therapy services, nursing services, and all allied services. Ardor Health Solutions is a fun, energetic, and passionate group of healthcare staffing professionals. We strive to bring you the highest quality positions that are perfect for your career. We are dedicated to finding you a travel position that not only provides superior compensation, but enriches your life.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

2001

Social media