Choosing a Travel Therapy Company
as a New Graduate

A new graduate can travel once licensed for the contract's state, and the company to choose is the one that puts clinical support first: new-grad-friendly facilities, experienced therapists on site and a recruiter who will tell you the caseload. Ask for every line of the offer in writing, and compare it with a staff job's pay before you sign.

🎓 New grad travel therapy is real and increasingly common. What differs for a new grad: mentorship availability, state board support, clinical supervision access, and onboarding quality matter MORE than raw pay at this stage. Pay still matters — a lot — but new grads need agencies who won’t throw them in the deep end without support.

📋 New Grad Travel Therapy FAQ

❓ Can I travel as a new grad?

Yes. The caveat: some SNF contracts prefer some experience. Your agency should help you find new-grad-friendly facilities that provide adequate clinical support.

💰 What will I earn?

It depends on your discipline, setting and state. A travel package mixes taxable pay with tax-free stipends, so ask for every line of a new grad offer in writing, and compare it with a staff job's pay before you decide.

🏥 What settings are best for new grads?

SNF and outpatient ortho are the most new-grad-friendly travel settings. SNF volume is high, supervision is available on-site, and the caseload builds clinical skills quickly. Avoid acute care or ICU settings as your first contract — those require more independent clinical judgment.

👥 What should I ask a recruiter?

“Is this facility new-grad-friendly?” “Will there be experienced therapists on site for clinical questions?” “What is the typical caseload/productivity expectation?” “Can I speak with a current traveler at this facility?” Any recruiter who hesitates on these questions is a red flag.

Start Your Travel Career Right

The agency you choose for your first contract sets the tone for your entire travel career. A recruiter emails you about your request.