Travel physical therapy is an enticing opportunity for those with wanderlust. Katherine Verbyla, DPT ’12, has been a travel physical therapist for nearly six years and she does not see herself stopping anytime soon.
As a graduate of the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, Verbyla first heard about travel physical therapy (PT) during one of her classes in her last year of school. “GW encouraged students to do clinical rotations in different states for varied experience and to see how medicine is practiced in different parts of the country” she states. Her clinical rotations and education at GW broadened her horizons and presented many opportunities to work with a diverse patient population.
After graduating with her DPT in 2012, Verbyla initially worked at an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility for three years before deciding to pursue travel PT. “I was looking for a change, both personally and professionally,” she stated. Travel PT gave her the opportunity to explore a new practice setting in a brand new location.
Verbyla has been working with MedTravelers, a health care travel agency dedicated to closing the gap between health care professionals and those in need of care. For each assignment, a recruiter sends a list of potential jobs in locations of interest, and Verbyla is able to pick her top choices. Most travel assignments last around 13 weeks, but can vary depending on the demand. Sometimes, facilities can extend a contract, but they typically do not last longer than a year.
While the idea of moving around every few months may seem daunting, Verbyla tackles each move with renewed enthusiasm. So far, she has lived and worked in various hospitals and clinics all over the Northeast, Texas, Arkansas, and California. She recommends being very practical with each move, bringing only essentials and looking for furnished living spaces. Between assignments, she recommends taking time off to relax and recharge.
Throughout the pandemic, Verbyla has been on the front line, working directly with COVID-19 patients. When the pandemic began, Verbyla was working in an acute care setting in a hospital in Southern Connecticut. Next, she plans to relocate to North Carolina to work in a hospital specifically for COVID-19 patients. When asked about how long she sees herself doing travel physical therapy, Verbyla said she has considered permanent positions, but enticing travel opportunities keep coming up. “I tell myself I’m going to keep doing this until it stops being good to me,” she added.