Well, suppose being a traveling shrink might be an interesting profession. Sort of like the itinerant preachers, who set up their tents and hold revivials, and then go off on their way.

But that’s not the type of therapist I’m talking about. This is about the therapists with the words “respiratory” “occupational” “physical” and so on in front.

Apparently, travel jobs are not just for nurses. According to an article at American Traveler, therapist can take the road in much the same way that nurses do.

This is a travel professional staffing agency, so everything they say must be looked upon with that in mind. Anecdotally, some nurses have been complaining the travel assignments have dried up and I imagine that some have. But with hiring freezes and layoffs, hospitals still need staff. Some are making a big fuss and using the economic situation as an excuse to cut benefits, salary and jobs. But when they did the same thing in the early/mid 1990s, they turned around and used travelers and per diems to fill in the slots vacated by full time staff. True, it is more expensive upfront, but a lot cheaper than an employee who demands health insurance and who they may have to eventually provide with a pension.

American Traveler claims to have a lot of jobs waiting, for assorted therapists as well as nurses. I imagine the truth is somewhere in-between no jobs and abundance of jobs.

But for allied health professionals, they claim to have travel jobs for respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, surgical technicians, speech pathologists, and physical therapists. It would make sense, as these jobs can be packed up and carried around the country, much as nursing can.

Factor in all the benefits, bonuses and perks of traveling and travel therapists can make up to $110,000 per year.

Not bad, but of course, that does depend on your location, the type of therapist you are, the pay at the moment, etc. But it is something to consider, especially if you’ve been laid off and can manage to temporarily relocate.