In a perfect world, once you decide to become a physical therapist (PT) traveler, you'd call your agency of choice, pick a location, and begin an assignment. But this is reality, and before you can start a contract, the issue of licensing must be addressed.

Getting started

As she soon discovered, each state has its own set of requirements. South Carolina, for instance, required a background check, and for a Georgia license, Woodley had to sit for a law exam for which she had to pay. Then, after she obtained her first license, she learned that she needed to provide verification of each to every state board from which she desired a license. "Had I known the requirements from the beginning," says Woodley, "there would have been no surprises."

The application process

To obtain a new state license, you first must locate and complete the appropriate application. Most forms can be downloaded from boards' respective websites and printed for completion. But some state boards, such as Nevada's, require phone call or e-mail application requests. There are also a few states, like Texas, with boards that have interactive sites allowing for online submissions. The latter is obviously the easiest and most effective way in which to apply for a license. At present, however, it is far from widely available.

After you have completed an application, you must send it to the relative board along with the required fee, which may range from $50 to $300. Woodley, for example, paid over $500 in fees to obtain licensure in three states. "Forking over that much money right out of college can be a challenge," she says. "So, it's vital that new grads interested in healthcare travel be aware of the costs."

While typically non-refundable, an application fee is ordinarily a one-time expense. Payment options are usually apersonal check or money order. Checks must clear before forms can be processed, though, which can add a day or two to the turnaround time. Conversely, money orders are like cash in hand and can be processed more quickly. Of course, if you complete an application online, you should be able to pay the fee with a credit card. Bear in mind that the faster a form and payment is received, the sooner you can expect to receive license approval. You may even wish to send your application via an overnight shipping service, if time is of the essence.

License verifications

If required, it may take up to 3 weeks—or longer—to receive a verification letter, depending on the individual state board. Be prepared to pay a small fee for this requirement, as well. If you hold one or more state licenses, it is imperative to immediately request the verifications you need. Once your documentation is received, the process generally takes 3 to 5 days. Still, to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, you should allow for extra time. And remember, like our PT traveler, you may incur additional expenses—such as those related to background checks or examinations a given board requires—which is why it's essential to confirm requirements from the onset of the application process.