There’s a new trend in speech pathology that is enticing permanent workers away for more travel and better pay. It takes a sense of adventure to be a temporary speech pathologist, and more permanent workers are considering these roles either as supplements to their existing jobs or as ways to earn more while checking out a variety of new locations to live.
But how would a permanent speech pathologist make the transition to a more temporary role? What is the life of a temporary speech pathologist like? What are the challenges they face? This article has the answers.
What is Travel Therapy?
The permanent speech pathologist may be startled to realize there is an entire industry that dedicates itself to placing these professionals in temporary roles. These roles can run anywhere from three to nine months or longer and are typically in response to an existing staff maternity leave or illness. These roles are both fun and challenging. Here are some tips to consider, especially if you’re thinking about leaving your permanent position for traveling speech pathology roles:
- First, you will hit the ground running. A traveling speech pathologist has a pretty exciting role. They must acclimate quickly into a new setting. From the very beginning, you will carry a full caseload of patients, so you’ll put your clinical skills to good use from day one. The biggest benefit in these situations for the permanent speech pathologist is the sense of excitement that comes from starting something new. If you’re feeling stuck in the same old job today, going to a traveling role will give you the jump start you’ve been missing.
- Second, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll learn. These roles are great to consider for the less-seasoned speech pathologist. For the experienced clinician thinking about transitioning from a role that’s grown stale, the traveling lifestyle changes everything – including refreshing old skills.
- Finally, there may be a tax write-off. If you transition from a full-time role to a traveling speech pathologist position but still maintain a home in a permanent city, there may be tax stipends available as an added bonus. Talk to your accountant about the options available.
While these are just a few of the benefits and considerations of the traveling SLP position, what’s happening behind the scenes that speech pathologists would want to give up their permanent role for a traveling position?
Why Give up a Permanent Position for a Traveling Role?
The job market has changed. There are dozens of jobs in healthcare today, not to mention other industries outside the medical field. Speech pathologists no longer need to settle for a role they’re not happy with. Increasingly, these professionals are turning to a traveling lifestyle to shake up a career path that’s gone stale.
Whether you’ve experienced a layoff, are a recently graduated speech pathologist or are looking to make a change, talk to the MAS Medical talent team about the traveling lifestyle. We’re standing by to help you explore your next career adventure. Contact us.
