Are travel SLP jobs right for you?

Are you someone who can’t sit still? Dream of a new city every week? We have good news for you: SLP travel jobs offer speech language pathologists the chance to take short-term assignments in a variety of locations. These roles are perfect for those looking to combine their professional work with the excitement of travel. 

In this article, we explore the different types of SLP travel jobs, the benefits they bring, and how you can qualify and find the best opportunities in the field of SLP travel jobs. Whether you’re seeking adventure or new professional experiences, a travel SLP job can provide both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Travel SLP jobs allow speech-language pathologists to combine their profession with travel, offering unique experiences in diverse environments and patient populations.
• These roles provide significant flexibility, with temporary assignments that enhance career opportunities and often come with competitive salaries, sometimes 20% higher than non-traveling positions (Tailored Healthcare Staffing).
• The demand for SLPs is projected to grow (Bureau of Labor Statistics), particularly in states like Texas and New York, which offer robust job opportunities and favorable compensation packages.
• Many employers offer flexible positions across many different cities, one of which is Coral Care. At Coral Care you do the work you love on your terms. You set your availability and travel radius, and they handle all the rest.

What are SLP Travel Jobs?

Speech language pathologists, or SLPs, have the opportunity to take on travel roles that offer flexibility and variety in their work environments. These travel jobs typically involve temporary assignments ranging from 8 to 13 weeks (Nomad Health), allowing SLPs to work in different locations and settings while enjoying flexible schedules. Recruitment agencies support travel SLPs with tailored opportunities and round-the-clock assistance during their assignments.

Despite the temporary nature of these jobs, travel SLP positions offer a similar level of job security to traditional roles, making them an appealing choice for many in the field. Whether you’re interested in working in medical facilities, schools, teletherapy, or in-home positions, travel SLP jobs provide a fulfilling career path with the added benefit of exploring new destinations. 

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Top SLP Travel Job Opportunities

The biggest draw to travel SLP jobs for most is the unique opportunity to combine their passion for speech therapy with a love for travel. These roles are perfect for professionals who enjoy new experiences and want to broaden their careers by working in various environments and with diverse patient populations.

Working as a travel speech language pathologist allows you to enhance your career objectives in ways that a traditional job might not. Travel assignments offer the adventure of exploring new places while providing invaluable experience to advance your career. Moreover, you get to learn from and work with some of the best specialists in the country, or in the world! The diverse environments and patient populations you’ll encounter can significantly enrich your professional skills and knowledge.

However, if you’re looking for the flexibility to travel whenever you’d like but don’t want to permanently hop from city to city, there are also SLP jobs that allow you the flexibility to travel, like Coral Care. 

Coral Care offers SLPs the opportunity to do what they love on their terms across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Texas. The practice matches SLPs with patients across a specified travel range, offering the support of a full clinic while allowing for the flexibility and freedom of a private practice. No more worrying about recruiting patients, scheduling, billing, or insurance denying payouts, Coral Care works with your schedule, finds you patients, and pays you for every session, every time. 

Benefits of Being a Travel SLP

In addition to the aforementioned draws to being a travel SLP, these positions offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing speech language pathologists to choose where and how long they want to work. This flexibility means you can take on assignments in locations that interest you, whether it’s a bustling city or a serene rural area. Additionally, working with agencies like Therapy Travelers or Coral Care enables SLPs to continue their clinical careers while exploring new destinations.

The demand for speech language pathologist jobs is projected to grow by 18% by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlighting the significant need for professionals in this field. Regions with high populations and advanced healthcare systems, such as Texas and New York City, have a greater demand for travel speech language pathologists. This high demand translates to more job opportunities and the potential for career advancement.

Another notable benefit is the financial aspect. Travel SLP jobs often offer extra income, which can lead to a better work-life balance and more time off between assignments. This additional income allows SLPs to enjoy their off-time more fully, whether it’s traveling further or spending quality time with loved ones.

Types of SLP travel jobs

Travel SLP positions encompass a wide range of settings, providing speech language pathologists with opportunities to work in clinical environments, schools, private practices, and through teletherapy. Each setting offers unique experiences and challenges, allowing SLPs to develop a diverse skill set and adapt to different patient needs.

Let’s explore these settings in more detail:

Clinical settings

In clinical settings, travel SLPs are responsible for evaluating and treating various speech, language, and communication disorders, as well as swallowing difficulties (Mayo Clinic). These professionals develop treatment programs, train caregivers, and monitor patient progress, ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive care.

Travel SLPs can work in diverse clinical settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics. Whether you want to be in sunny California, rural Kansas, or the bustling streets of Boston, there is always a need for SLPs.

The variety of clinical settings, from hospitals to in-home visits, allows SLPs to gain experience in different healthcare environments, enhancing their clinical competence. Not only do you get to choose where you work as a travel SLP, but also how and for whom you work. 

School settings

One of the popular places for SLPs to work is within school districts. This is because over half of the SLPs in the country work in schools (ASHA), focusing on issues such as developmental delays and language disorders. In school settings, travel speech-language pathologists play a critical role in providing essential services to students, helping them overcome communication challenges and succeed academically. The school setting is particularly rewarding as it allows SLPs to make a significant impact on children’s lives.

Teletherapy

Teletherapy is an emerging field that allows speech therapists to provide services remotely, expanding access to therapy for patients regardless of location. This flexibility enables therapists to offer increased scheduling options and work with a wider range of clients. It also reduces travel time for therapists, allowing them to use their working hours more productively.

This method of speech therapy is particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty accessing traditional services due to geographical or mobility constraints. However, there can be difficulties with teletherapy that may lead some SLPs to prefer in person work. An option for patients who have a hard time traveling to clinics, is for SLPs to travel to them, and they will often get paid quite competitively to do so!

Traveling to homes

Traveling to patients’ homes is another dynamic aspect of travel SLP jobs. When working with organizations like Coral Care, travel SLPs bring necessary materials for evaluations or treatments directly to clients’ homes to deliver clinic-quality care in-home.

At Coral Care, providers can establish their availability and preferred travel distances for in-home appointments. This flexibility allows SLPs to manage their schedules effectively while still providing high-quality care to their patients.

No matter where you decide to work, it’s essential to consider that setting a limited travel radius can reduce the number of accessible clients. On the other hand, having a flexible schedule can increase the number of patients you’re able to see, thereby increasing your earning potential significantly! 

How to qualify for travel SLP jobs

If a flexible schedule, the ability to see new places on a monthly basis, and the opportunity to improve lives all over the country sounds appealing to you, then it is important to make sure your qualifications and credentials are in line. Most importantly, you need specific educational background, licenses, and certifications - all of which we dive into below.

Educational requirements

Travel speech-language pathologists always need a master’s degree from an accredited program. Additionally, completing a clinical fellowship is always necessary for certification and employment. During the fellowship, SLPs gain hands-on experience under a licensed professionals’ supervision, crucial for developing clinical competence.

Before obtaining licensure, speech-language pathologists are always required to complete a specific number of supervised practice hours (Massachusetts Government). Many employers prefer hiring SLPs who have at least one year of clinical experience, as this experience indicates a higher level of readiness to handle the responsibilities of a travel SLP job.

Licensure and certification

State-specific licenses are mandatory for travel SLPs to practice legally in their chosen states (SPGP). Licensure requirements vary by state, so it is essential for SLPs to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the state(s) where they plan to work. This ensures compliance and avoids any legal issues during assignments.

Beyond state licensure, additional certifications may be necessary depending on the travel job’s specific demands. These certifications can enhance an SLP’s qualifications and make them more competitive candidates for high-demand positions.

Finding the best travel SLP agencies

Finding the right travel SLP agency is crucial for a successful career. Not all agencies specialize in placing speech-language pathology, so thorough research is necessary. Reading reviews and testimonials from other SLPs can help assess the reputation of an agency and ensure it meets your professional needs.

Flexibility and adaptability are key, as travel SLPs may encounter varied workflows and documentation systems. Inquiring about the orientation and onboarding process can provide insight into the level of support you’ll receive at the start of your assignment.

While not a “travel SLP agency”, Coral Care is an alternative to traditional travel SLP jobs, granting SLPs the flexibility to choose where and when they work. With Coral Care, you can work on your terms, enjoying a schedule that works for you, whether it’s 5 or 20 hours a week. The platform offers a competitive compensation package, including payment for every session and free credentialing, scheduling, and billing support.

Salary expectations for travel SLPs

Travel SLPs can expect to earn salaries that are often 20% higher than those in non-traveling positions (Tailored Healthcare Staffing), a reason for many SLPs to consider working as a travel SLP in the first place. The average weekly salary for a travel speech language pathologist is $1,867 (ZipRecruiter), which reflects the premium benefits and top salaries offered in these roles.

Positions where SLPs travel to client homes also pay handsomely. Coral Care, for example, is dedicated to offering competitive rates to all providers, offering SLPs rates of $120 for initial patient evaluations, and then $80 for recurring patient sessions.

Overall, several factors will ultimately influence the salary for travel SLPs. For instance, SLPs with more experience and higher education levels typically have access to higher-paying positions. The more experience and unique skills you can offer as a SLP will lead to more opportunities and higher paid assignments. 

Top locations for travel SLP jobs

Texas and New York City are two prime locations for travel SLP jobs. These areas offer numerous opportunities due to their high demand for speech-language pathology services and attractive compensation packages.

Here’s what makes these locations stand out.

Texas

Texas has a significant demand for travel SLPs due to its rapid population growth and diverse demographics. Major cities like Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas offer numerous opportunities for travel SLPs, providing competitive salaries and varied work experiences. This makes Texas an ideal location for professional development and career advancement.

Travel SLPs in Texas can enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to work in a variety of settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics. The state’s growing healthcare demand ensures a steady flow of job opportunities, making it a top choice for many SLPs. 

New York City

In New York City, travel SLPs can earn an average weekly salary of $2,105 (Vivian Health), which is notably above the national average. The city’s high demand for travel speech-language pathologists makes it an attractive option for those in the field. Working in NYC offers unique opportunities for professional growth and cultural enrichment, enhancing the overall experience for SLPs.

New York City provides a vibrant environment where travel SLPs can engage with a diverse patient population and network with other healthcare professionals. Considering the strong demand and high compensation, SLPs should actively seek out travel assignments in this bustling metropolis to maximize their career potential.

Ready to be a traveling Speech-Language Pathologist?

Travel SLP jobs offer a rewarding blend of professional development and personal adventure. Speech language pathologists can enjoy flexible schedules, explore new locations, and earn competitive salaries while making a significant impact on their patients’ lives. Whether working in clinical settings, in schools, or in homes, travel SLPs gain invaluable experience and broaden their horizons. By understanding the qualifications needed, finding the right agencies, and preparing adequately, you can embark on a fulfilling career as a travel speech language pathologist.