The Golden State offers golden opportunities for travel therapists

Patty Williams | posted July 25, 2012 |

For occupational therapists and physical therapists, travel therapy in California is an exciting proposition. These are hot positions in high demand, particularly in the Fresno, Merced, Madera, Sanger, Bakersfield and Shafter areas, fantastic locations between Los Angeles and the Bay area.

These locations often offer completion bonuses, sometimes up to $15,000, after a 13-week assignment. Pay is quite competitive, and at 360 Healthcare Staffing, we also offer temporary-to-permanent placements in California. Essentially, it is a 13-week “try out” for an assignment before committing to a permanent position.

Here’s more about these cities with positions in high demand:

Fresno: This is the largest metropolitan city in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley with half a million people, and Fresno County is the top agricultural producer in the nation. The area has gorgeous weather year-round and, like the other cities listed here, easy access to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks.

From the Fresno Art Museum to the Philharmonic, the arts calendar is full. The city attracts world-renown headline entertainers from Andrea Bocelli to Bon Jovi. And, it’s pedestrian-friendly: A 2011 study by Walk Score ranked Fresno the 26th most walkable of the fifty largest U.S. cities.

Merced: With more than 80,000 people, Merced is located in the Central Valley of California, about 110 miles southeast of San Francisco and 310 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The city offers a wide variety of attractions, historical sites, shopping and dining opportunities for the traveling therapist. The city is particularly proud of its arts and culture, from galleries at their Multicultural Center to live performances at Playhouse Merced. Be sure to check out the Big Valley Arts & Culture Festival, Central Valley Blues Festival and MERCO Cycling Classic.

Madera: Also located in the picturesque San Joaquin Valley, Madera has more than 61,000 residents and draws visitors from around the world. The area has a colorful history and heritage reflected in events like the Sierra Arts Trail, Coarsegold Peddlers Fair, Indian Fair Days and Madera Wine Trail Weekends.

Madera offers both residents and visitors alike a variety of cultural events, special attractions, miles of trails, open spaces, golf courses and outstanding recreational facilities. The city even has a fully operational drive-in movie theater.

Sanger: "The Nation's Christmas Tree City" is located about 10 miles east of Fresno in California's Central Valley and is right at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Check out the Sanger Depot Museum, where the rich history of Sanger comes to life from its boomtown beginnings to its growth into a modern city. From the end of February through April, take a drive through the nearby Fresno County Blossom Trail for picture-perfect opportunities.

Bakersfield: This is the Southern gateway to the Central Valley, the ninth-largest city in California with more than 347,000 residents and one of the fastest growing regions in the nation. Steeped in music history, Bakersfield is the birthplace of the country music genre known worldwide as the Bakersfield Sound. It’s a gastronomic delight, too, with a wide variety of restaurants and more Basque eateries than any other city in the nation.

Shafter: This cozy community is located 18 miles west-northwest of Bakersfield and has a population of almost 17,000 people. The city is proud of its four museums. One of their more unique offerings is the Minter Field Air Museum, which is the base for many flying WWII aircraft, including Stearmans, Ryans, Stinsons, North American AT-6s, Harvard and a P-51 Mustang. There’s also a Colours celebration of the arts held annually. Be sure to stroll around the charming downtown area, which has received updates like a park, fountain, stage and street-scaping.

As you contemplate travel therapy in the Golden State, remember that licensure can take up to eight weeks for both occupational and physical therapists. If you are interested in traveling to the state, it is important to apply for the license in plenty of time.

And, as always, if you refer an occupational therapist or physical therapist to 360 Healthcare Staffing, you are eligible for a bonus of up to $500 upon that person completing the assignment. For more information on this incentive, call 877-360-STAF.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Drug-free workplace.