As a Student Outreach Coordinator with Aureus Medical, I work daily to help newly graduated physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists successfully find their first positions in the working world. The Student Outreach team aims to make the transition from student to employee as smooth as possible, whether you are searching for contract (travel) or direct hire (full-time) positions. We know the stress that comes with graduating, looking for a position, and passing your board exams; we are here to help take some of that stress off of your plate by helping you find your first position!
While I talk to many students about their career outlook, there is one student in particular that stands out to me. Clay is a newly graduated PT who is currently a traveler for Aureus Medical working in Arkansas. I first met this young man while attending an Arkansas State career fair back in January of this year. He came equipped with in-depth questions designed to help him prepare for travel in the upcoming months. I continued to communicate with Clay over the next 7 months, discussing all possible options for his career path until we found his first assignment. Upon reflecting over this process, I asked Clay the following questions:
What first peaked your interest in travel therapy?
“Travel therapy captured my interest at the beginning of my journey through PT school. A professor turned me onto the idea by emphasizing the importance to learn as many techniques as possible and theories to become a better PT. One way to do this is to travel to many different states and work at many different practices. I also have the ambition of starting my own practice one day and being able to have a wide arsenal of techniques and vast amount of experiences from all aspects of a practicing PT (billing, secretarial, patient population, etc). The experience I gain will help me have the confidence and knowledge to open a practice and keep it open.”
Has there been anything during the process that surprised you?
“I have not had any surprises thus far. I have, however, been extremely pleased with the team at Aureus. Ya’ll have been extremely helpful during the process and completely supportive of my request. The confidence and supportiveness of Aureus Medical Group has abated any concerns I might have had previously.”
What are you most looking forward to with your travel career?
“I am looking forward to learning the different theories, techniques, and other modalities employed at different practices. This includes any setting.“
Clay is just one of the many students that the Student Outreach team has helped to secure a travel position. As I mentioned, finding your first position can be a long process and the Student Outreach team is a free resource for you every step of the way.
B
reanna Gibson joined Aureus Medical Group in June 2015 as a Recruiter for the Laboratory Division, and became a part of the Student Outreach Team in the Rehab Therapy Division soon after. In her free time, Breanna enjoys yoga, reading, and trying out new recipes for her fiancé, Tony. She loves to travel, especially back home to Texas to visit her family. Breanna loves taking her two doggies, Sunny and Jake, on walks and to the dog parks!