I have been in the business of staffing rehab therapists (PT/PTA/OT/OTA/SLP) for almost 8 years. One thing that seems to be a constant issue of frustration for therapists is the licensure time-line and having to get a license for each state. As an agency trying to help therapists find a good position, I have seen many candidates miss out on opportunities because they were not licensed or because the licensure was taking too long. Facilities also miss out on good candidates when the state takes too long to process the licenses or the candidate doesn’t hold state licensure.
I believe this to be a big issue for all those involved. Facilities, candidates, and more are missing out on great opportunities. I strongly believe that each state should come together and allow travelers in the medical field to obtain national licensure in which they pay a yearly fee to allow them to travel in all 50 states. This wouldn’t just be for rehab therapy travelers, but for all medical travelers.
We see and hear how there are so many jobs for nurses, therapists, and more, but not enough candidates that are available or licensed. I think having a national licensure would help fill more of these jobs. Travelers are always willing to hear about other locations and states, but when it comes to getting the licensure some hesitate or choose not to. With a national licensure, candidates would have the freedom to consider all jobs and facilities would have the luxury of having a better chance of filling their positions.
I have spoken with a number of traveling therapists and other medical travelers who agree that a national licensure would be easier for all parties and open up new job opportunities for travelers that they normally wouldn’t consider.
Adam Hamilton joined Aureus Medical Group in July 2007. He worked as a Recruiter in the Rehab Therapy division for four years. In October 2011, he became a Senior Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division and still holds this position today. In his free time, Adam enjoys relaxing, hanging out with friends, and sports (playing or watching).
As an SLP we have both ASHA CCC and specific state lic. In the earlier stage of my career most of us had only the ASHA CCCHaving both of these credentials as well as having to be lic in every state we practice becomes very expensive . Maybe having a single national credential license would be the solution. I think this is a most relevant issue.
Thank you,
John Pennino, SLP
TAMPA
Thank you John for commenting on my blog. I really do feel that with a national licensure for travelers in the medical field would help elevate the hard to fill positions and give candidates more options to choose from for openings.
Thank you again for commenting.
Adam Hamilton
As a traveler(resp), for Aureus I have to agree with you 100% on this issue. I have missed several jobs where I would have liked to go because of this mess. It is just a way for the states to get more money any way they can; both the state you are applying for and the state that you have to get a copy of your paperwork from. We have to take a national test (NBRC). It just makes me upset.