77: Travel Physical Therapy: Training, Taxes, Licensure & Life in Alaska (with Dr. Rachel Auer)

77: Travel Physical Therapy: Real Talk on Training, Taxes, Licensure & Life in Alaska (with Dr. Rachel Auer) Andy Wicks hosts Waves from APTA Michigan and talks with Dr. Rachel Auer, a travel physical therapist from Michigan who graduated from Grand Valley State and has traveled since August 2023, working in states including Michigan, Montana, Washington, Colorado, and now Alaska. Rachel explains she chose travel PT to explore the country and sample multiple settings, describing experience across acute care/ICU/ER, SNF/inpatient, and outpatient private practice in Anchorage. She discusses common misconceptions, noting her training has generally been reasonable rather than nonexistent, and advises prospective travelers to start learning through travel therapy communities, talk with many therapists, and understand tax compliance around tax-free stipends—potentially via a consultation with a travel-focused tax expert. Rachel also describes licensure challenges without the PT Compact, highlights outdoor adventures as a major benefit, and says she likely plans to eventually settle back in Michigan. 00:00 Welcome to Waves 00:47 Meet Rachel Auer 01:48 Why Choose Travel PT 03:17 Settings and Skill Variety 04:08 Training Reality Check 05:56 Getting Started Advice 09:37 Taxes and Stipends 12:16 Licensing and PT Compact 14:24 Outdoor Perks on Contract 17:33 Extensions and One Year Limit 19:15 When to Stop Traveling 21:05 Where to Settle Down 21:54 Soapbox Travel PT Myths 24:29 Wrap Up and How to Connect 25:07 Credits and Final Sign Off