What is a SNF travel PT assignment?

A SNF (skilled nursing facility) travel PT assignment places you in a long-term care or post-acute rehab facility for a 13-week contract. You treat Medicare Part A and B patients on functional goals like ambulation, transfers, and ADLs.

What is the productivity standard at a SNF for travel PTs?

Most SNFs expect 85–90% productivity, meaning 85–90% of your 8-hour shift should be billed time. This typically equates to 10–12 billable units (30-minute increments) per day.

What is the pay for a SNF travel PT?

SNF travel PT packages typically include a taxable hourly rate of $25–$40 plus a weekly housing stipend of $1,000–$2,000. Total weekly gross compensation often ranges from $2,000–$3,500 depending on location.

Is SNF a good setting for new travel PTs?

SNF is one of the most accessible settings for new travel PTs because demand is consistently high and caseloads are predictable. The documentation learning curve (PDPM, MDS) is the primary challenge for new travelers.

SNF Travel PT: Skilled Nursing Facility Assignment Guide

Q: Do SNF travel PTs use PDPM billing?

Yes. Since 2019, Medicare Part A SNF billing uses the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), which ties reimbursement to patient classification rather than therapy minutes. Travel PTs should understand how PDPM affects caseload composition.

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) assignments are the most accessible entry point for travel physical therapists. SNF demand is consistent year-round (unlike hospital census-driven swings), caseloads follow a predictable pattern, and agencies have more SNF openings than any other setting. If you're new to travel PT or transitioning from outpatient, SNF is the recommended starting point.

In an SNF, you'll carry 10–14 Medicare Part A and B patients per day, targeting functional goals: ambulation, transfers, stair training, and ADL retraining. Since 2019, billing runs under PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model), which ties reimbursement to patient classification rather than therapy minutes. Most facilities expect 85–90% productivity — roughly 10–12 billable 15-minute units per day. Documentation is handled in Point-of-Care EMRs such as Net Health, Casamba, or Therapy Brands.