Are you a surgical tech looking for a change of pace and a chance to explore new places? Do you want to experience the thrill of working in different hospitals, meeting new people, and learning new techniques? If so, consider becoming a traveling surgical tech. This career path allows you to combine your passion for healthcare with your love of travel, making it an exciting and rewarding choice for many surgical techs.
As a traveling surgical tech, you'll have the opportunity to work in various hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country, gaining experience and exposure to different medical settings and specialties. You'll work alongside experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals, expanding your knowledge and skills in the operating room. Plus, you'll get to see new places, try new foods, and experience different cultures, making this career path a great choice for adventurous and curious individuals.
Benefits of Being a Traveling Surgical Tech
So, why should you consider becoming a traveling surgical tech? Here are just a few benefits of this career path:
- Flexibility: As a traveling surgical tech, you'll have the flexibility to choose your assignments, locations, and duration of stay. This means you can pick and choose the jobs that fit your schedule, interests, and career goals.
- Variety: You'll have the opportunity to work in different hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, each with its unique culture, policies, and procedures. This variety will keep your job exciting and challenging, and you'll never get bored.
- Professional Growth: Traveling surgical techs are exposed to different medical specialties, techniques, and technologies, which can enhance their skills and knowledge. You'll also have the chance to work with experienced professionals, learn from them, and gain new insights into the field.
- Personal Growth: Traveling allows you to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and experience different cultures. You'll develop new skills, such as adaptability, resilience, and independence, which will benefit you both personally and professionally.
- Financial Rewards: Traveling surgical techs are often paid higher than their permanent counterparts, and they may also receive additional benefits, such as housing stipends, meal allowances, and travel reimbursement.
Types of Traveling Surgical Tech Jobs
Traveling surgical tech jobs come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics, benefits, and requirements. Here are some common types of traveling surgical tech jobs:
- Contract Jobs: These are short-term assignments, typically lasting several weeks or months. You'll work on a contract basis, and your employment will end when the contract expires.
- Travel Assignments: These are longer-term assignments, often lasting several months or even years. You'll work as a traveling surgical tech, moving from one location to another, and you'll receive benefits, such as housing and meal allowances.
- Locum Tenens: These are temporary assignments, often filling a gap in the hospital's staffing. You'll work on a locum tenens basis, providing coverage for a specific period.
How to Become a Traveling Surgical Tech
Becoming a traveling surgical tech requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Here are the steps to follow:
- Earn a Degree: You'll need to earn an associate's degree or a certificate in surgical technology from an accredited program.
- Get Certified: You'll need to obtain certification as a surgical technologist (CST) or a certified surgical technologist (CST).
- Gain Experience: You'll need to gain experience as a surgical tech, typically 1-2 years, before applying for traveling surgical tech jobs.
- Meet the Requirements: You'll need to meet the requirements of the traveling surgical tech agency or hospital, which may include a background check, immunizations, and a physical exam.
- Choose a Specialty: You'll need to choose a specialty, such as orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurosurgery, and gain experience in that area.
Traveling Surgical Tech Agencies
Traveling surgical tech agencies play a crucial role in connecting traveling surgical techs with hospitals and healthcare facilities. Here are some popular agencies:
- AMN Healthcare: AMN Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare staffing agencies in the US, providing traveling surgical tech jobs across the country.
- Medical Staffing Network: Medical Staffing Network is a leading provider of traveling surgical tech jobs, offering a range of assignments and benefits.
- Aya Healthcare: Aya Healthcare is a popular agency for traveling surgical techs, providing jobs in various specialties and locations.
What is a traveling surgical tech?
+A traveling surgical tech is a healthcare professional who works in various hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country, providing surgical support and assistance to surgeons and other medical staff.
What are the benefits of being a traveling surgical tech?
+The benefits of being a traveling surgical tech include flexibility, variety, professional growth, personal growth, and financial rewards.
How do I become a traveling surgical tech?
+To become a traveling surgical tech, you'll need to earn a degree in surgical technology, get certified, gain experience, meet the requirements of the traveling surgical tech agency or hospital, and choose a specialty.
In conclusion, becoming a traveling surgical tech can be a rewarding and exciting career path for those who love healthcare and adventure. With the right education, training, and experience, you can embark on a journey that takes you to new places, new scrubs, and new challenges. So, if you're ready to take the leap and explore the world of traveling surgical techs, start by researching agencies, job openings, and requirements. Happy travels!