Have you ever thought about what it would be like to travel the country while getting paid? If your answer was yes, then CT tech travel assignments may be your calling. Within this blog, we cover everything you need to know about travel CT tech jobs. From how to become one to what to look for in a travel healthcare staffing agency, we’ve got all the information you need.
Travel CT technologists perform the same responsibilities as CT techs who don't travel. The only difference is that travel CT techs take assignments at various locations that often last 13 weeks.
All use computed tomography (CT) scanners to capture images of patients' internal structures. These images are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Other duties and responsibilities that all CT techs carry out include:
All CT techs, whether they have travel, contract, or permanent jobs, work alongside radiologists and other medical professionals. As far as work settings go, CT technologists have several options to choose from. The most common include:
The first step to becoming a CT technologist is to enroll in a program to get your associate’s degree in radiology or a related field. You’ll need to ensure that your program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
On average, it takes two years to complete an associate’s degree. During this time, you learn the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, and much more. It is also a great opportunity to practice your skills in a clinical setting and gain valuable experience.
Once you’ve completed your degree, the next step is to pass an exam to get your American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in computed tomography. After you’ve done this, you’re well on your way to becoming a travel CT technologist.
While many states only need you to have the ARRT certification, some require you to have a license to work. If a state needs you to have a license, you may need to complete additional education, pass another exam, or meet other criteria such as gaining more experience.
Many staffing agencies require at least one to two years of experience working as a CT technologist before you’re able to take a travel assignment. However, not all do, so if you want to gain experience while traveling, there will be options available when applying for jobs.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be ready to start applying to healthcare staffing agencies so you can book travel assignments. Before working with an agency, you’ll want to ensure they’re reputable and professional, but more on that later.
Often travel jobs offer higher pay rates than permanent jobs. You’ll notice hourly pay rates increase drastically when your travel destination is in an underserved or rural area, as they’re more in need of certain staff members.
Having connections is everything. When you’re a travel CT tech moving from facility to facility, you’ll get to meet a lot of different colleagues and peers along the way. This will help you expand your network and gain new opportunities.
If you're thinking of moving to a new city but don’t know anything or anyone there, take a travel assignment to test the waters! That way you’ll already have people you’re familiar with before making the move.
Since you get to choose when and where your assignments are, you’ll have the flexibility to pick your own work schedule. Ever feel like taking a vacation or even a staycation after a longer travel assignment? You have the flexibility to choose your whereabouts.
After working with a lot of different radiologists and other medical professionals, you’ll notice that you pick up a lot of information and advance your skills quickly. While also gaining experience and boosting skills, you’ll become more adaptable too, as your environments and living situations often change.
Working in various settings will help your work remain engaging and varied. If you choose, you can switch from hospitals to research laboratories to specialized clinics. This can enhance your adaptability skills, which many employers seek in their staff.