How to become a travel ultrasound technician

If you’re an aspiring or practicing ultrasound technician interested in the idea of travel contracts, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll cover everything from how to become a travel ultrasound tech to ways you can make the most of your assignments.

At Favorite, we provide ultrasound technicians with the opportunity to travel to leading facilities across the country, gaining valuable experience and earning high pay rates at the same time. Ready to take your career on the road? Let's dive in!

What is a travel ultrasound technician and what do they do?
Steps to becoming a travel ultrasound technician
Benefits of becoming a travel ultrasound technician
How to make the most out of your travel assignments
Start your travel ultrasound technician job with Favorite

What is a travel ultrasound technician and what do they do?

A travel ultrasound technician performs the same tasks as any other ultrasound technician on a daily basis. The only difference is that a travel ultrasound technician will visit different healthcare facilities across the country to complete their duties while on assignments. These assignments typically last about 13 weeks but can be for as little as three weeks or can extend past three months if the opportunity arises and both parties agree.

The responsibilities an ultrasound technician will typically have include:

Operating ultrasound equipment used to scan patients' internal organs and tissues
Creating detailed images of the patient’s internal structures
Detecting and diagnosing medical conditions

As a travel ultrasound technician, you’ll get the opportunity to work alongside many different healthcare workers, such as physicians, radiologists, and surgeons. This will help you to grow your network and collaborate with a variety of leaders who can support you with your career development.

Common work settings that you’ll be in as a travel ultrasound technician include:

Hospitals
Laboratories
Physicians' offices
Educational facilities
Outpatient care centers
Medical imaging centers
Mobile imaging labs

This is advantageous if you’re the type of person who likes to mix up your schedule and travel to different types of facilities.

Steps to becoming a travel ultrasound technician

If you’re already an ultrasound technician, then you'll likely have some of these steps completed. Those new to the field or anyone interested in pursuing this career will want to take note of every step in this section.

Get the right education

First and foremost, you need to earn your high school diploma or an equivalent such as a GED. After you’ve accomplished this, you’ll want to enroll in a program to earn either your associate degree or bachelor's degree. Associate degrees take two years to complete, while bachelor's degrees take four years to complete. Some opt for earning their bachelor's degree because it allows for the potential to advance their career and work in a leadership role.

You’ll want to ensure that your program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) so you’re prepared to pass the certification exam.

Get certified

Traveling and non-traveling ultrasound technicians need to pass an exam to earn their certification. The most common certification that ultrasound techs get is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential that is offered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). After passing the exam that this program administers, you’ll be certified.

Obtain your license

Depending on the state in which you work, you may need to obtain a license. Most states, however, do not currently require ultrasound technologists to hold a license. The states that do require a license are New Mexico, New Hampshire, Oregon, and North Dakota. Unless you plan to work in one of these states, you don’t need to worry about a license.

Gain experience

If you’re already a practicing ultrasound technician, then you probably have a lot of valuable experience under your belt already, but if you’re new to the field, you’ll want to prioritize advancing your skills. While you’re in the process of completing your certification and education, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during your clinicals. It’s important to take clinicals very seriously, as this is your greatest opportunity to learn from professionals around you in a real-life work environment.

Start applying to jobs

Once you’re certified and ready to start working, you’ll want to find a reputable travel staffing agency that you can trust. Before applying willy-nilly, you should do thorough research on the companies you’re looking to work with. Ensure they have plenty of experience, a solid reputation, excellent customer service, and reliable staff.

Want to learn more about other jobs in radiology and imaging?

Read our blog to explore the many different career options to take in the field of radiology and imaging. From CT techs to radiation therapists, the options are endless.

Benefits of becoming a traveling ultrasound technician

Earn higher pay

One of the most valued benefits of ultrasound technician travel jobs is the pay that is associated with the profession. Areas that are in high demand for ultrasound technicians will be willing to pay a lot more than locations that are fully staffed. Travel ultrasound tech jobs can be very rewarding when you get the chance to work in areas that need your skills and expertise the most.

Explore the country

If you love adventures and exploring new places, why not get paid for it? When you work a travel ultrasound tech job, you’re able to experience new cities and create memories with each assignment you take. From mountains to oceans, you’ll get the chance to see it all. You can even travel with family or pets, so there’s no need to leave loved ones behind.

Gain experience

A major benefit to working ultrasound technician travel jobs is the experience you gain along the way. When you work in diverse settings with a wide array of people, you pick up new skills and expand your knowledge all while on the clock. This is also great for growing your network as you constantly get to meet new people and colleagues.

Experience flexibility

Since you get to choose when and where you work, this gives you a better sense of autonomy and flexibility in your day-to-day life. You don’t have to work on any assignment that you don’t want to, so you’re able to choose the perfect job that fits your needs. Take control of your schedule with travel assignments and even experience a better work-life balance because of it.

How to make the most out of your travel assignments

Being a travel ultrasound technician, you’ll want to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to explore the country. No matter where you are on your assignment, get out and try new foods, experiences, and activities. If you end up near the mountains, take a hike! If you find yourself in a small town, investigate its history and maybe visit a museum.

Wherever you travel on your assignment, there will be new experiences to have. For tips on exploring a new city and meeting new people, you can read our must-have apps for travel healthcare workers.

Each travel destination has its own advantages, so remember to make the most of them!

Start your travel ultrasound technician job with Favorite

We hope you were able to get a better idea of how to become a travel ultrasound technician by reading our blog.

At Favorite, we can help you enjoy the flexibility, adventure, and higher pay rates that travel assignments offer. Whether you’re a new graduate stepping into the field for the first time or an experienced ultrasound technician with years of experience, we would be happy to support you in finding your first travel assignment.

Be sure to search our open travel ultrasound technician jobs today.