6 Best Travel Healthcare Jobs in 2024

Explore the World of Travel Healthcare Jobs Across the U.S.

Call it wanderlust, restlessness, or boundless curiosity—some people are simply born to roam. If you’re a nomadic spirit at heart, who loves the idea of traveling to new places, treating patients, and exploring everything the area has to offer, a travel healthcare job could be a great fit!

As the demand for healthcare grows, facilities all over the country experience staffing shortages in a variety of specialties. Other contributing factors include post-pandemic shifts and a rise in remote work. As a result, many employers seek travel healthcare professionals to fill short or medium-term assignments.

There are so many benefits for travel healthcare professionals. They have the opportunity to work with many different facilities, colleagues, and patient populations. Depending on the demand for their specialty, they can also be paid premium rates compared to full-time medical staff. These healthcare professionals also have more flexible schedules.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at some of the best travel healthcare jobs in 2024. Keep reading to see our top six choices, their educational requirements, what they do, and where they can work. We’ll also cover how you can get started in the travel healthcare industry.

What Is a Travel Healthcare Job?

As medical facilities navigate the ongoing shortage of healthcare providers, traveling professionals have become a critical part of maintaining high patient-care standards when a clinic is busy, understaffed, or both. Thanks to their professionalism and adaptability, Traveling Healthcare Professionals provide much-needed relief to patients and support to their fellow nurses.

While being away from home isn’t for everyone, traveling jobs do have some major benefits. These professionals can take time off between assignments to recharge and enjoy their lives outside of work. Many of them enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of choosing where and when to accept an assignment, as well as the opportunity to explore new parts of the country.

Top Travel Healthcare Jobs in 2024

In this article, we’ll cover a variety of travel healthcare jobs. Keep reading to learn more about these fields:

Travel Nurses
Travel Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)
Travel Medical Assistants (MAs)
Travel Occupational Therapists
Travel Medical Technologists / Clinical Laboratory Scientists
Travel Radiologic Technologists

#1. Travel Nurse

They say it’s all in a name, and that’s true for Travel Nurses: These nursing professionals travel to various facilities on short-term assignments. They may work at hospitals, clinics, or residential care facilities. Depending on the assignment, Travel Nurses may help in a disease-ridden area or fill large gaps in nursing shortages around the United States. This unique field gives you the opportunity to practice nursing while you visit different cities and states.

What is a Travel Nurse?

This field first developed as a response to workforce shortages in the United States during the 1970s. Travel Nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who fill a temporary role in each location for a limited amount of time, which typically ranges from eight to 13 weeks. They may work for a staffing agency instead of the hospital or medical facility where they are assigned. Their job description can vary from one job placement to the next.

Travel Nurses have all the same qualifications and responsibilities as permanently employed nurses, and they can work in just about any nursing specialty. However, nurses with multiple certifications or experience in several areas may have a wider variety of assignments to choose from.

You can learn how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse by reading our guides.

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

In most clinical environments, a Travel Nurse’s responsibilities generally include patient assessments and monitoring, administering medications and other treatments, and performing diagnostic tests to help determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Travel Nurses with specializations like critical-care nursing or surgical nursing can expect industry-standard duties like performing triage or assisting surgeons with complicated procedures.

Like any nurse, Travel Nurses closely monitor their patient’s condition and are prepared to take quick action if somebody’s health takes a turn for the worse. Just as importantly, they provide education, encouragement, and emotional support to patients and their families. In addition, they communicate with them to understand their concerns and treatment goals.

Where Can Travel Nurses Work?

Travel Nurses can find work in all types of care environments, from hospitals and trauma centers to specialty clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. They may take assignments in bustling cities where demand for care is always high or in rural settings that tend to have fewer healthcare providers per capita. Travel Nurses can even work internationally, either on assignment for a staffing agency or doing volunteer or mission work through several organizations.

When researching potential assignments, make sure the facility and location align with your preferences and long-term career goals. It’s also important you understand what expenses you may need to cover out of pocket (like travel, housing, and meals) and what will be covered or reimbursed by your agency.

What are the Requirements to Become a Travel Nurse?

To become a successful Travel Nurse and unlock the widest variety of job opportunities, you’ll need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Traditionally, it has taken at least four full years in school to earn a bachelor’s degree, but with an accelerated BSN program, you could graduate in three years or less.

Once you have graduated from your BSN program, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The NCLEX-RN is the final major milestone before you can earn your nursing license and begin practicing. Most questions are multiple-choice, with a few fill-in-the-blank and ordered-choice questions mixed in. The number of questions depends on how many you answer correctly, but the maximum number is 145.

Before you can become a Travel Nurse, you’ll need to gain some experience working in clinical settings as a Registered Nurse. Most Travel Nurse agencies require at least two years of clinical experience before you can start applying for Travel Nursing jobs. They want to be sure you’ve seen enough real-world action to provide competent patient care and handle yourself in an unfamiliar environment.

#2. Travel Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs)

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who travel have the option to provide care across the country. Even when they fill temporary roles, PTAs are pillars of support in many physical therapy services. Many clients who attend physical therapy will work with a PTA. In fact, some clients will spend most of their time with a PTA rather than a physical therapist.

What is a Travel PTA?

Travel Physical Therapist Assistants are involved in the direct care of patients. Not only do they support physical therapists, but they help patients recover from both injuries and illness. PTAs are also one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry. This rewarding field of work allows for specialization and growth while visiting various places throughout the country.

Read our PTA guide to learn how to become a Physical Therapist Assistant.

What Does a Travel PTA Do?

PTAs work under the supervision of physical therapists. Not only do they provide patients with hands-on therapy, but they help them recover from various injuries and illnesses. The ultimate goal of the physical therapy team is to help patients regain movement, manage pain, and resume daily activities.

Where Can Travel PTAs Work?

Like the other jobs on this list, Physical Therapist Assistants can work in a variety of settings with varying patient populations. Whether you’re interested in helping children, the elderly, or another population, there’s an ideal job out there for you as a Travel Physical Therapist Assistant.

What are the Requirements to Become a Travel PTA?

To become a PTA, you must complete an associate-degree program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Many associate degree programs require two full years of school, but with an accelerated program, you could earn your PTA degree in as little as 20 months.

Just like most big achievements in life, the path to becoming a PTA is best broken down into a series of smaller steps. Once you’ve completed a PTA degree program, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) to prove you’ve mastered the necessary skills. The NPTE is a multiple-choice test with 200 questions.

Once you’ve passed the NPTE, you’ll be eligible to become licensed in the state(s) where you plan to work. Because the NPTE is a national exam, it’s usually easy to transfer your scores to gain licensure in different states. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy will be your go-to resource for determining each state’s licensing requirements for PTAs.

#3. Travel Medical Assistants (MAs)

Traveling Medical Assistants can benefit from several advantages. If your goal in life is to serve and help others in need while seeing more of the world, then you might find your calling as a Travel Medical Assistant. These professionals serve a vital role in the healthcare industry and in our society.

What is a Travel MA?

A Travel Medical Assistant (MA) acts as both an administrator and a healthcare professional. They perform clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices, laboratories, and hospitals in various locations. In fact, the responsibilities of a Medical Assistant encompass a broad spectrum, including administrative duties and clinical tasks. The versatile nature of their role allows Medical Assistants to act as liaisons between patients and healthcare providers, fostering a positive patient experience.

For more information, you can learn how to become a Medical Assistant or check out the MA program at Unitek College.

What Does a Travel MA Do?

Travel Medical Assistants undertake the same responsibilities as a regular Medical Assistant; the difference is that they travel to different areas and service a greater number of communities. On the administrative front, MAs excel in tasks that ensure the smooth operation of medical facilities. They are adept at scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing and insurance processes.

In the clinical realm, MAs work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care. They play a key role in preparing patients for examinations, taking vital signs, and documenting patient histories. During medical procedures, MAs assist physicians, ensuring that the process runs seamlessly. Their clinical skills extend to tasks such as administering medications, performing basic laboratory tests, and providing patient education.

Where Can Travel MAs Work?

Medical Assistants enjoy a versatile range of employment opportunities across diverse healthcare settings, showcasing the adaptability and in-demand nature of their skills. Some of the top places they work include medical offices, hospitals, clinics, and outpatient care centers.

This variety of healthcare settings not only reflects the adaptability of Travel Medical Assistants but also highlights the essential nature of their contributions across the spectrum of patient care.

What are the Requirements to Become a Travel MA?

In the U.S., formal Medical Assistant training is not required by law. However, many employers will only consider applicants with training to minimize risk.

As a Medical Assistant, formal training also minimizes the risk to your patients and yourself. Generally speaking, Medical Assistant diploma programs can be completed in a year or less. For instance, the Medical Assisting program at Unitek College can be completed in as little as nine months.

Furthermore, Medical Assistant training may likely increase your chances of finding a job. Healthcare establishments typically want to employ the most qualified individuals, which is why they would prefer to hire MAs with formal training and certification. To learn more about MA certification, visit the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

#4. Travel Occupational Therapists

Travel Occupational Therapists play a vital role in the healthcare system, working closely with Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) to help patients regain or develop the skills necessary for daily living and working. As an Occupational Therapist, you guide patients through therapeutic activities, ensuring they achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

What is a Travel Occupational Therapist?

Travel Occupational Therapists journey to a number of locations so that they may evaluate and treat people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help clients meet goals to develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

In addition, they can recommend and show patients how to use adaptive equipment like leg braces, wheelchairs, or eating aids. These types of devices can help patients live more independently and improve their quality of life.

What Does a Travel Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational Therapists perform a number of duties on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are some of their typical tasks:

Assessing a patient’s condition by checking their medical history, speaking with them, and watching as they perform several tasks.
Developing treatment plans with specific activities to help patients achieve their goals.
Assisting clients so that they can relearn and complete daily tasks.
Demonstrating how to perform exercises to help relieve a patient’s pain.
Evaluating a patient’s home or workplace for potential accessibility improvements.
Educating a person’s family on how to accommodate their needs.
Recommending equipment, such as mobility aids, and instructing patients on how to use them.
Recording each patient’s progress for evaluations, billing, and other purposes.

Where Can Travel Occupational Therapists Work?

Travel occupational therapists can fill vacancies at hospitals, physical, occupational, and speech therapist offices, elementary and secondary schools, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Some occupational therapists specialize in geriatric or pediatric care and work in inpatient or outpatient settings. Travel Occupational Therapists who journey to hospitals are part of healthcare teams, working alongside physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other kinds of therapists.

What are the Requirements to Become an Occupational Therapist?

The BLS states that aspiring Occupational Therapists usually need a master’s degree in occupational therapy. These programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). In addition, all states require Occupational Therapists to be licensed.

Although licensing requirements vary by state, all candidates must pass the national exam by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Occupational Therapists also need to complete a number of hours of continuing education to maintain their state licensure and NBCOT certification.

Bonus Tip: Check out the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for board and specialty certifications in areas like pediatrics, gerontology, and physical rehabilitation.

#5. Travel Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The medical universe is the ultimate team effort. From doctors to EMTs, tending to the population’s health takes a roster of professionals. One important position is the role of the Travel Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

We don’t usually see these critical healthcare professionals at work—they’re toiling behind the scenes. Travel Medical Technologists serve countless communities by analyzing and testing bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, sputum, synovial, and spinal fluid. They assist in the overall care of patients by providing results used in the diagnostic treatment and care by doctors.

What is a Travel Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

Travel Medical Technologists are at the forefront of the diagnostic area of healthcare. Our body fluids contain clues to what’s going on with our health, often when there may not be any outward signs to aid in diagnosis. In many cases, the best option for diagnosing a patient’s illness or disease lies in their blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.

What Does a Travel Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist Do?

Although their tasks can vary depending on the location, these are the typical duties performed by a Travel Medical Technologist:

Analyzing various body fluids and recording the findings.
Studying blood samples to identify blood type and compatibility.
Operating laboratory analyzers in various departments, such as hematology, clinical chemistry, hemostasis, and immunohematology.
Using a Laboratory Information System (LIS) to record clinical tests performed on patient samples.
Providing any critical values of a patient’s laboratory tests to the physician and/or nurse.

Where Can Travel Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientists Work?

According to the BLS, the largest employers of Medical Technologists are hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, colleges and universities, and outpatient care centers. Because Medical Technologists work with samples that could be infectious, laboratories operate under strict guidelines for sterilization and cleanliness. Medical Technologists must wear lab coats, masks, goggles, and gloves when working with samples.

What are the Requirements to Become a Travel Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

According to the BLS, Medical Laboratory Technologists usually need a bachelor’s degree to enter this field. Visit the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for a list of accredited programs. It’s important to remember that some states require licensure for their Medical Technologists. Plus, employers might prefer candidates who are certified.

When it comes to licensure and certification requirements, you should contact each state’s department of health or their board of occupational licensing. Some organizations that offer certification include the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

#6. Travel Radiologic Technologist

The role of a Travel Radiologic Technologist is an essential part of each patient care system. Without accurate scans, doctors can’t prescribe appropriate care plans, so the need for competent, dedicated, organized, and capable Radiologic Technologists is crucial.

What is a Travel Radiologic Technologist?

Like many medical jobs, Travel Radiologic Technologists spend much of their day on their feet. They move from room to room at various facilities, setting up imaging equipment, helping patients get into position, delivering results, and moving scanners.

Travel Radiologic Technologists work directly with doctors, and the needs of those physicians determine many of their responsibilities. As a Radiologic Technologist, you’ll receive specific orders for who to scan, what parts of their body to scan, and what type of imaging the doctor requires.

What Does a Travel Radiologic Technologist Do?

The primary job of a Travel Radiologic Technologist is to fill short-term vacancies and take diagnostic images of patients using several machines; most often, these machines take an X-ray or MRI. The images go to the attending radiologist for examination and diagnosis.

Where Can Travel Radiologic Technologists Work?

Radiology is a big part of a hospital’s emergency care system, meaning that radiologic techs are always needed. Along with hospitals, Travel Radiologic Technologists may journey to medical and diagnostic laboratories, physician offices, and outpatient care centers.

What are the Requirements to Become a Travel Radiologic Technologist?

To become a Travel Radiologic Technologist, you can get an associate degree from an accredited program at many vocational schools or community colleges. Although it’s not required, some students may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Your degree program will include a combination of both classroom and clinical training and will cover such essential topics as patient care, safety around radiation, and deciphering medical imaging.

Certification or licensing is required for anyone who wants to become a Travel Radiologic Technologist. This includes graduating from an accredited program and successfully passing a certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). Check each state’s health board for exact requirements.

How to Get Started in Travel Healthcare Jobs

Once you have completed your educational and licensure requirements, you’ll likely want to find a travel agency that suits your needs. There are several general things to consider when you choose an agency. They often include average pay rates, benefits packages, housing options, and reputations. Not only should you relay these questions to potential agencies, but you should also try to look at employee reviews on websites like Indeed or Glassdoor. In addition, it could be beneficial to contact your alma mater and see if they have any recommendations.

We would recommend making a pro-con list for your final choices. Look at what travel assignment destinations each agency offers. Also, consider how pay packages are broken down, reimbursements for job-related expenses, types of job boards, insurance-related matters, and more. Of course, you should look at the housing options they offer as well. Ask these questions and more when you contact your shortlist of agencies.

Tips for Working with an Agency

Needless to say, you want to ensure that you have a good working relationship with your agency. Here are some tips to get you started:

Pick a recruiter who cares. Although this is technically a business, you still shouldn’t tolerate high-pressure sales tactics. It’s important that you pick an agency and a recruiter who cares about your goals as well as your overall satisfaction. Good recruiters will want to build a relationship with you. If they treat you like an equal and a partner, then you’ve most likely found a great one.
Communicate your needs. Think about it like this: The more a recruiter knows about you, the better they can meet your needs. Remember to tell them about both your short and long-term goals. You should also include where you’d like to travel, work, etc. In addition to your preferences, draw a hard line when it comes to your priorities.
Keep in mind that recruiters are only human. While you shouldn’t put up with a recruiter who doesn’t care, it’s also important to remember that they can’t always make the perfect job appear. However, they should do their best to assist you and work together. While you may not receive everything you want, they will often strive to check off most of the boxes on your list.
Submit your documents ASAP. This goes without saying that for most jobs, it’s vital that you submit your documents in a timely manner. You will likely need to procure or fill out several documents or paperwork for your agency. Once you are actively looking at jobs, you will need to produce more paperwork, such as licenses, certifications, and immunizations.
Stay in touch with your agency. Normally, recruiters are involved in each stage of the travel assignment. However, you may be working with other specialists, such as payroll staff, clinical liaisons, etc. Your recruiter should still be your main contact—reach out to them if you have a question or need help. Plus, you want your recruiter to keep you in mind for upcoming assignments with your coveted locations or facilities. So, keep in touch!

Pros and Cons of Travel Healthcare Jobs

There are many advantages to traveling healthcare occupations. One of them is that you get to travel and explore new places while helping other people on the job. Some other benefits often include competitive pay, housing, specialty assignments, flexibility, and perks and discounts.

As we’ve touched on, travel healthcare allows you to stay in charge of your schedule. This kind of flexibility is very appealing to many professionals. Although you can see exciting new places, there are some cons to travel assignments as well. Not only do you need to adjust to independent work, but you will also spend time away from your family. Plus, it can be tough to find a travel agency that works for you. When considering these jobs, you should take all these pros and cons into account before you make a final decision.

Your Journey into Healthcare Starts Here

In this article, we have discussed our top career paths for Traveling Healthcare jobs in 2024. As the demand for healthcare grows, facilities all over the country experience staffing shortages in a variety of specialties. There are so many benefits for travel healthcare professionals. They can work with many different facilities, colleagues, and patient populations. Depending on the demand for their specialty, they can also be paid premium rates compared to full-time medical staff.

Interested in healthcare education? Unitek College offers tailored programs to help you transition into the medical field and become a healthcare professional. Start by checking out the LVN to BSN Advanced Placement Option for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Our programs and pathways are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful nursing career.

Join us today!