Becoming a travel medical technologist or clinical lab scientist is a lucrative and exciting career move! Working as a travel healthcare professional will help you advance your career, challenge you, and give you freedom and flexibility in a way that permanent positions can’t. There are a few ways you can set yourself up for success as you hit the road for your first contract, here are 3 tips for being a successful travel medical technologist: 

Have a Love for Travel and Adventure

Taking your med tech career on the road allows you to explore the U.S. in a way that you can’t working a permanent job. Between moving every few months for travel med tech jobs and being able to take as much time off as you want in between contracts, you can see and explore the places you’ve always dreamed of. Even if you aren’t planning to hike every weekend or learn to rock climb, life on the road in new environments can be healing for healthcare professionals who need a break from their current lifestyle. No matter what your definition of adventure is, you can enjoy life-changing experiences and travel while still earning a competitive salary. If you’re dreaming of a life where you can spend months at a time exploring the country while still earning a living, becoming a travel medical technologist is the perfect opportunity for you.   

Be Flexible and Ready to Learn

As a travel med tech, you must be flexible and able to roll with the punches; flexibility is the biggest key to having a smooth contract. Being open to out of the way locations can allow you to potentially earn more, but also increases the number of assignments you can apply for. After you secure your contract, staying flexible on the job will really help you be a successful travel healthcare provider. Being ready and eager to learn more about your career will also help you in the travel industry. Working 13-week contracts means you have the unique opportunity to work alongside numerous other experts in the medical technology field, while also gaining experience from working in different health systems and settings or with different patient populations. The influx of knowledge and experience can be overwhelming, but being open to learning will ensure you have a smooth assignment.  

Enjoy Making an Impact

Working as a travel medical technologist means you’re stepping in to help overworked and overwhelmed medical teams respond to patients faster and prevent any gaps in patient care. Your time as a traveler, while often stressful and fast-paced, is deeply rewarding due to your ability to impact lives and make a lasting difference where it really counts. Having a passion for making an impact on communities who need you most will help you become a successful travel healthcare provider.  

Don’t let the initial intimidation and nerves keep you from stepping outside of your comfort zone! Remember that you chose this field for a reason, to exercise your skills and make an impact on patients, and travel medical technology is just the next step in your adventure. If you're looking for more information, you can learn more here or reach out to a recruiter!