Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Surgical Tech Travel Positions

Are you ready to take your surgical technology career on the road? Exploring surgical tech travel positions offers a unique blend of professional growth, financial reward, and personal adventure. Consequently, more and more certified surgical technologists (CSTs) are choosing this dynamic career path. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

What Exactly Are Surgical Tech Travel Positions?

Surgical tech travel positions are temporary, contract-based jobs. These roles place skilled surgical technologists in hospitals and medical facilities across the country. Typically, these facilities need to fill short-term staffing gaps. Therefore, they offer competitive pay and benefits to attract qualified professionals like you.

Contracts usually last around 13 weeks. However, they can be shorter or longer depending on the facility’s needs. This flexibility allows you to explore different cities and work environments while building an impressive resume.

The Major Benefits of Being a Traveling Surgical Tech

Choosing a travel career comes with many advantages. For many, the benefits far outweigh the challenges of a traditional, stationary role. Here are some of the top perks:

Higher Earning Potential

Travel positions often pay significantly more than permanent roles. In addition to a higher base salary, agencies usually provide tax-free stipends for housing and meals. This compensation structure can dramatically increase your take-home pay.

Explore the Country

Have you always wanted to live near the beach or explore a bustling city? A travel assignment makes it possible. You get to live like a local in a new place for a few months. Then, you can move on to your next adventure. It’s a fantastic way to see the country without committing to a permanent move.

Professional Growth

Working in various hospitals exposes you to new procedures, technologies, and team dynamics. As a result, you will sharpen your skills and become a more versatile and adaptable surgical technologist. This diverse experience is highly valuable and looks great on a resume.

How to Land Your First Surgical Tech Travel Assignment

Getting started is straightforward if you follow a few key steps. Preparation is crucial for a smooth transition into the world of travel healthcare.

• Gain Experience: Most agencies require at least one to two years of recent experience in a hospital setting. This ensures you can adapt quickly to a new environment.
• Get Certified: Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the NBSTSA is almost always a requirement. It demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession.
• Build a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills, certifications, and diverse surgical experiences. Tailor your resume to showcase your adaptability and clinical competence.
• Stay Flexible: Be open to different locations and types of facilities for your first assignment. Flexibility will open up more opportunities and help you get started faster.

Finding the Right Healthcare Staffing Agency

Your relationship with a staffing agency is key to your success. A good agency does more than just find you a job. They are your partner, advocate, and support system on the road. Look for an agency that offers:

• A Dedicated Recruiter: You want a recruiter who understands your goals and is responsive to your needs.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Check for health insurance, retirement plans, and licensing reimbursement.
• Housing Support: A great agency will offer private, furnished housing or a generous housing stipend.
• A Wide Variety of Jobs: Partner with an agency that has a large network of contracts across the country.

In conclusion, pursuing surgical tech travel positions is an excellent way to advance your career, earn more money, and satisfy your wanderlust. With the right preparation and a supportive agency, you can embark on a rewarding journey. Start exploring your options today!