Ready to embark on a thrilling career that takes you where you want to go? Here's the ultimate guide on how to become a travel rad tech and unlock a world of adventure while saving lives, one image at a time.
Travel radiology technologists, also known as travel rad techs, perform a variety of essential tasks during their work assignments. Their primary responsibility involves operating imaging equipment to capture diagnostic images of patients. This can include X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and ultrasounds, although these specialties may require further training.
They carefully position patients, ensuring optimal image quality while maintaining their comfort and safety. Rad techs also collaborate with healthcare teams, including physicians and nurses, to ensure accurate image interpretation and timely delivery of results. They may assist in patient care, explaining procedures, and addressing any concerns.
They are also responsible for maintaining equipment, ensuring its proper functionality and adherence to safety protocols. The dynamic nature of their work allows them to contribute to numerous healthcare facilities, providing crucial diagnostic support wherever they are needed.
Being a travel radiology tech comes with a unique set of responsibilities and opportunities. These healthcare workers are in high demand in the industry, making it a popular and sought-after career choice. As a travel radiology tech, you have the chance to work in various medical facilities and locations, bringing your expertise and knowledge to different communities. It provides an exciting and dynamic work environment and competitive compensation.
A radiology technologist is one of the highest paying jobs for the amount of education needed. The salary range for traveling radiology techs can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and facility type. In general, most travel radiology techs can expect to earn a competitive salary that reflects their abilities, expertise, and willingness to embrace new challenges and adventures.
Based on data from Marketplace, the gross salary for a travel radiology tech is anywhere up to $4,063 per week.
Becoming a travel radiologic technologist involves several key steps. First, it's important to have an educational foundation and knowledge to pursue a career in this field by earning a degree or completing a program. Then, gain experience as a radiology technologist before traveling. Once you're feeling confident in your perm role, the next step is to start searching for travel radiology tech jobs.
By following these steps, individuals can embark on an exciting and rewarding journey as a travel rad tech:
Get a degree or complete an accredited program
Gain experience in the industry
Explore travel radiology tech jobs
Becoming a travel radiologic technologist typically requires at least an associate degree in radiology, but qualifications can vary by employer and state regulations. As a traveler, check with the different agencies and companies you work with across the country to make sure you're on the same page. Certain states require attending a program with Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology certification.
Licensure is typically necessary to practice, and most states also mandate obtaining the Registered Radiologic Technologist R.T. (R) certification. This requires graduating from an accredited program and passing the certification exam by ARRT. Job applicants are generally expected to have the R.T. (R) certification.
Gaining experience as a traditional radiologic technologist before embarking on travel assignments is so important. Radiology requires a profound understanding of various imaging techniques and equipment, as well as the ability to adapt to different healthcare settings and patient populations.
By working in a traditional setting like hospitals for at least a year, technologists have the opportunity to refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and build confidence in their abilities by the time they start their first travel job. They can develop a strong foundation in performing diagnostic procedures, working closely with physicians, and effectively communicating with patients in their job.
This experience equips them with the necessary expertise and versatility to handle the unique challenges that come with travel assignments, such as unfamiliar facilities and diverse patient demographics.
Ultimately, the time spent gaining experience as a traditional radiologic technologist serves as a valuable stepping stone toward a successful and rewarding career.
When searching for travel radiology technologist jobs, using Marketplace can be a game-changer for your career. This innovative platform allows professionals to filter their job search based on key criteria such as weekly pay, location, and healthcare agency and set up job alerts so you know when new jobs are available. By prioritizing higher weekly pay, technologists can ensure they find assignments that meet their financial goals and expectations.
The ability to narrow down job opportunities by location enables them to explore exciting destinations or choose assignments closer to home, and having the option to select specific agencies allows radiology technologists to work with reputable and trusted organizations.
Marketplace streamlines the job search process, providing technologists with a user-friendly platform to find their ideal travel positions with ease and efficiency.
Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists make a median wage of approximately $61,980, but many make more depending on where they work, and that wage continues to rise.
A travel radiology tech tends to make more money than their staff rad tech counterparts per week, but there are plenty of factors. When your income is based on different wages for each travel job assignment, you'll see it fluctuate. Are you factoring in benefits like the flexibility to take extended time off between each assignment? Are you choosing locations that may offer more money to account for the cost of living like California or New York, NY?
To make the most money, med travelers can sort by highest pay when looking for a new assignment on travel job platforms like Marketplace.
On average, it will take two to four years to become a rad tech, depending on the pathway you choose and your experience.
In addition to the technical abilities you'll need to do the job (including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and any specialties you select), you'll need to take classes typical for anyone going into the medical or health care field. Anatomy, math, chemistry, and biology will all be important tracks, in addition to basic life support and other classes with the overall vision of improving safety for patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a part of radiology, but not the only part. MRI techs are specially trained within the field, and often have responsibilities separate from a rad tech.
There are similarities here, but the scope (and pay) of a rad tech is larger than that of a limited X-ray tech. Of course, radiologic technologists do perform X-rays, so med travelers may find that they are referred to as an X-ray tech, especially by patients, when they're on assignment.
Yes! Much like a registered nurse (or anyone involved in travel nursing), there are plenty of ways that you can find jobs catered to your specific interests within the field. Whether you want to focus on MRIs, CTs, ultrasounds, or even get pivot into a more niche area like dental imaging, there are pathways for you to find good company and make a difference.
Healthcare facilities rely on traveling radiologic technologists for several reasons. They provide a valuable solution to staffing shortages or temporary absences, ensuring uninterrupted service provision. Traveling radiologic technologists bring specialized expertise gained from working in various healthcare settings, enabling them to navigate different equipment, protocols, and patient populations effectively.
A travel radiology technologist brings a fresh perspective and innovative approaches to their work, contributing to process improvement within healthcare facilities. By being culturally competent and adaptable, they can provide quality care to diverse patient populations. Their collaboration with local staff promotes knowledge sharing and fosters a culture of continuous learning within the facility. Overall, healthcare facilities benefit greatly from the presence and contributions of traveling radiologic technologists.
There are key abilities that prove valuable for radiology technologists, such as strong interpersonal abilities, proficiency in science and math for handling radiology-related chemicals, and technical expertise. These not only enhance patient care but also contribute to the successful execution of radiology procedures.
When it comes to certifications for travel radiology technologists, several options can enhance their skills and marketability. Some of the best certifications for travel radiology techs include:
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) offered by the NBSTSA
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Abdomen (RDMS) certification
These certification options demonstrate expertise in specific areas, such as surgical technology and abdominal sonography, which are highly relevant to the field of radiology. Opportunities like ARRT (R) and ARRT (CT) are also beneficial for those specializing in computed tomography, and depending on where in the country you live, may be required to get your state license before your start date. By obtaining these certs, travel radiology techs can showcase their proficiency and attract better job opportunities.