The allure of combining work with travel has long enticed healthcare professionals to explore opportunities that allow them to experience new places while earning a living. While travel nursing has been a popular option since the 1980s, it’s not the only healthcare job that allows for regular traveling.
From physical therapy to radiologic technology, the travel healthcare industry offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals seeking new experiences, career growth and meaningful patient interactions.
What Is a Travel Healthcare Job?
A travel healthcare job is a temporary position in the healthcare industry that requires professionals to work in different locations for a limited period. These jobs are typically filled by travel nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare specialists who are willing to travel and fill vital but vacant positions in various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare settings.
Assignments can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the facility’s needs and the healthcare professional’s preferences. Travel healthcare jobs are in high demand with so many medical centers and facilities facing worker shortfalls, and they often come with competitive compensation, travel allowances and other benefits to attract skilled professionals to temporarily fill staffing needs in healthcare organizations.
10 Common Types of Travel Healthcare Jobs
Travel healthcare jobs offer a range of opportunities beyond the traditional nursing roles, including:
- Physical therapists (PTs) assist patients in recovering from injuries, surgeries or medical conditions that affect their mobility and physical function. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and skilled nursing facilities.
- Occupational therapists (OTs) focus on helping individuals with physical, developmental or cognitive challenges regain independence in their daily activities. They work with patients of all ages in hospitals, schools and home care settings.
- Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat communication disorders and swallowing difficulties in patients. They work in diverse settings, including schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
- Respiratory therapists (RTs) specialize in treating patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary conditions. They work in critical care units, emergency rooms and other healthcare facilities.
- Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) perform various laboratory tests and analyses to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment. They work in labs, hospitals, clinics and research facilities.
- Radiologic technologists (RTs) work in hospitals, imaging centers and physicians’ offices operating medical imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients.
- Sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images of internal body structures, assisting in the diagnosis of medical conditions. They work in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers.
- Medical technologists (MTs) perform complex laboratory tests on patient samples to aid in medical diagnoses. They work in hospitals, clinics and reference laboratories.
- Surgical technologists (STs) work in hospitals and surgery centers assisting surgeons in the operating room, ensuring that surgical procedures run smoothly and safely.
- Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. They work in hospitals, retail pharmacies and long-term care facilities.
Benefits of Travel Healthcare Jobs
- Adventure and exploration – Travel healthcare jobs allow professionals to explore new cities, states and even countries while gaining work experience.
- Professional growth – Traveling exposes healthcare workers to diverse patient populations and medical practices, enhancing their clinical skills and expertise.
- Competitive compensation – Travel healthcare jobs often offer higher pay rates and additional benefits to attract skilled professionals (i.e., housing stipends, travel allowances, etc.).
- Flexibility and work-life balance – Some travel assignments offer flexible schedules, enabling professionals to maintain a work-life balance that suits their lifestyle.
- Networking opportunities – Travel healthcare jobs allow individuals to connect with a wide range of healthcare professionals, further expanding their professional network.
Embark on Your Healthcare Journey with St. Louis College of Health Careers in Missouri
At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer academically rigorous and practical programs that can pave the way to a successful career in the healthcare industry.
Our career services team is dedicated to helping graduates find placement in their fields by providing personalized attention and valuable resources, such as resume building and mock interviewing.
To explore your future in healthcare and fulfill your career aspirations, call us at 866-529-2070 or send us a message.