Travelers Plans How to Travelers Plans in The World
Are you a surgical technologist looking for new adventures? Do you want to combine your love of travel with your career? If so, becoming a travel certified surgical technologist may be the perfect choice for you. This exciting career path allows you to work in different locations across the country while performing the same duties as a traditional surgical technologist. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to become a travel certified surgical technologist and how to make the most of this unique opportunity.
What is a Travel Certified Surgical Technologist?
A travel certified surgical technologist is a trained medical professional who works in the operating room with surgeons and other healthcare professionals. However, instead of working at one hospital or medical facility, a travel certified surgical technologist works on a temporary basis in different locations throughout the country. They essentially travel from one assignment to another, providing the necessary support for surgeries and other medical procedures.
How to Become a Travel Certified Surgical Technologist
To become a travel certified surgical technologist, you must first complete a surgical technology program at an accredited institution. This program typically takes 9-24 months to complete and prepares you for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification exam. Once you pass this exam, you can begin working as a surgical technologist. However, to become a travel certified surgical technologist, you’ll need to have at least two years of experience as a surgical technologist.
Once you have the required experience, you can apply for travel assignments through a staffing agency that specializes in medical jobs. These agencies work with hospitals and other medical facilities across the country to fill temporary positions for surgical technologists and other healthcare professionals. You can choose to work on short-term assignments (typically 13 weeks) or longer assignments (6-12 months).
The Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Certified Surgical Technologist
Like any career path, there are pros and cons to being a travel certified surgical technologist. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Travel to different locations: This is perhaps the biggest advantage of being a travel certified surgical technologist. You get to see different parts of the country while doing the job you love.
- Higher salaries: Because travel assignments typically require you to relocate for a short period of time, you’ll often receive higher pay to compensate for the added expenses.
- Flexible schedules: You can choose to work on assignments that fit your schedule, allowing you to take time off between assignments to travel or spend time with family.
Cons:
- Relocation: Moving frequently can be challenging, especially if you have a family or other responsibilities at home.
- Limited job security: Travel assignments are temporary, so you’ll need to be prepared to look for a new job every few months.
- Adjustment period: Each new assignment comes with a new work environment and team of coworkers, which can take some time to adjust to.
FAQs
| Q: What is the salary range for a travel certified surgical technologist? | A: The salary range for a travel certified surgical technologist varies depending on the location of the assignment, your level of experience, and the staffing agency you work with. However, most travel surgical technologists can expect to make between $1,200 to $2,500 per week. |
| Q: Do I need to be certified to work as a travel surgical technologist? | A: Yes, you’ll need to have your National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification to work as a surgical technologist. Additionally, most staffing agencies require that you have at least two years of experience as a surgical technologist. |
| Q: Do I need to have a nursing degree to become a travel certified surgical technologist? | A: No, you don’t need a nursing degree to become a travel certified surgical technologist. However, you will need to complete a surgical technology program at an accredited institution and pass the NBSTSA certification exam. |
| Q: Can I choose the location of my travel assignments? | A: Yes, you can work with your staffing agency to find assignments in locations that appeal to you. However, keep in mind that certain locations may be more in demand than others, so you may need to be flexible in your choices. |
Conclusion
Becoming a travel certified surgical technologist is a unique and exciting career path that allows you to combine your love of travel with your medical training. While there are certainly challenges to this type of work, the rewards are undeniable. If you’re interested in exploring this career path, start by gaining the necessary experience and certification, and then work with a staffing agency to find assignments that fit your needs. With dedication and hard work, you can create a fulfilling career that takes you to new and exciting places.