Surgical Tech Travel Positions: Explore New Opportunities

As a surgical technologist, you have a rewarding career that combines precision, skill, and compassion. However, you may be looking for a change of pace, new challenges, or opportunities to explore different parts of the country. That's where surgical tech travel positions come in – a chance to take your skills on the road, experience new environments, and advance your career.

Surgical tech travel positions, also known as locum tenens or travel surgery tech jobs, offer a unique blend of adventure, flexibility, and professional growth. These temporary assignments can range from a few weeks to several months, allowing you to choose the duration and location that suits your preferences. Whether you're looking to escape the routine of a permanent position, explore new regions, or simply experience the thrill of travel, surgical tech travel positions are an excellent way to mix things up.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of surgical tech travel positions, exploring the benefits, requirements, and opportunities available to surgical technologists. We'll also discuss the steps to take, the skills to highlight, and the resources to utilize when embarking on this exciting career path.

Benefits of Surgical Tech Travel Positions

Surgical tech travel positions offer a range of benefits that can enhance your career, personal life, and overall well-being. Some of the advantages of these positions include:

Flexibility and autonomy: Travel positions allow you to choose when, where, and for how long you want to work. This flexibility is ideal for those who value work-life balance or need to attend to personal matters.
New experiences and challenges: Traveling to different hospitals, clinics, or surgical centers exposes you to various work environments, procedures, and technologies. This diversity can help you develop new skills, broaden your knowledge, and stay up-to-date with industry advancements.
Professional growth and networking: Travel positions provide opportunities to meet new colleagues, learn from experienced professionals, and build your network. These connections can lead to future job opportunities, mentorship, or collaborations.
Competitive compensation and benefits: Travel positions often come with higher pay rates, comprehensive benefits, and reimbursement for travel expenses.
Personal growth and exploration: Traveling allows you to experience new cultures, try new foods, and explore different regions. This can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and discover new passions.

Types of Surgical Tech Travel Positions

Surgical tech travel positions can vary depending on the employer, location, and duration. Some common types of travel positions include:

Temporary or contract positions: These assignments can last from a few weeks to several months, often filling a temporary need or gap in staffing.
Traveling surgical tech companies: Some companies specialize in providing traveling surgical technologists to hospitals and surgical centers.
Locum tenens positions: These positions involve temporary replacements for permanent staff members who are on leave, vacation, or sick leave.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be eligible for surgical tech travel positions, you'll typically need to meet the following requirements:

Certification: Current certification as a surgical technologist (CST) or a certified operating room technician (CORT) is usually required.
Education: A degree or diploma in surgical technology or a related field is often necessary.
Experience: Many employers require a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a surgical setting.
Licensure: Some states may require licensure or registration to practice as a surgical technologist.
Skills and competencies: Proficiency in surgical procedures, patient care, and communication is essential.

Steps to Take for Surgical Tech Travel Positions

If you're interested in pursuing surgical tech travel positions, follow these steps:

Update your resume and online profiles: Ensure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other online presence accurately reflect your skills, experience, and certifications.
Research travel companies and job boards: Look for reputable travel companies, job boards, and staffing agencies specializing in surgical tech travel positions.
Network and make connections: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with colleagues and mentors to learn about opportunities and get recommendations.
Prepare for interviews and assessments: Be ready to discuss your skills, experience, and certifications, and be prepared to complete skills assessments or exams.
Plan your travel and logistics: Research the location, housing, and transportation options, and plan your travel arrangements accordingly.

Resources and Job Boards

Here are some resources and job boards to help you find surgical tech travel positions:

American Society of Surgical Technologists (AST): The AST website offers a job board, career resources, and information on travel positions.
Surgical Tech Travel Companies: Companies like AMN Healthcare, Medical Staffing Network, and Aureus Medical Group specialize in travel positions.
Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often list travel positions for surgical technologists.
Professional Associations: Joining professional associations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) or the National Healthcare Association (NHA) can provide access to job boards, networking opportunities, and continuing education resources.

Conclusion

Surgical tech travel positions offer a unique opportunity for surgical technologists to explore new environments, develop their skills, and advance their careers. By understanding the benefits, requirements, and resources available, you can take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career path. Whether you're looking for a change of pace or a chance to explore new regions, surgical tech travel positions can provide the flexibility, autonomy, and personal growth you're seeking.

What is the typical duration of a surgical tech travel position?

Surgical tech travel positions can vary in duration, but typical assignments last from 13 to 26 weeks.

Do I need to have a specific certification to work as a travel surgical technologist?

Yes, most employers require current certification as a surgical technologist (CST) or a certified operating room technician (CORT).

How do I find surgical tech travel positions?

You can find surgical tech travel positions through job boards, travel companies, professional associations, and networking with colleagues and mentors.