Allied health jobs comprise almost 60% of all healthcare positions, and they’re continuing to grow. With high demand all across the country, travel allied health jobs offer an exciting way to explore new places all over the country. Not only that, but you can earn a competitive wage, build up your experience at an expedited rate, and help people who need it most. But, with so many opportunities available, how do you find the right one?
We’ve compiled the essential steps you can take to help you land the best travel allied health jobs below.
What are Travel Allied Health Jobs?
Traveling allied health professionals, such as radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, and lab technicians, can take short-term assignments in healthcare facilities throughout the United States. These travel assignments typically last 13 weeks, but they can be shorter or longer depending on the facility’s needs. These travel assignments help fill critical staffing gaps in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities and ensure that patient care continues uninterrupted.
Know What You Want
The first thing to do in your search for the best travel allied health jobs is to take a moment to define your goals. This is when you rank and prioritize the different aspects of any assignment, like:
- Do you want to work somewhere warm for the winter? Are you chasing after the mountains or a coastal beach life? Are you looking to be close to a city, or is something more rural your speed? Have an idea of where you want to end up.
- Assignment Schedule. Are you looking for something short-term between other commitments, or do you want longer, more consistent work? Do you have a preference between the night shift or the day shift? How do you feel about floating? These are all things that will help you narrow down which assignments to submit for and which to steer clear of.
- Consider what benefits you would need to successfully move on from your staff job. It’s a myth that you have to give up benefits when you become a traveler. So, know which insurances, retirement benefits, and more you need to be on the lookout for.
- Salary Range. Consider what your desired weekly pay will be. Keep in mind that your pay will include tax-free stipends and will fluctuate from assignment to assignment based on a variety of factors.
Find an Agency to Work With
Not all healthcare staffing agencies are created equally. It’s important to take time to find one that aligns with your values and goals. Some things to look out for include transparent job listings, a good reputation with travelers, and finding an agency that invests in you for the long term, treating you as more than a contract.
Just as important as finding the right agency is finding the right recruiter. The right recruiter can make a world of difference, turning a decent assignment into a great one. You want someone who listens, advocates for you, and respects your boundaries. The recruiter-traveler relationship is a partnership, so don’t settle.
Have a Great Resume
Finding the right agency to work with and picking your recruiter is a critical step in finding the best travel allied health jobs. Your recruiter and agency will help you find assignments that line up with the priorities you developed before jumping into the job search. After that, it’s all about being ready to apply quickly to dream jobs as they open. Having a standout resume can help you rise to the top of the submission list.
To build a standout resume, we recommend these tips from our recruiters. Make sure you highlight your certifications and special skills, emphasize any experience that showcases your adaptability, and make sure it’s easy to read and up to date.
Network
Networking and forming connections both with facilities and other travelers can go a long way in this industry. You can engage in traditional networking by connecting with other travelers at your facility, participating in traveler meet-ups like TravCon, or asking your recruiter to connect you with other travelers they work with. You can also utilize online resources like Facebook Groups, which can be packed with insider info to help guide you on your job search. These groups can also list out jobs that you can bring to your recruiter’s attention.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Becoming an allied health traveler can be a fun new experience filled with adventure and personal growth. By understanding your priorities, partnering with the right agency and recruiters, and staying prepared, you can land the best travel allied health jobs. If you’re ready to start the journey, connect with a recruiter today.
