Healthcare Jobs That Allow You to Travel

September 27, 2024

The travel nursing industry has exploded, growing by more than 600%. The demand for many other healthcare jobs that allow you to travel has expanded as well. If you are a healthcare professional, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find an exciting opportunity far from home.

Here’s everything you need to know about healthcare jobs that travel so you can set out on your next great adventure.

What Does It Mean to Have a Healthcare Job That Travels?

Healthcare jobs that allow you to travel typically consist of temporary assignments at different locations, often spanning multiple cities and states. These roles usually feature short-term contracts that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

In most cases, any assignment that’s more than 50 miles from your permanent address is considered a travel assignment. Healthcare jobs that allow you to travel can expose you to different patient populations and facilities.

The benefits of travel jobs may include higher compensation, flexible schedules, and opportunities for career growth. You’ll also get to explore the country and network with professionals in different regions.

“I love to travel, and that’s why I chose to join GHR. It allows me to explore new places while enjoying my career in different settings. Meeting new people and gaining diverse experiences in various locations brings a smile to my face. It fuels my passion for taking care of others and reinforces my love for what I do.”

Manuel G.

Get Started

Types of Healthcare Jobs That Travel

Here’s a look at the best healthcare jobs that allow you to travel:

Travel Nurses

Travel nursing is one of the most popular travel healthcare positions. If you are a registered nurse, there are countless career opportunities available across the country. There are roles available in a wide range of healthcare organizations, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and beyond.

Traveling Therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech)

Therapists provide critical healthcare services and do a lot to support other medical professionals. There are great travel opportunities for several types of certified therapists, including:

Physical therapists
Respiratory therapists
Occupational therapists
Speech therapists

If you have chosen one of these therapy specializations as your career path, travel work and its host of benefits are available to you. You can expect to earn competitive pay and will come across contracts that offer other perks like housing stipends and reimbursements.

Traveling Radiology/Ultrasound Technicians

Radiology and ultrasound technicians who enjoy variety in their work often find traveling appealing. Your role will involve moving between hospitals or clinics at the end of each contract and performing diagnostic imaging procedures.

Compensation is generally strong for these positions, and there are job opportunities that include allowances and bonuses. You may find travel compensation especially appealing if you live in a market where technologists are in lower demand. Venturing out to an area where there’s a greater need can lead to better earning opportunities.

Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners

Locum tenens positions are temporary travel jobs for advanced practitioners and physicians. These roles help improve patient care by filling critical gaps in staffing at hospitals and clinics. Providers can earn more while also venturing out of their comfort zones and helping those in need.

The healthcare industry is facing an ongoing shortage of physicians and advanced practitioners. If you fall into this category, you’ll discover plenty of exciting and lucrative opportunities.

Healthcare IT Specialists

Healthcare providers rely heavily on technology to facilitate efficient patient care daily. If you are an IT specialist who is familiar with healthcare technologies, you may be able to capitalize on this trend by taking on rewarding travel assignments.

Healthcare organizations are always looking for skilled IT specialists who can promote operational stability and maintain critical digital infrastructure. Healthcare IT professionals often earn competitive salaries and many of the other benefits commonly associated with travel assignments.

Laboratory Professionals

Lab techs can find travel assignments in hospitals and diagnostic centers, especially in regions facing a shortage of skilled professionals. To attract qualified candidates, many facilities offer higher salaries and additional perks. These travel assignments not only provide flexibility but also offer the chance to explore different parts of the country while contributing to quality patient care.

Operating Room Technicians

Surgeries across different healthcare facilities require the use of surgical technologies. Traveling operating room (OR) techs, also known as OR technicians, are needed to operate these technologies in hospitals that face staffing shortages. These professionals also provide vital help to facilities that perform large volumes of procedures.

There are several rewarding benefits to being a traveling OR tech. For instance, you can earn a competitive salary and gain exposure to advanced procedures. You’ll also get to work with different surgical teams in varying environments.

Benefits of Healthcare Jobs That Allow You to Travel

Here are a few perks of hitting the road and taking on a travel assignment:

Attractive Benefits Packages

Most travel healthcare jobs offer comprehensive benefits packages that include above-average compensation. These benefits may be much higher than what’s available in your area, which could make relocating even more appealing. Many healthcare facilities even assist travel healthcare workers in finding housing, and some offer stipends to offset the cost of rent.

Career Support

Contrary to popular belief, taking a travel assignment does not mean you’ll be all alone. Staffing agencies like GHR Healthcare offer resources to help you navigate the demands of travel-based careers and support your long-term success. Your assigned GHR recruiter will be in your corner every step of the way to promote proper placement and job satisfaction.

Connect with one of our recruiters today →

Credentialing & Licensing Assistance

That’s right — agencies like GHR Healthcare even assist you in getting your license for the state you are relocating to. Our support helps alleviate the stress of relocating and opens the door to many great opportunities.

Qualifications and Contract Types

The specific qualifications you need will vary depending on your profession and the state you are traveling to. Most roles, such as travel nurses and radiology technicians, require state-specific licenses. The good news is that most licenses can be transferred to other jurisdictions.

Once you have the right qualifications for an assignment, it’s time to explore contract types and start your assignment. Most travel jobs are short-term, lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Some places use contracts spanning between 6 and 12 months, and others may even offer you a permanent placement option.

No matter what your career goals are or which healthcare specialty you work in, GHR will help you maintain the appropriate credentials and meet the licensing requirements for the jobs you’re interested in.

Find Healthcare Jobs That Travel With Help From GHR

If you’re ready to explore healthcare jobs that allow you to travel, GHR can help. Connect with a GHR recruiter and start your next adventure with guidance from our experienced team.