If you’re a cardiovascular technologist with an adventurous spirit, you may be curious about whether a career as a travel cardiovascular technologist​ is right for you. 

Travel healthcare offers the opportunity to take your skills on the road and experience new cities and towns while doing what you love. It’s a career that combines professional growth with the freedom to travel, collaborate with diverse teams, and work in state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Wondering how to become a cardiovascular technologist in the travel healthcare space? 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from obtaining travel cardiovascular technologist education requirements and certifications to securing the best assignments so you can thrive in your new career as a travel cardiovascular technologist.

Why Travel Healthcare Is a Great Career Path 

Whether you’re looking to expand your skill set, maximize your income, or simply embrace adventure, becoming a travel cardiovascular technologist can open many doors:

  • Higher pay and benefits – Travel assignments often come with higher salaries, plus perks like tax-free housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and completion bonuses. The financial rewards alone can be a significant motivator, giving you the ability to save more or fund your next adventure.
  • Flexibility and freedom – Take on back-to-back contracts to maximize earnings, or schedule time off between assignments to relax, explore, and recharge. Whether you prefer hiking in the mountains, lounging on a beach, or visiting family, you get to create a career that fits your lifestyle.
  • Career growth – Each travel assignment presents new challenges, exposing you to different patient populations, daily operations, and hospital settings. From fast-paced urban medical centers to specialized cardiac units, the variety of workplaces and experiences will help you build an impressive cardiovascular technologist resume.
  • Adventure and exploration – One assignment might have you soaking up the sun in California, while the next could take you to the historic streets of Boston. Ultimately, travel healthcare isn’t just about career growth—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that lets you experience new places and cultures firsthand.

Requirements to Become a Travel Cardiovascular Technologist

Unlike permanent positions, travel healthcare requires unique experience, credentials, and skills to ensure you can step in and excel from day one. If you’re wondering “How do you become a cardiovascular technologist in the travel healthcare field,” take a look at the following must-haves:

  • Experience – Most travel healthcare positions require at least one year of full-time experience in a clinical setting. Because travel assignments often involve stepping into a role with minimal orientation, having hands-on experience ensures you can quickly adapt to new teams, workflows, and technologies.
  • Certifications and licensing – Specific certifications and state licensing are required for travel cardiovascular technologists (we’ll explore these in more detail in a later section). Having the proper credentials ensures you meet employer and state requirements—but your ability to apply those skills effectively in new environments is just as important.
  • Adaptability – As a traveler, you’ll need to be willing to learn on the fly and adjust to new environments quickly. The ability to troubleshoot problems independently and adapt to different workflows with confidence is invaluable.
  • Resilience and positivity – Staying positive, keeping an open mind, and embracing new experiences will help you navigate the ups and downs of travel healthcare. Technologists who approach assignments with a sense of adventure and a problem-solving mindset often have the best experiences.

Cardiovascular Technologist vs. Technician: What’s the Difference?

As a cardiovascular technologist, you already know your role involves assisting in diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures. But in travel healthcare, your adaptability and ability to work independently can make you especially valuable. 

How Is a Cardiovascular Technician Different?

On the other hand, cardiovascular technicians generally perform more routine diagnostic procedures under the supervision of technologists or physicians.

While technicians play a crucial role in cardiovascular care, their scope of practice may not meet the demands of travel healthcare. Because travel assignments require professionals who can work independently and handle specialized procedures, some employers may prioritize cardiovascular technologists over technicians for these roles.

Essential Certifications and Licensing for Travel Assignments

Certifications validate your skills and set you apart as a travel cardiovascular technologist. While you may already hold some of these credentials through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), understanding how they impact travel healthcare can help you make informed career decisions:

  • Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) – Many hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer RCIS-certified technologists. This certification demonstrates proficiency in assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
  • Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) – If you specialize in echocardiography, this certification is essential for securing travel assignments in non-invasive cardiology settings. It validates your ability to perform cardiac ultrasound procedures, an in-demand skill for hospitals and outpatient facilities nationwide.
  • Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) – RVT certification ensures proficiency in conducting vascular ultrasound examinations and interpreting results to aid in diagnosing conditions. Many travel assignments specifically seek RVT-certified professionals due to the increasing need for specialized vascular care.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) & Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – While BLS is a standard requirement, ACLS certification can give you an edge in assignments that involve critical care settings, where rapid decision-making and advanced life support interventions are necessary.

Why Certifications Matter in Travel Healthcare

Many healthcare facilities prefer travelers who can step into specialized roles with minimal training, and having advanced credentials demonstrates your expertise. Even if you’re an experienced cardiovascular technologist, holding multiple certifications can: 

  • Broaden your job opportunities
  • Enhance your credibility 
  • Add a competitive edge to your resume

Understanding State Licensing Requirements

In addition to national certifications, some states require specific licensing for cardiovascular technologists. Research the states where you plan to work, and if needed, lean on your staffing agency to assist with obtaining the necessary credentials before your assignment starts.

Host Healthcare makes this process simple. Our team of dedicated experts stays current on state-specific regulations and can guide you through all necessary paperwork, ensuring you have the right credentials for each assignment. Whether you need help transferring an existing license or applying for a new one, Host Healthcare provides resources and support to keep your career in travel allied healthcare on track.

How to Gain the Right Experience for Travel Cardiovascular Tech Jobs

Since travel roles require at least one year of experience, you may be wondering how to best prepare for the transition. Building a strong foundation of hands-on experience and versatility in different clinical settings will help set you apart as a travel candidate. 

More specifically, consider: 

  • Working in a high-volume facility – Working in a large hospital, teaching facility, or specialized cardiovascular center can improve your adaptability—a crucial skill when transitioning into different healthcare settings.
  • Cross-training in multiple modalities – Learning echocardiography, vascular studies, and electrophysiology procedures will allow you to take on a wider range of roles and boost your clinical versatility.
  • Shadowing experienced travel techs – If possible, connect with current travelers to learn what to expect and how to navigate contracts, negotiations, and different work environments. Firsthand advice can help you make informed decisions when choosing assignments and agencies.
  • Maintaining up-to-date certifications – Staying current on certifications ensures you’re always ready for the next opportunity. Some hospitals have strict credentialing requirements, so having your certifications in order can streamline the hiring process while giving you a competitive edge.

Finding the Best Travel Assignments as a Cardiovascular Technologist

Once you’re qualified, the next step on your travel healthcare journey is securing the best-fit assignments. While travel healthcare offers a wide range of opportunities, landing top-tier contracts requires strategic planning. Here are our top tips:

  • Prioritize location and facility type – Decide whether you prefer large teaching hospitals or smaller community clinics. How about urban or rural settings? Defining these preferences early on will help you narrow your search and target facilities that align with your goals.
  • Negotiate pay and benefits – Travel contracts typically offer competitive pay, but understanding how to negotiate housing stipends, per diems, and bonuses can significantly maximize your earnings. 
  • Be flexible – The more open you are to different locations, facility types, and shift schedules, the more opportunities you’ll have. Remaining adaptable can help you land top assignments and gain more diverse experience.
  • Partner with a reputable staffing agency – Partners like Host Healthcare specialize in matching cardiovascular technologists with exclusive jobs in every state. We’ll also help streamline credentialing, negotiate contracts, and provide ongoing support throughout your contract so that you can thrive no matter the assignment.

What to Expect in Your First Travel Cardiovascular Tech Contract

Your first travel contract is an exciting milestone—but it can come with a learning curve. Fortunately, you can stay ahead of that curve by having a general idea of what to expect:

  • Onboarding and orientation – Anticipate an intensive but brief introduction to facility protocols, equipment, and workflows. Some facilities will pair you with a mentor or provide a structured training period, while others may require you to hit the ground running.
  • Adapting to new workflows – As a traveler, you’ll need to quickly familiarize yourself with new documentation systems, patient protocols, and team dynamics. Remaining adaptable and proactive will help you transition smoothly.
  • Building new relationships – Travel assignments mean working with new colleagues every few months, so strong communication skills are key. Introduce yourself early, ask questions, and be open to feedback. Forming solid relationships with your team will make the transition easier and help foster a positive work environment.
  • Managing housing and logistics – Research your options before signing your contract to ensure you’re comfortable with your living situation. Consider factors like commute time, amenities, and neighborhood safety when choosing your housing.

How Host Healthcare Supports Travel Cardiovascular Technologists

Whether you’re looking for career advancement, financial freedom, or the thrill of change, travel healthcare provides the flexibility to shape your journey on your terms.

The best part? Navigating this path doesn’t have to be complicated—not if you partner with Host Healthcare. As a trusted partner in travel staffing, Host Healthcare specializes in connecting cardiovascular technologists with top assignments nationwide. In fact, we provide exclusive access to thousands of healthcare jobs in every state, so you can build the life and career you deserve. Plus, from personalized job matching, contract negotiation and licensing support, we ensure that every step of your journey is streamlined and rewarding.

With the proper preparation and the right team behind you, your next great adventure is just a contract away. Apply today to get started!

 

Sources: 

Monteiro, Ingrid. “What Are the Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing? (Plus Tips).” Indeed, August 15, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/pros-and-cons-of-travel-nursing. Accessed March 17, 2025.

“Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.” Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2025, https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/cardiovascular-invasive-specialist/. Accessed March 17, 2025.

Indeed Editorial Team. “Different Roles of Cardiovascular Technologist vs. Technician.” Indeed, October 31, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/cardiovascular-technologist-vs-technician#. Accessed March 17, 2025.

“Cardiovascular Credentialing International Certifications.” Sechel Ventures, 2025, https://www.medicaltechnologyschools.com/cardiovascular-technologist/cardiovascular-tech-certification. Accessed March 17, 2025. 

Indeed Editorial Team. “Travel Nurse Certifications To Consider (With FAQs).” Indeed, April 15, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/travel-nurse-certifications. Accessed March 17, 2025.

Drummond, Rachel. “How Do I Become a Cardiovascular Technologist?” Sechel Ventures, May 9, 2024, https://www.medicaltechnologyschools.com/cardiovascular-technologist/how-to-become-a-cardio-tech. Accessed March 17, 2025.