Whether you’re a new or seasoned surgical tech, you might have heard of the career growth opportunities and unique lifestyle of a travel surgical technologist.

A travel technologist performs similar duties as a permanent staff surgical technologist, all while gaining experience in new hospitals and exploring new cities. So, how do you become a surgical technologist?

This guide will answer all the questions you have on how to transition to a travel role, including the benefits you can expect as a travel surgical technologist, the steps to take to get there, and tips to help you thrive in the ever-changing environment of travel healthcare.

Why Consider a Career as a Travel Surgical technologist?

Imagine growing in your career while you travel to the cities and states you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Want to kayak Seattle’s Puget Sound on weekends? What about summiting Maine’s Mt. Katahdin? As a travel surgical technologist, you’ll perform the responsibilities you’re accustomed to in your role in new and exciting environments like these.

But travel isn’t the only benefit. As a travel surgical technologist, you can expect:

  • Flexibility – Traveling surgical technologists can enjoy the flexibility and freedom of choosing assignments in a variety of locations. You can also take breaks between contracts to visit friends and family or explore before you jet off to your next adventure.
  • Experience – As a travel surgical technologist, you’ll sharpen your skills in different facilities, learn from highly trained teams, and apply your expertise with new technologies and procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety. And because you’ll be working in fresh and fast-paced environments, you’ll broaden your skill set by learning to adapt to new processes and people, too.
  • Career advancement – The experience you gain can open up opportunities and advance your travel allied career. Your time in the cardiovascular operating room (CVOR), for example, might make you a top candidate for your ideal position later. Plus, it’s a bonus on your resume for hiring managers looking for skilled and adaptable surgical techs. 
  • Salary – The average weekly salary of a travel surgical technologist is $1,882, with some positions paying up to $3,000 depending on location and experience. The more you grow in your field, the more likely you are to land high-paying roles in your dream location.  

Now that you have an idea of the benefits that come with a career as a travel surgical technologist, let’s dive deeper into the details of the role. 

Understanding the Role of a Travel Surgical Technologist

A travel surgical technologist performs similar duties as a staff technologist—that is, you’ll work closely with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to perform a multitude of tasks.

However, being a travel surgical tech differs from being a stationary staff tech in several ways. To start, a traveling surgical technologist takes on temporary contract positions that typically last six to eighteen weeks. As a traveling healthcare provider, you’ll fill staffing demands where they’re needed most, so expect to adapt quickly. In that period you can also expect to:

  • Work in different care environments like hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers
  • Familiarize yourself with new hospital and operating room settings 
  • Collaborate with new teams, people, and personalities
  • Assist in on-call surgeries

Then, you’ll pack your bags and do it all again. The role of a traveling healthcare professional may sound demanding but it’s rewarding, too. If you’re wondering how to become a surgical technologist, honing a few essential skills can help you adjust to your first travel position. 

Essential Skills for Success as a Travel Surgical Technologist

A travel surgical technologist plays a pivotal role in the operating room—like we mentioned earlier, you’ll be filling critical gaps in hospital staffing, sometimes on short notice. To that end, cultivating a few key skills can help you succeed:

  • Stamina – As a travel surgical tech in a busy unit, you may be scrubbing into multiple surgeries a day. Be prepared to walk and stand for hours at a time while maintaining focus.
  • Attention to detail – Thoroughness and accuracy are vital in the operating room, so be sure to check that your work meets operating room standards and sterilization protocols. 
  • Adaptability – Because you’ll work in new environments with new teams every few weeks, adaptability is essential to excelling in your role. Practice flexibility and apply feedback quickly. 
  • Communication – Clear and professional communication is crucial as you collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and other hospital staff you may not have worked with before. You might interact with patients and families too, so be prepared to share vital care information or offer comfort.  

If you’re considering a career as a traveling surgical technologist, start by honing these skills in your home hospital while you gain experience. You can even request to assist in more complicated procedures over time. Ultimately, the more cases you do as a staff member, the more ready you’ll be to transition into a travel role.

Requirements for Becoming a Travel Surgical Technologist

Apart from expanding your skillset, you’ll need to ensure you meet the requirements to become a traveling surgical tech before you apply. What are the requirements to be a surgical technologist? 

Below, we walk you through the must-haves in terms of your experience and credentials.  

Staff and On-Call Experience 

Typically, at least one year of staff experience is required to become a travel surgical tech. In your first year as staff, you’ll work as an entry-level surgical technologist, acquiring all the necessary knowledge and skills you need to thrive in your field. 

On-call experience will likely be required too, so be ready to respond to urgent or non-urgent hospital needs outside your normal hours.  

Obtain Certification 

In addition to completing an accredited surgical technology program, you might need to apply to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (or CST). Most traveling positions require it, and certification shows you’ve completed the necessary education and training to excel in the operating room. 

How to become a certified surgical technologist? You can apply to become a CST through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Before you do, ensure you have all the necessary documents on hand, like your graduation certificate and transcripts. 

References or Recommendations 

If you’re considering transitioning to a travel role, have a few references from your charge nurse. Recommendations provide a first-hand account of your interpersonal skills and the quality of work you provide in the operating room. This can help you stand out to future hiring managers.

How To Transition From a Surgical Technologist to a Travel Role

As you gain your year of staff experience, research the care settings and cities you think you’d like to work in once you transition to a travel role. Be sure to also consider travel expenses and the cost of living in each location. Remember that salary can differ based on location, too. Compare and contrast locations and average weekly pay before you commit to a specific assignment.

Once you have 10 months of experience, connect with a recruiter at a trusted travel agency, like Host Healthcare, to start preparing for your transition at 12 months. Our team is available around the clock to guide you through every step of the travel process.

Finding and Applying for Travel Surgical Technologist Positions

There’s no shortage of travel surgical technologist positions, and the prospects keep growing—overall employment for surgical technologists is expected to rise by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all other occupations. 

Before you apply to any positions, make sure your credentials and surgical tech resume are up to date. Don’t forget to include any other certifications you have aside from your CST, and list your specialty if you have one. 

You can also partner with a travel agency to help navigate your job prospects and pinpoint the best position for you. At Host Healthcare, we’re committed to finding you assignments that align with your professional goals and personal preferences. What’s more, we have exclusive access to thousands of jobs in every state, so you’re guaranteed to find the role that’s right for you.

Tips for Thriving as a Travel Surgical Technologist

To thrive in your new role as a travel surgical tech, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Seek roles that are the best-fit option for you
  • Read your contract carefully and don’t be afraid to talk about your needs 
  • Be prepared for an adjustment period
  • Maintain a growth mindset in each new position
  • Partner with a staffing agency that has your back

As you meet with recruiters, be sure they’re open to discussing your needs, including pay and benefits, and that they’re transparent about compensation and contracts. Look out for other perks too, like health insurance for travelers, travel stipends, or reimbursements for supplies and other costs. 

Become a Travel Surgical Technologist With Host Healthcare

Becoming a travel surgical tech can be a streamlined and stress-free experience when you partner with Host Healthcare. With exclusive access to thousands of jobs across the country, our dedicated recruiters are ready to match you with the best surgical tech positions in the destinations of your dreams. 

From the moment you start with Host Healthcare, you’ll receive round-the-clock support to ease your transition into a travel role. Our housing specialists also provide personal assistance to help you find your home away from home. Plus, we offer day 1 medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as other incredible perks. 

While you care for patients, we care for you. Apply today to get started.

 

Sources: 

Holbrook, Jessica MSN, RN, CCRN. “Is Surgical Tech a Good Career? Pros & Cons to Consider.” Stepful, https://www.stepful.com/post/is-surgical-tech-a-good-career-pros-cons. July 29th, 2024.

“Travel Surgical Tech Salary.” ZipRecruiter, July 23rd, 2024, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Travel-Surgical-Tech-Salary. July 29th, 2024. 

“How to Become a Traveling Surgical Tech.” Brookline College, May 18th, 2022, https://www.brooklinecollege.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-traveling-surgical-tech/. July 29th, 2024.

“Surgical Assistants and Technologists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 17,th 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists. July 29th, 2024. 

Holbrook, Jessica MSN, RN, CCRN. “Travel Surgical Tech: Salary, Jobs, & More.” Stepful, https://www.stepful.com/post/travel-surgical-tech-salary-jobs. July 29th, 2024.

Hart, Noelle. “8 Non-Negotiable Surgical Tech Skills You’ll Need in 2024.” Rasmussen University, December 21st, 2023, https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/8-non-negotiable-surgical-tech-skills-you-ll-need-in-2024/. July 29th, 2024.