If you’re considering a career as a travel ultrasonographer, it’s a sound choice. 

As a traveling healthcare professional, you’ll have the chance to experience new locations, meet diverse groups of people, and gain valuable experience while continuing to do the work you love. But, as with any career transition, making the switch to travel healthcare comes with its own set of challenges—aand we’re here to help you navigate those waters with practical guidance.

Whether you’re a seasoned ultrasonographer who’s ready to hit the road or someone looking to take that leap, this guide will provide you with all the essentials for how to become a travel sonographer.

The Role of a Traveling Ultrasonographer

What is a travel sonographer?

As an ultrasonographer, you’re the expert behind the scenes who uses ultrasound technology to create images of the inside of the body. You’re likely already familiar with the many specialties within this field—abdomen, OB/GYN, musculoskeletal, and vascular ultrasounds, just to name a few. But as a traveling ultrasonographer, your world expands beyond just mastering these skill sets in your usual work environment. 

Traveling ultrasonographers are usually hired by healthcare staffing agencies like Host Healthcare to work short-term assignments at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities around the country. 

These assignments typically range from 8 to 13 weeks, but they can be longer depending on the needs of the facility. And while the nature of the job is similar to what you’ve been doing, the setting and variety of work environments are the real difference-makers. One assignment might have you working in a high-tech hospital in a bustling city, and the next could be a quieter, more rural facility where you’re the only ultrasound tech on staff. It’s a lot of variety and a whole lot of adventure—plus, some perks.

Are You Ready to Take the Leap? 

Before diving headfirst into a travel allied career, it’s important to ask yourself some key questions. 

Do you enjoy variety? 

As a travel ultrasonographer, every assignment is different, and the variety of work you do is a big part of the appeal. You’ll get to work with different patient populations, in new settings, and with diverse teams of healthcare professionals. But if you’re someone who thrives on routine and likes the stability of a predictable schedule, travel work might be a bit outside your comfort zone. 

Are you flexible? 

Flexibility is key. The beauty of travel healthcare is the ability to go where the work is, but with that comes the need for flexibility in terms of:

  • Schedules
  • Workflows
  • Geographical locations

Some facilities may have a unique set of ultrasound machines or workflows you’re not used to, so being open to learning on the job will be essential. 

Can you handle change and adapt quickly? 

Traveling ultrasonographers need to quickly integrate into new environments, work with different teams, and adapt to varying technology and patient demographics. 

If you’re someone who enjoys the challenge of quickly mastering new systems and solving problems on the fly, you’ll love this. 

Are you comfortable with autonomy? 

Though you’ll be joining a healthcare team, traveling ultrasonographers often work alone or with minimal supervision. You’ll need to be confident in your skills and independent enough to make decisions on the fly. 

If you’re someone who likes to ask questions and have a team of colleagues to back you up all the time, it may take some getting used to, but it’s part of the adventure.

Qualifications and Certifications 

If you’re already an experienced ultrasonographer, you’re probably well aware of the qualifications needed for your current role. But if you’re considering travel assignments, let’s review a few essentials to ensure you’re up to speed on the key certifications that will help you land a role as a traveling ultrasonographer:

  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) – This certification, offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), is essential for most ultrasonography positions. If you’re already registered, you’re good to go! If not, getting certified in one or more specialties (like abdominal or obstetrics/gynecology) will make you a more competitive candidate. 
  • State licensure – Some states require ultrasonographers to have a state license, which is typically different from the RDMS. This can be a bit tricky for travel positions, as licensing requirements vary from state to state. However, the good news is that some staffing agencies offer guidance and support for navigating licensure in different states, and they often provide assistance in securing temporary licensure in states where you’ll be working. 
  • Continuing education – To stay ahead of evolving medical technology, it’s crucial to keep your skills sharp by pursuing continued medical education (CME) courses. Many travel agencies offer access to CME opportunities or reimburse you for the cost, which can be a nice perk.

The Logistics of Travel Healthcare

If you’ve decided that the flexibility, variety, and challenges of travel ultrasonography are exactly what you’re looking for, what’s next, and how do you become a sonographer in the travel capacity?

The next step in how to become a sonographer lies in the practical aspects of getting yourself set up for travel assignments, and making them feel manageable:

  • Find the right agency – The first step is choosing the right travel staffing agency. As a travel ultrasonographer, you’ll want to work with an agency that understands your needs and helps you navigate everything from licensing to housing to contract negotiations. Take the time to research and find one that is reputable, offers competitive pay, and provides good benefits. 
  • Housing arrangements – Most travel agencies will offer you housing stipends or provide accommodations, which is a huge benefit. You’ll be able to choose from options that fit your budget and preferences. Some ultrasonographers opt for fully furnished apartments, while others might choose to live in short-term rentals or even RVs, depending on the assignment. The goal is to find a comfortable and convenient place to call home while you’re working in a new location.
  • Travel costs – Many agencies will also cover the cost of your travel to and from your assignment, which can help reduce some of the financial burden. Whether it’s a flight, a rental car, or gas money, make sure to ask your agency about what’s covered and what’s not.
  • Work schedules – One of the great things about travel healthcare is the flexibility in work schedules. However, this can also mean working at odd hours or on weekends, depending on the needs of the facility. When discussing your contract, be clear about your preferences and availability. Communication with your agency is key in making sure you get the best balance of work and play.

Adaptability and Soft Skills for Success 

As a seasoned healthcare professional, you likely have a wealth of hard skills under your belt. But in the world of travel healthcare, adaptability and soft skills can make all the difference. 

Here are a few traits to keep in mind as you embark on this new chapter, and craft your resume: 

  • Communication skills – You’ll be working with new teams, sometimes with little to no overlap between shifts. Good communication is essential for a smooth experience. Keep open lines of communication with your supervisor, team members, and your agency to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
  • Problem-solving skills – In any healthcare setting, issues can pop up unexpectedly, from technology glitches to patient concerns. Traveling ultrasonographers need to be quick on their feet and ready to tackle problems head-on. 
  • Attention to detail – As a sonographer, the tiniest of details count. The quality of your imaging has a direct impact on the diagnosis and health outcome of your patients. In the same vein, critical thinking is paramount. Every scan, every image, and every angle requires careful consideration.
  • Professionalism – Remember, you’re a guest in a new facility. Bring your professionalism, respect, and positive attitude to every assignment. This will help you build a solid reputation and ensure that you’re invited back for future assignments.

Start Your Career as a Travel Ultrasonographer With Host Healthcare

Embarking on a career as a traveling ultrasonographer is an exciting adventure—one that will not only stretch your professional expertise but also open up new personal horizons. It’s a path full of opportunity, flexibility, and, yes, a little bit of unpredictability—but that’s all part of the thrill. 

As you think about making this change, remember: there’s no single formula for success. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. The key is to be prepared, stay open to new experiences, and—most importantly—enjoy the journey. Your skills and experience are in high demand, and there’s a whole world out there waiting for you.

Whether you’re just starting to dip your toes into the world of travel healthcare or you’re a seasoned pro looking for fresh opportunities, there’s always something new to discover. At Host Healthcare, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed—whether it’s finding the perfect assignment, navigating logistics, or simply offering a listening ear when you need it most.

 

Sources:

 “Learn About Being a Sonographer,” Indeed, August 18, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-sonographer-do. Accessed December 19, 2024.

 “Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer® (RDMS®),” APCA, https://www.apca.org/certifications-examinations/registered-diagnostic-medical-sonographer/. Accessed December 19, 2024.

 “Sonography Licensure FAQs,” ASCE, https://www.asecho.org/sonographylicensurefaqs/. Accessed December 20, 2024. 

 “Guide to Continued Medical Education for Sonographers,” Ultrasound Schools Info, https://www.ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com/cme/. Accessed December 20, 2024.

 “Sonographer Skills To Develop (Plus How To Improve Them),” Indeed, September 10, 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/sonographer-skills. Accessed December 20, 2024.