The beeping monitors, the hum of the C-arm, the quiet focus of a team working in perfect sync—you know the rhythm of the IR suite like the back of your hand. 

But lately, maybe the idea of becoming a travel IR tech has been lingering in the back of your mind, nudging you toward something new. The good news? That “something new” is absolutely within reach. 

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’re ready to pack your bags, this guide will walk you through how to become an IR tech and everything it takes to go from a staff position to landing your first travel assignment with confidence, clarity, and excitement.

Meeting the Requirements: What IR Techs Need to Travel

Facilities hiring travel IR techs look for experienced professionals who can quickly adapt and contribute without extensive training. 

What exactly does that mean for you?

  • One year of experience – Most agencies and facilities require at least one year of full-time experience in an interventional radiology setting, though some hospitals may prefer two.
  • Strong clinical skills & adaptability – Every facility does things a little differently. The more comfortable you are with a variety of imaging equipment, EMR systems, and procedural workflows, the smoother your transition into a travel allied career will be. Being flexible and quick on your feet will make all the difference.
  • A willingness to learn (and unlearn) – Each assignment will introduce you to new teams, new protocols, and maybe even a different way of doing the same procedure. Travel IR techs who thrive are the ones who can walk in with confidence but also keep an open mind.

Getting Certified: Ensuring Compliance for Travel Assignments

You may be wondering, “What are IR tech requirements for a travel role?” If you’re unsure, don’t worry—we’re breaking it down below:

  • ARRT certification – If you’re a registered IR tech, chances are you already hold certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)—and if you don’t, now’s the time to get it. Many hospitals and staffing agencies require this certification as a baseline credential for travel IR techs.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification – A current BLS certification through the American Heart Association is a non-negotiable for travel IR techs. It’s a simple but essential requirement that proves you’re trained to handle basic medical emergencies—so if your card is expired (or missing in action), renew it before you start applying for jobs.
  • State licensure – Some states require IR techs to hold a state-specific radiologic technology license in addition to ARRT certification. Licensing requirements vary, so before you set your sights on a specific location, check whether you need to apply for a state license.

How to Gain the Right Experience for a Travel IR Tech Role

The more well-rounded and adaptable you are, the more confident you’ll feel when stepping into a brand-new facility. So, how can you make the most of your time as a staff IR tech to set yourself up for success on the road? 

Get Comfortable with a Wide Range of Procedures

Travel assignments can take you anywhere—from small community hospitals to large trauma centers—and you won’t always know what to expect. 

To prepare for each new environment, build your confidence by gaining hands-on experience with a variety of procedures, including:

  • Angioplasty and stent placements 
  • Embolizations 
  • Thrombectomy and thrombolysis
  • Biopsies and drain placements
  • Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt procedures

Work with Different Imaging Equipment

Not every facility uses the same imaging systems. Some hospitals run on the latest tech, while others still rely on older units. The more systems you’re comfortable with, the easier it’ll be to adjust to new environments without missing a beat.

Seek Out High-Pressure Environments

While not every travel job is in a Level I trauma center, many will expect you to handle fast-paced, high-acuity cases. Consider cross-training in the cath lab or shadowing in an ER setting to get comfortable with urgent procedures.

Develop Your Soft Skills

Every hospital has its own way of doing things, and as a traveler, you’ll need to integrate quickly. Soft skills are extremely valuable here. Before you embark on your first adventure, use your time as a staff tech to practice: 

  • Working with different teams
  • Adapting to various physician preferences
  • Handling last-minute changes with ease 
  • Strong communication 

Stay Curious & Keep Learning

Travel IR techs who thrive are the ones who never stop learning. Ask questions, take on new challenges, and stay up to date on advancements in interventional radiology. The more knowledge and experience you bring to the table, the more doors will open for you in the travel world.

The Benefits of Transitioning from Staff to Travel IR Tech

If you’re still on the fence about making the switch, here’s what you stand to gain by leaving your staff role behind and stepping into the world of travel:

  • Diverse clinical experience – As a traveler, you’ll gain exposure to different equipment, protocols, and cases. This kind of experience will make you a stronger, more adaptable IR tech—one who can walk into any facility and thrive.
  • Opportunities to specialize & advance – Travel allows you to test out different work environments and refine your skills. You can choose a contract that tailors your career to your interests and allows you to gain expertise in a specific field.
  • The chance to explore new places – Maybe you’ve always dreamed of working in a fast-paced New York City hospital. Or maybe warm, sunny assignments in California are calling your name. With travel, you’re not tied to one location—you can experience different cities, climates, and cultures, all while doing the work you love.

How to Find High-Paying Travel IR Tech Assignments

Travel assignments can vary widely in pay, and the highest-paying opportunities don’t always land in your lap. But with the right approach, you can secure contracts that offer top-tier compensation, great benefits, and locations that align with your goals.

Work with a Trusted Recruiter

At Host Healthcare, our recruiters specialize in connecting travel IR techs with assignments that match their career and salary goals. With exclusive access to top contracts and competitive pay packages, Host Healthcare ensures you maximize your earnings wherever your next adventure takes you.

Be Open to High-Demand Locations

Some pay rates are driven by supply and demand. If you’re open to working in areas with staffing shortages, you’ll often find assignments with significantly higher pay packages.

Look for Rapid-Response & Crisis Contracts

Hospitals in urgent need of IR techs often offer premium pay rates for quick start dates. These contracts may require flexibility, but they’re one of the best ways to boost your earnings fast.

Keep Your Certifications & Skills Sharp

Advanced certifications not only expand your expertise—they can also make you a more competitive candidate for top-paying assignments. Common specialties IR techs can pursue include:

  • Vascular Interventional Radiography 
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Musculoskeletal radiology

What to Expect in Your First Travel IR Tech Contract

Your bags are packed, your contract is signed, and you’re officially preparing to be an IR tech who travels. Your first assignment will introduce you to the fast-paced, ever-changing world of travel healthcare. While there may be a learning curve, knowing what to anticipate can help you quickly find your rhythm.

During your first travel contract, you can expect:

  • A quick start & fast-paced onboarding – Unlike a permanent job where training can take weeks, most travel assignments have minimal orientations—sometimes just a single day. Expect to hit the ground running, adapt quickly, and learn on the fly.
  • A variety of patient cases & team dynamics – Each facility has its own pace and patient population. Some assignments will be heavy on trauma and emergency cases, while others may focus more on routine vascular interventions. Be prepared to work with new radiologists, nurses, and fellow techs, each with their own styles and expectations.
  • A head start on your next adventure – Travel assignments typically last 8 to 13 weeks. As your contract nears its end, you’ll need to decide whether to extend, take time off, or start looking for your next opportunity. 

Tips for Adapting to Different Facilities and Workflows

Walking into an unfamiliar hospital can feel like stepping onto a moving treadmill—you have to find your pace quickly. To adapt seamlessly to each new facility and workflow, follow these tips:

  • Start with observation – Before jumping in, take a step back. Watch how the team communicates, how procedures are prepped, and how workflows move through the department.
  • Stay organized in changing environments – Whether it’s carrying a small notebook for quick reference or using an app to track protocols, staying organized can help you stay one step ahead.
  • Master new equipment efficiently – You won’t always have the luxury of extensive training on new imaging systems. If you’re working with unfamiliar equipment, use downtime to familiarize yourself with it.
  • Expect a learning curve & give yourself grace – No matter how experienced you are, adjusting to a new facility takes time. You’ll make small mistakes, you’ll forget where things are, and you might feel like the newbie for a bit. That’s normal. Give yourself the same patience you’d offer a new coworker.

How Host Healthcare Supports Your Journey as a Travel IR Tech

Stepping into the world of travel IR tech is more than just a career move—it’s a chance to redefine your future, explore new places, and challenge yourself in ways you never imagined. Let Host Healthcare be a partner in this journey. 

Our dedicated recruiters offer exclusive access to thousands of jobs in every state and work hard to match you with top positions and locations that align with your goals and lifestyle.

Our support doesn’t stop once you’ve signed a contract. We’re with you throughout your travel journey, ensuring you have housing options, day-1 medical benefits, a team you can count on if any challenges arise, and so much more.

Ready to embark on an adventure? Apply today to partner with Host Healthcare.

 

 

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Slyter, Kirsten. “What Is an Interventional Radiology Technologist? A Look Inside This IR Career.” Rasmussen University, November 7, 2022, https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/interventional-radiology-technologist/. Accessed March 3, 2025.

“Travel Nurse Career.” Western Governors University, 2025, https://www.wgu.edu/career-guide/healthcare/travel-nurse-career.html. Accessed March 3, 2025.

“9 Benefits of Travel Nursing.” Marquette University College of Nursing, November 29, 2022, https://mastersnursing.marquette.edu/blog/benefits-of-travel-nursing/. Accessed March 3, 2025.

Torres, Callie. “How to become an Interventional Radiologist?” University of Medicine and Health Sciences, December 7, 2024, https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-an-interventional-radiologist. Accessed March 3, 2025.

Davidson, Alexa. “What Is A Travel Nurse?” NurseJournal, August 28, 2024, https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/. Accessed March 3, 2025.