Radiation therapists have a variety of ways to advance their careers. One great option is to take your career on the road and fill staffing shortages at hospitals around the country. Such a big career decision requires careful consideration, so here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of a career as a traveling radiation therapist.
Pros of Being a Traveling Radiation Therapist
Combine a Love for Traveling with Your Career
Almost everyone loves to travel and experience new places, but not many people have the opportunity to combine that passion with their job. As a traveling radiation therapist you can do just that, as each 13-week job assignment has the potential to take you to new and exciting cities all around the country.
Expand Your Job Opportunities
Radiation therapists work in a steadily growing field that provides excellent career opportunities. In fact, employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 14% from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Choosing a career as a traveling radiation therapist can increase the amount of job opportunities your exposed to even more. Instead of searching locally, you’ll have access to a vast network of hospitals located all around the country.
Earn More Money
Making the switch to a traveling position as a radiation therapist can also lead to higher earnings. Due to the high-demand nature of these positions, they often offer a higher base salary than some permanent positions. Keep in mind, that salary varies by location and assignment, so your pay will be dependent on the contracts you accept.
Enjoy Free Housing
One of the biggest benefits offered to traveling medical professionals is free housing. Staffing agencies usually offer a choice between free housing or a housing stipend. Both help cut a significant portion of your monthly expenses out of your budget, allowing you to save more. Housing benefits also make it easier to live in cities that are known for expensive real estate.
Cons of Being a Travel Radiation Therapist
Adjusting to New Work Environments
While many people enjoy traveling for vacations, uprooting your life and your job isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who thrives on having a routine, especially at work, adjusting to a new hospital and new coworkers every 13 weeks may be stressful. As a traveling radiation therapist, you’ll have to be able to quickly adapt to new locations and coworkers.
Applying for New State Licenses
In most states, radiation therapists must be licensed or certified in order to acquire a job. While some requirements are fairly universal, like graduating from an accredited radiation therapy program and having American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, others may vary by state, according to the BLS.
As a traveling radiation therapist, each job assignment has the potential take you to a new state that has slightly different requirements. The requirements aren’t always an issue for most radiation therapists, but acquiring new licenses can still be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, the recruiters at LRS Healthcare are more than willing to help with the licensing process.
Constantly Changing Pay Rates
Every new contract as a traveling radiation therapist is different than the last, including a change in base salary. As mentioned earlier, pay can vary due to location and many other variables. Therefore, you’ll likely have to adjust to a new pay rate every 13 weeks. This can be challenging for people who are used to a steady pay rate and will require budget discipline. Fortunately, since you won’t have to worry about rent, it can be a bit easier to adjust every 3 months.
Are you ready to start your travel career? Apply with LRS Healthcare today! We will connect you with some of the best radiation therapist jobs around the country.
