Are you a medical laboratory technician deciding if a career as a traveling healthcare professional is right for you? When considering any major decision, it helps to start with a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks between options. There are many great aspects to traveling medical lab tech jobs, but like any job, it isn’t for everyone. Here’s a list of some pros and cons of a career as a healthcare traveler to help
Pros of Being a Traveling Medical Lab Tech
Enjoy Traveling Through Work
One of the biggest benefits of working as a traveling medical lab tech is the ability to travel the country while earning money. If you’re a medical technician who enjoys traveling to new cities, this is a great opportunity. For many would-be travelers, time away from work and a steady income can make it difficult to set out on new adventures. As a traveling medical lab tech, it’ll be easier than ever before. Plus, each new assignment can take you on a completely different adventure.
Unique Job Opportunities
The demand for medical lab technicians is projected to be very strong for the next few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the amount of job opportunities will vary by city and can fluctuate depending on other variables. If medical lab tech jobs are hard to come by in your area, traveling opens up new options. Job placement agencies are well-connected to hospitals throughout the country and can help you find jobs in fun locations.
Earn a Better Paycheck
Traveling medical lab techs are often able to earn a higher salary than those who work in permanent positions. Pay does vary by location and assignment, but due to the high-demand nature of these jobs, pay can be higher. Plus, some job agencies provide contract completion bonuses, referral bonuses, and more that can increase total earning potential.
Don’t Worry About Housing
Since you’ll be traveling to new places every 13 weeks, healthcare staffing agencies will offer either free housing options or a tax-free housing stipend to cover living expenses. Both of these options allow traveling medical techs to keep even more of their paycheck and not be concerned about temporary housing costs.
Cons of Being a Travel Medical Lab Technician
Fluctuating Pay Rates
Many full-time workers are used to receiving the same base pay throughout the entire year, so it can be difficult for some to adjust to new wages between each new assignment. Financial planning will be important when it comes to certain bills that remain constant. Fortunately, most assignments will include housing.
It Can Get lonely
Some people get homesick very easily, and a life of traveling and working can end up feeling a bit lonely if you’re in a part of the country where you don’t know anyone. For this reason, many traveling medical technicians will bring family or pets along with them on assignments. If you work for an agency like LRS Healthcare, you’ll also be able to contact your recruiter at any time, 24/7, so you’re never completely alone.
If you’ve decided that a career as a traveling medical lab technician is a good fir for your lifestyle, apply with LRS Healthcare today! As an industry leader in healthcare staffing, we work to connect you with some of the best medical lab tech jobs around the country.
