For those interested in a radiology career, there is a wide assortment of options from which to choose. In addition to being multiple areas of radiology to specialize in, there is also an abundance of choices available as to where you can work. One choice that you have is a traveling radiology career, which allows you to put your skills to use and see the country at the same time.
In areas that lack the necessary numbers of qualified radiology personnel, outside professionals are hired to meet staffing demands. Traveling radiology technicians and personnel are employed by an agency and the agency is contracted by the hospital to provide the staff. In this way the employer of the technician remains the same (the agency) yet the technician gets to work in a variety of locations all across the country. The length of the average assignment with a particular facility is three months.
If it sounds complicated to land a traveling radiology job, it isn’t. There is an overwhelming demand for qualified radiology technicians in the medical field, so it is easier that ever before to find a traveling x-ray technician position.
Basic Requirements
The main requirement for landing a traveling radiology technician job is a two to four year degree from an accredited radiology school. The specific type of training depends upon the types of tasks that you wish to perform. Radiology technician license requirements vary from state to state and a current and valid license is a must. The traveling agency you sign on with should assist you in obtaining the necessary licenses in the states that you are assigned in.
In addition to meeting professional licensure requirements, the traveling radiology technician must be willing and able to be away from home for months at a time. Generally the technician is able to pick and choose which locations they desire to work in. Flexibility is key in being successful at traveling radiology as some assignments may last longer than the standard 3-month term.
The traveling x-ray technician should be very adept at adapting to new environments. Each facility will have different equipment and policies regarding their use and how procedures are performed. You must have a modicum of independence and be able to handle a variety of situations in a skillful manner while using applied knowledge to guide you through unfamiliar situations.
Finding a Job
If you are interested in traveling radiology positions, there are several resources at your disposal. The first place to begin your search is on the Internet. There are all kinds of traveling radiology technician websites that offer open job postings and agency information. Begin by narrowing your search to agencies that operate in your area.
In the event that you do not find any open positions with an agency in your area, go ahead and contact them anyway to find out if they are hiring. Another avenue is to call radiology-training centers in your area for recommendations on agencies that offer traveling radiology placements
With the vast number of traveling radiology agencies that exist, don’t feel pressured to accept the first assignment that is offered to you. Bear in mind that the location you choose will have a direct impact upon your job satisfaction and your success in that position. The ideal agency will assist you to find locations to assure that you are satisfied.
Resources
Simmons, Michelle. "A Closer Look at Radiology Technician Jobs - Free Online Library." News, Magazines, Newspapers, Journals, Reference Articles and Classic Books - Free Online Library. 13 Dec. 2007. 19 Oct. 2009 <http://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+Closer+Look+at+Radiology+Technician+Jobs-a01073778502>.
Melissa Slate - Melissa Slate has been a registered nurse for over 15 years. She has enjoyed many different functions in nursing, but her primary ...
