Leki Bora
Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who work in the operating room, performing a variety of tasks before, during, and after medical procedures. They are in high demand across the country and are well compensated for their skills. For those interested in travel surgical tech jobs, there are many agencies that can help place professionals in top facilities across the US. These agencies offer competitive pay, benefits, and the opportunity to work with diverse healthcare teams and gain valuable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Agencies with the most travel surgical tech jobs | Cross Country Nurses, Medical Solutions, RTG Medical-Allied |
| Average salary | $1,865 per week |
| $49,710 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Qualifications | Diploma, certificate, or associate's degree from an accredited surgical technology program |
| Certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification | |
| Relevant experience in the field |
What You'll Learn
Top agencies for travel surgical tech jobs
Overview
Travel surgical techs are in high demand across the country, with opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings, including large metro areas, community hospitals, and teaching facilities. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of surgical procedures and are well-versed in various medical procedures, tools, and infection control practices.
Top Agencies
- Vivian: A job platform that connects travel surgical techs with employment opportunities. It offers a wide range of jobs and currently lists Cross Country Nurses, Medical Solutions, and RTG Medical-Allied as the agencies with the most travel surgical tech positions available.
- American Traveler: An agency that provides personalised placement services for surgical techs, offering 24/7 job updates and dedicated recruiters to help professionals find their ideal travel positions.
- Advantis Medical: Ranked #1 by clinicians, this agency takes a personalised approach to understanding each professional's needs and goals. They offer a range of benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with 401(k) plans.
- Aya Healthcare: Specialises in providing travel, per diem, and permanent surgical services job opportunities nationwide. Aya helps professionals find work that aligns with their personal and professional goals, offering flexibility and the chance to work with experts in diverse clinical environments.
- Fusion Medical Staffing: While not specifically mentioned as a travel surgical tech agency, Fusion offers a range of travel nursing and technologist jobs and provides resources for those interested in travelling with their work.
Additional Agencies
Other agencies worth mentioning include Cross Country Nurses, Medical Solutions, and RTG Medical-Allied, which are currently listed as the top agencies on Vivian for travel surgical tech jobs.
Remember, when choosing an agency or applying for positions, ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications and certifications, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification.
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Qualifications to become a travel surgical tech
To become a travel surgical tech, you must first complete a Surgical Technology program from an accredited college or university. This usually takes around two years, but it can be completed in as little as 90 weeks through an accelerated degree program.
The first step is to enrol in a surgical technology program accredited by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While some schools offer a bachelor's or associate's degree in health sciences with a surgical specialty, most students opt for shorter programs.
After graduating from an accredited program, it is recommended that you obtain a certification such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the NBSTSA. Although not all facilities require CST certification, it is always accepted by hospitals. The NBSTSA also offers the Certified Surgical First Assistant examination (CSFA-ERC). With the NBSTSA certification, you can also work towards becoming a surgical assistant, which allows for more hands-on interventions with patients.
Other certifications that will make you more appealing to potential employers include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS) training. These certifications can be completed online for a small fee and demonstrate your ability to administer emergency care.
Once you have obtained the necessary certifications, it is important to gain relevant work experience. Most travel surgical tech jobs require a minimum of six to twelve months of recent surgical tech experience. For subspecialties, such as orthopaedics or obstetrics, facilities may require 12 to 24 months of recent experience.
With the right combination of education, certifications, and experience, you can then apply for travel surgical tech jobs through agencies such as Cross Country Nurses, Medical Solutions, RTG Medical-Allied, or Nomad Health. These agencies can help you find temporary positions in different locations, allowing you to travel and work in your dream career.
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What does a travel surgical tech do?
A travel surgical tech, also known as a surgical technologist or operating room technician, is a professional who assists surgeons and other healthcare providers in the operating room. They are well-versed in hundreds of medical procedures and tools, as well as infection control practices. Travel surgical techs are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and assisting the surgical team before, during, and after a procedure. They also provide patient care, including preparing patients for surgery and transferring them to the recovery room post-operation.
Pre-Procedure Responsibilities:
- Prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile solutions, ensuring everything is functioning properly.
- Sterilize all tools and ensure adequate supplies for the surgery.
- Transport patients to the operating room and prepare them for surgery by positioning them correctly, covering them with sterile drapes, and disinfecting incision sites.
- Assist the surgical team with donning sterile gowns.
Intra-Procedure Responsibilities:
- Pass sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and their assistants.
- Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, and instruments to ensure no foreign objects are retained in patients.
- Maintain a sterile environment to prevent patient infection.
- If body tissue and specimens are collected, handle them for lab analysis.
Post-Procedure Responsibilities:
- Apply dressings to the surgical site and transfer the patient to the recovery room.
- Restock and clean the operating room after surgery.
Travel surgical techs need strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with new colleagues in high-stress situations. They must also have good physical stamina as they can spend up to 12 hours standing and walking while handling equipment.
Travel surgical techs can specialize in areas like cardiovascular, obstetric, and orthopedic surgery. They can advance their skills by earning a first assist certification, allowing them to perform more hands-on interventions.
To become a travel surgical tech, one must graduate from an accredited surgical technologist program and obtain certifications like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Gaining relevant work experience is also crucial before applying for travel surgical tech positions.
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Benefits of being a travel surgical tech
Being a travel surgical tech or technologist comes with several benefits, from higher pay to more opportunities for career development and travel. Here are some advantages to consider:
Higher Pay and Better Benefits
Travel surgical techs often earn higher incomes than their permanent counterparts, with the potential to make upwards of $97,000 annually. With stipends, overtime, and bonuses, six-figure salaries are common. Total compensation packages can range from $2,000 to $2,100 per week when factoring in base pay, housing allowances, completion bonuses, and other benefits.
More Opportunities for Career Development
Certification as a surgical technologist can open doors to more opportunities. Healthcare facilities across the US are increasingly requesting certified surgical techs, so recruiters will be able to find you better travel job options in more areas. With certification, you'll have more choices and can select your preferred clinical setting, as certified techs are readily employable in acute care hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.
Greater Involvement in Surgeries and Patient Care
Certified surgical technologists are often more involved in surgeries and patient care. Healthcare facilities generally favor certified techs over non-certified ones, so you may have more opportunities to work closely with the surgical team and be a part of the patient's recovery process, including their emotional healing.
Travel and Exploration
As a travel surgical tech, you'll have the opportunity to explore new cities and spaces across the country. You can grow your career and gain new experiences in various locations while also enjoying the excitement of travel and the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives.
Support and Training
Agencies that place travel surgical techs often provide support and training to help you advance your skills and take on new challenges. They may offer benefits like medical, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice insurance, and retirement plans. Some agencies also provide partial travel reimbursement, housing stipends, and state license and certification reimbursement.
Lucrative Career Choice
Surgical techs are an indispensable part of the surgical team, and their role is highly valued. As a travel surgical tech, you can expect a lucrative career with potential for advancement and pay increases based on skills, experience, and assignments.
Overall, a career as a travel surgical tech offers a unique combination of professional growth, financial rewards, and the excitement of travel, all while making a positive impact on patient lives.
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Average salary for a travel surgical tech
The average salary for a surgical technologist, or surgical tech, is $1,865 per week, according to one source. This is said to be 29% lower than the US average of $2,406. Another source states that the median annual wage for a certified surgical technologist is approximately $49,710. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, level of education, healthcare setting, and specific duties.
Salaries for travel surgical tech positions will typically be higher than for permanent positions in the same location. One source mentions that a 13-week contract can offer around $2,500 per week. Another source states that a local travel contract can net around $1,800 to $2,300 per week, while a regular travel contract can net $7,000 to $8,000 per month.
The average weekly salary for a travel surgical technologist in Georgia is $1,458, which is 29% lower than the US average of $1,883.
The skills that increase pay the most for this role are said to be Neuro, Open Heart, and Vascular. As a surgical technologist advances to surgical technician and then surgical assistant, their salary is also likely to increase. The type of facility is also a factor, with specialty hospitals and outpatient care centres tending to offer higher salaries.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best surgical tech travel agencies include Advantis Medical, American Traveler, Aya Healthcare, and Vivian. These agencies offer a range of benefits, such as high pay, flexible work options, and opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings across the country.
Working with a reputable surgical tech travel agency can provide access to a wide range of job opportunities, including travel, per diem, and permanent positions. Agencies can also help with licensing, compliance, and certification requirements, as well as offer financial assistance for obtaining necessary certifications.
To become a travel surgical tech, individuals typically need a diploma, certificate, or associate's degree from an accredited surgical technology program. Relevant experience in the field is also often required, and certifications such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) are preferred by many employers.
