For some, the hardest part of choosing to travel as a medical laboratory professional is taking that initial jump. If you find yourself joining online travel communities, spending time researching agencies and their websites and even viewing their posted jobs, then you’re off to a great start. I’m here to offer some tips and top things to keep in mind as you prepare for that next step towards your traveling career!
Specialties in the medical laboratory with travel positions available
Aureus Medical’s laboratory division staffs a wide range of specialties including Medical Laboratory Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians, Histotechnologists and Histology Technicians, Cytotechnologists, Pathologists’ Assistants, as well as Medical Assistants and Phlebotomists. Although a majority of MLS/MLT openings are for Generalists, there have been a growing number of openings for microbiology and blood bank specialists as well.
Requirements to travel
You’ll want to have at least a year and a half to two years of hospital or reference lab experience before you make the switch to travel. Some facilities offer limited training/orientation, so having that previous experience puts you in a much better position to succeed.
Before you hit the road you’ll also want to make sure you have an active certification. While some facilities specifically request the ASCP, the AMT and AAB certifications are also accepted.
Choosing your location
One of the more exciting aspects of beginning your travel journey is narrowing in on that first location. While Aureus Medical does staff for all 50 states, that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be openings in all 50 at the same time. When you speak with a recruiter, ask about popular states or areas where there may be consistent openings.
You can also narrow down locations based on the hobbies you enjoy, where you have friends and family located, the size of the town/city you’d like to be in, and where you hold an active state license.
State licensure
Early in the process be sure to ask your recruiter about state licenses. If your modality requires an additional license to work in particular states, be sure to ask your recruiter about which would be most beneficial for travel. The length of time to obtain the license can vary from state to state, and it’s important to know some facilities will not conduct interviews unless the license is in hand. Don’t wait – look into these licenses early!
Click here for a complete list of states & specialties where additional licensure is required.
Although the decision to travel isn’t an easy one to make, we are sure it’s one you won’t regret. Be sure to share this with someone you know who’s thinking about taking the leap!
Chase Ahlers is a Social Media recruiter for the Medical Laboratory division of Aureus Medical Group.