The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Travel Vascular Interventional Radiology Tech
Table of Contents
Vascular interventional radiology (VIR) is one of the most advanced and rewarding specialties in medical imaging. For certified technologists, becoming a travel vascular interventional radiology tech means higher earning potential, access to leading-edge facilities, and the opportunity to build your skills faster across varied clinical environments.
This guide breaks down what vascular IR techs do, how to get certified, where you can work, and how Nomad Health helps you find and secure your next assignment.
Introduction to a Career in Interventional Radiology
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional radiology (IR) combines real-time imaging with minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat vascular and organ-based conditions. Vascular IR techs assist radiologists in procedures such as:
- Angioplasties and stent placements
- Central line insertions and port placements
- Thrombectomies and embolizations
- Drain placements, biopsies, and venous access
What Does a Vascular Interventional Radiology Tech Do?
As a vascular interventional radiology tech, your day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Preparing and operating fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) equipment
- Maintaining sterile fields and assisting during procedures
- Monitoring patients’ vitals before, during, and after procedures
- Administering or handling contrast materials and documenting procedures
- Collaborating with radiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and other care team members
This role requires strong procedural knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm in high-acuity situations.
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How to Specialize in Vascular IR
Start With a Radiography Foundation
Most VIR techs begin their career as X-ray technologists. You’ll first need to:
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program
- Pass the ARRT Radiography (R) exam
- Gain clinical experience in a hospital or imaging center
Advance With Clinical IR Experience
From this stage, you can begin building hands-on experience in interventional radiology by:
- Cross-training in interventional procedures under supervision, developing key competencies such as:
- Proficiency with fluoroscopic imaging systems
- Knowledge of vascular anatomy and procedural protocols
- Strong sterile technique and radiation safety awareness
- Ability to respond to acute changes during procedures
- Document your IR experience to meet credentialing and certification requirements
- Complete ARRT-approved structured education modules for vascular interventional radiography
Get Certified in Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI)
Once you meet the clinical requirements, you can sit for the ARRT(VI) exam to earn your credential as a certified vascular interventional technologist.
Note: Some travel IR tech jobs may allow you to apply with cross-training and experience, even if you haven’t completed the VI certification. Certification, however, expands your opportunities and earning potential.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Demand for interventional radiology professionals is growing nationwide. Travel assignments for VIR techs are available in a wide range of clinical settings, including:
- Level I trauma centers
- Teaching hospitals with advanced IR suites
- Specialized outpatient vascular and interventional clinics
- High-volume cardiovascular or neuro-interventional units
With aging populations and a shift toward minimally invasive care, vascular IR techs are among the most in-demand imaging professionals.
Benefits of Becoming a Travel Vascular IR Tech
Flexibility and Career Growth
- Choose when and where you work
- Take time off between contracts for rest or recertification
- Gain experience with new technologies and techniques
- Work with diverse patient populations and IR teams
Competitive Pay and Comprehensive Benefits
Travel vascular IR techs are well-compensated, often earning more than permanent staff. Typical compensation includes:
- Weekly gross pay: $2,200–$3,500+
- Housing stipends (tax-free if applicable)
- Meal and incidental allowances
- Travel reimbursements and completion bonuses
- Health benefits and retirement plans through Nomad Health
Pro tip: Your total compensation can vary based on location, experience, and demand but travel IR tech roles often pay significantly more than permanent staff positions.
VIR Requirements, Certifications, and Licensure
To work as a travel interventional radiology tech, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
Educational and Certification
- Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program
Start with a foundational education that meets national standards in radiologic technology. - Pass the ARRT Radiography exam to become a Registered Technologist (RT(R))
Obtain your primary ARRT certification in radiography to become a registered technologist - Gain clinical experience in interventional radiology
Many technologists begin cross-training on the job under supervision. While some facilities require ARRT(VI) certification, others may accept extensive clinical experience in lieu of formal credentials. - Complete clinical requirements and structured education for ARRT certification in Vascular Interventional Radiography (RT(VI)) (optional but preferred by many employers)*
Earning the ARRT credential in Vascular Interventional Radiography demonstrates advanced competency and is highly regarded, though not universally required.
You can learn more about eligibility at the
*Note: Requirements for ARRT(VI) certification—or equivalent IR experience—can vary by facility and assignment. At Nomad Health, we follow client and facility-specific requirements when determining eligibility.
State Licensure Requirements
- Most states require a state-specific license for radiologic technologists, even if you hold ARRT certification**
- In some states, travel IR techs may need an additional modality-specific license for vascular interventional procedures, beyond the standard radiologic technologist license.
- Travel IR technologists must secure licensure for each state they practice in
- Licensing timelines typically range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the state and documentation
- Nomad Health offers licensing support and reminders
** Note: In some states, travel IR techs may need an additional modality-specific license for vascular interventional procedures, beyond the standard radiologic technologist license. Licensing requirements can differ significantly between states—Nomad Health provides licensing guidance and alerts to help you stay compliant.
Getting Started as a Travel Vascular Interventional Radiology Tech at Nomad Health
Finding and Selecting the Right Assignments
With Nomad Health, travel IR techs can:
- View real-time job listings with pay, location, and contract length
- Filter assignments based on modality, schedule, or setting
- Apply directly—no recruiter needed
- Get full transparency into contract terms before you accept
Transitioning from Staff Positions to Travel Roles
If you’re currently working in a full-time IR role, here’s how to shift into travel:
- Update your resume and credentials, including ARRT and state licenses
Sign up on NomadHealth.com and create a traveler profile - Explore travel IR positions and submit interest instantly
- Prepare for onboarding—background checks, immunization records, and compliance
- Choose a start date and let Nomad guide your transition
Nomad offers assignment reminders, licensing assistance, and credentialing checklists so you stay ahead of requirements.
FAQs: Travel Vascular Interventional Radiology Tech Jobs
- To become a travel IR tech, start by earning your ARRT(R) certification through an accredited radiography program. Gain hands-on interventional radiology experience, then pursue post-primary certification in vascular interventional radiography (ARRT(VI)). You'll also need to meet state-specific licensing requirements in every state you plan to work. Once you're eligible, you can apply for travel IR tech assignments through the Nomad Health platform.
- Most travel vascular IR tech jobs require: • ARRT(R) certification • Clinical experience in interventional radiology • State licensure (some states may also require VI-specific licensure) • In some cases, ARRT(VI) certification is preferred or required • Additional hospital onboarding or facility-specific training may be needed
- Travel IR tech salaries typically range from $2,200 to $3,500+ per week, depending on your experience, specialty skills, and job location. Many positions also include tax-free housing and meal stipends, which can significantly increase your take-home pay.
- Travel IR tech jobs offer: - Higher weekly pay compared to permanent roles - Flexible schedules and contract lengths - Opportunities to work in top hospitals and advanced clinical environments - Diverse procedural experience, helping you grow your skills faster - A chance to travel the country while advancing your career