Laboratory tech travel jobs are one of the most in-demand allied health jobs on Nomad Health. As healthcare facilities, biotech companies, and diagnostic laboratories continue to grow and expand, so does the need for highly skilled lab tech travelers available to fill staffing gaps. Additionally, an aging population with a high need for laboratory services also keeps lab tech travel jobs growing in demand.
Nomad Health features a variety of laboratory travel jobs in distinct specializations that require a blend of technical experience, clinical experience, and analytical abilities. Taking on specialized lab travel jobs is a great way to earn a higher pay and expand your clinical experience in the lab. Below are the different types of lab travel jobs available on Nomad.
Travel cytotechnologist jobs may require you to work in the lab with pathologists and other healthcare professionals to prep and evaluate cell samples. Travel cytotech jobs often require specific credentials such as the CAAHEP, ASCP(CT), and a set amount of hours of experience working in the field. You can learn more about travel cytotechnologist careers and credentials on our FAQ page.
Travel histotech jobs may require you to study microscopic tissues in a lab setting through techniques such as grossing and fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Travel histotech jobs may require specialized credentials such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and a set amount of hours of experience working in the field. You can learn more about travel histotech careers and credentials on our FAQ page.
Travel microbiology tech jobs may require you to work in a lab setting to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Common tasks of travel microbiology techs include specimen evaluation, processing, and culture evaluation. Travel microbiology tech jobs sometimes require special certifications such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology ASCP(M) and a set amount of hours of experience working in the field. You can learn more about travel microbiologist tech careers and credentials on our FAQ page.
Molecular tech travel jobs require you to work in a lab setting to study and analyze microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Travel molecular techs are responsible for preparing test samples, testing and analyzing samples, and performing techniques like culturing, staining, and microscopy. Travel molecular tech jobs may require specific certifications such as ASCP or AMT.
To qualify for a laboratory tech travel job, you must meet certain requirements that are specific to the job. It’s important to know that each laboratory tech travel job listed on Nomad Health may have slightly different requirements based on the location, patient population, and needs of the facility. However, the following requirements serve as a general checklist of requirements for most lab tech travel jobs out there.
Lab tech travel jobs require an associate’s or bachelor's degree in a related field like medical technology or clinical laboratory science. However, for some lab tech travel jobs, a higher level of education, such as a master’s degree, may be required.
Many laboratory travel jobs on Nomad require you to have at least 12-36 months of field experience working in a diagnostic or clinical setting. Although some senior lab tech travel jobs may require several years of experience working in the lab. Remember, every facility has different expectations and experience requirements for their lab tech travel jobs. If you're unsure about whether or not you’re qualified for a specific laboratory travel job on Nomad, reach out to a Nomad Navigator.
Every state has different licensing requirements to qualify for laboratory tech travel jobs. However, passing the MLT exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is generally considered the golden standard in the field.
Like licensure, each state has their own certification requirements for lab tech travel jobs. Some of the most common certifications needed for lab tech travel jobs include:
Travel lab techs perform job duties that are crucial to the daily operations of a laboratory in hospitals and healthcare facilities. It’s important to remember that job duties for travel lab jobs on Nomad vary depending on the lab specialty and needs of the facility. However, below are some of the most common job duties that may be required for the job.
Collect, process, and prepare samples for analysis in the lab. Samples may include tissue, urine, blood, or other samples.
Experiment by conducting a variety of tests and performing chemical analysis, biological assays, or diagnostic tests.
Use a variety of equipment such as PCR machines, microscopes, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers.
Use specialized software in the lab to perform and record preliminary assessments of data.
Follow and adhere to strict protocols when handling hazardous materials and disposing of waste. You should also wear appropriate protective gear for biosafety procedures.
Perform quality control checks to ensure lab results are accurate and reliable.
Keep track of laboratory supplies and reagents and order new supplies as needed while discarding expired ones.
While every facility has their own skill requirements for laboratory techs, below are the most common skills aspiring travel lab tech job seekers should possess.
Must be able to collect, isolate, and cultivate microbial samples to identify pathogens in clinical samples such as blood, urine, stool, and tissue.
Must maintain a sterile lab environment to prevent contamination and ensure accurate lab test results.
Be able to distinguish between bacteria types based on gram staining characteristics to help diagnose infections and guide antibiotic therapy.
Know how to utilize technology for microbial identification and genetic analysis to enhance the speed and accuracy of diagnostics in complex infections.
Must be able to understand pathogen transmission and infection prevention practices to assist in hospital infection control and assist with public health surveillance.
Must be able to perform and analyze blood tests for various hematological parameters. Must also be able to diagnose and monitor blood disorders, infections, and systemic diseases.
Know how to operate automated lab equipment and perform manual cell counts to provide a detailed cellular analysis for diagnosis and treatment.
Must understand how to recognize normal and abnormal cells under a microscope to detect blood cancers, anemia, and other hematological conditions.
Know how to prepare and evaluate bone marrow samples to diagnose diseases that can originate in bone marrow
Must have an understanding of hematological disorders and be able to decipher laboratory findings to identify correlations between lab results and clinical symptoms.
Know how to conduct biochemical assays to measure biochemical entities in body fluids and assess organ function and metabolic status.
Must be comfortable using and troubleshooting laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable lab results.
Know how to analyze biochemical data to help patients diagnose and manage metabolic disorders or other organ dysfunction.
At Nomad Health, all of our laboratory tech travel jobs come with employment benefits that start on day one of your assignment.
Nomad Health offers insurance that covers health, dental, and vision through a PPO plan under UnitedHealthcare. You can choose from different plan types with varying premiums and deductibles when you accept a lab tech travel job with Nomad.
Every lab tech travel job on Nomad comes with an option to enroll in our 401(k) program. Nomad Health offers 401k matching for travel lab techs after completing 1,000 hours of service.
Nomad provides up to $1,000 in reimbursements to cover initial one-way travel for lab tech travelers who take an assignment with us. We also offer reimbursement for certifications if the facility requires you to have one that you don’t currently have.
Each lab tech travel job on Nomad comes with malpractice insurance.
Everyone who accepts a lab tech travel job on Nomad gets access to a Nomad Navigator. Nomad Navigators are your guides and advocates during every travel assignment you take so you’re never alone on the journey.
Most travelers agree that the best lab tech travel jobs offer a combination of high compensation and opportunities to expand your clinical experience. However, what makes a lab tech travel job the best usually depends on personal preferences, career goals, and financial goals.
To find the best lab tech travel job for you, research is the name of the game. First, you need to determine which travel agencies offer lab tech travel nurse jobs. Unfortunately, not all agencies work with lab tech travelers.
Next, you should consider the reputation of the agency you’re considering working with. Use a search engine to read testimonials and reviews other lab tech travelers have left about the agency. These reviews should give you a general idea of whether the agency meets your standards, and if other lab tech travelers recommend them.
While pay may often be the most important factor of lab tech travel jobs, remember that additional perks such as stipends for scrubs, licenses, and travel, along with health insurance and the option to invest in a 401(k) should be factored into the equation. Unlike Nomad, not all agencies offer these types of benefits, so it's important to compare the additional perks before you accept a lab tech travel job.
If it’s your first time accepting a lab tech travel job, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind that will help you feel prepared and ready to go on your first day. Every lab tech travel job is different, but excelling in one or more of these areas may ensure you are set up for success.
One of the most important questions you can ask your hiring manager is about the orientation and onboarding process for your lab tech travel job. Knowing how much support you will have at the beginning and during the assignment will help you set realistic expectations for your first week on the job.
Being adaptable is key in excelling in any lab tech travel job. You will need to be prepared for ambiguity and performing tasks that you may not have much experience with.
Along the way, remember to network and build relationships with your new colleagues. Connect with other lab tech travelers and learn about their experiences with the facility and traveling in general.
Remember to pack all the essentials you will need for the duration of your travel assignment. Depending on where your lab tech travel job is, it may be difficult to find a drug store or other convenience stores for items at the last minute, especially if you’re working in a rural area. We recommend packing extra pairs of scrubs, toiletries, and anything else to make you comfortable during your stay.