Travel cytotechnologist jobs are a popular allied health specialty on Nomad Health. This exciting specialty lab profession is perfect for those who are detail-oriented team players who enjoy working in a laboratory setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical laboratory technologist and technician jobs are projected to grow 5% between 2022 and 2023, which includes roles for cytotechnologists.
To qualify for a travel cytotechnologist job, you must meet certain requirements that are specific to the job. It’s important to know that each travel cytotechnologist job may have slightly different requirements based on the location and needs of the facility. However, the following requirements serve as a general checklist for most travel cytotechnologist jobs.
At a minimum, most travel cytotechnologist jobs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in cytotechnology, biology, chemistry, or the physical sciences. Afterward, you must complete a CAAHEP-accredited cytotechnology program within the last five years. For more information on these requirements, refer to our travel cytotechnologist career guide.
Some travel cytotechnologist jobs require an active license in the state where you plan on working, while others may require clinical certification. Be sure to check with each state’s licensing board to know the full requirements, as they will vary from state to state.
Many travel cytotechnologist jobs on Nomad require you to have at least 12-36 months of experience in the field, although this can vary depending on the facility and its needs. Some facilities may also require you to possess specialized skills in addition to the above requirements.
Travel cytotechnologist hiring managers are often looking for candidates who possess specific certifications. The most common required certifications for travel cytotechnologist jobs are:
Travel cytotechnologist jobs expect proficiency in using technology and medical equipment found in the cytotechnology lab setting. Examples of equipment and tools used include:
Microscopes
Microscopes allow cytotechnologists to examine specimens at the cellular level, and with great detail. Knowing how to use these is a fundamental part of the job.
Centrifuges
Utilizing centrifuges is also a core job responsibility of travel cytotechnologist jobs. These devices spin at a high speed to separate cells from other components, which prepares specimens for analysis.
Staining equipment
Travel cytotechnologist jobs may be tasked with using various specimen staining techniques to enhance the visibility of cellular structures. Experience using automated staining devices may be required.
Specimen collection devices
Specimen collection devices such as fine needle aspirations are used by professionals who work closely with travel cytotechnologists. It’s important to have familiarity with these collection devices and techniques.
Computer systems
Travel cytotechnologist jobs may require cytotechnologists to be comfortable using various brands and types of computer systems, whether it be for charting or processing specimens and results.
Travel cytotechnologist jobs require specific soft skills, including:
Adaptability
Travel cytotechnologist jobs require you to be able to adapt to different lab settings, workflows, equipment, and protocols as they work in different environments.
Time management
As a travel cytotechnologist, you must be able to manage your workload effectively and report results promptly.
Autonomy
Travel cytotechnologist jobs expect you to work autonomously. As a traveler, you may be expected to perform your job duties proficiently and independently with minimal orientation. The orientation period will vary for each facility.
Communication and collaboration
While it’s important to be autonomous, it’s equally important to know how to work well within a team. As a travel cytotechnologist, you will be expected to collaborate with new people often and communicate with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, physicians, and other lab professionals.
Immunization requirements
To secure a travel cytotechnologist job, you will need to be up to date on your immunizations according to facility policy. This may include recent flu vaccines, TB tests, hepatitis B titers, and more.
Background check and drug screen
Pre-employment background checks and drug screenings are an important part of obtaining a travel cytotechnologist job. Verifying employment history and reference are also common procedures for each new assignment. Many travel agencies will pay for expenses related to background checks and drug screening.
Travel cytotechnologist job duties may range from prepping various specimens with different techniques to working with specialized equipment to analyze patient specimens. Overall, travel cytotechnologists usually perform the same duties and responsibilities as staff cytotechnologists; one difference is that travel cytotechnologists are expected to adapt quickly to new work environments with a minimal orientation period. It’s important to note that every travel cytotechnologist job comes with its own set of unique duties and responsibilities based on the facility’s needs.
Depending on the specimen, travel cytotechnologists may use various preparation techniques, including:
Once the tissue is prepared, travel cytotechnologists analyze the specimens. Some tests performed include:
Documentation and accurate reporting are important responsibilities of travel cytotechnologists. You may be responsible for writing reports that include cellular changes marking disease. A pathologist will likely perform a final review of your findings, so it's important to be as detailed and accurate as possible.
Remember, no travel job is the same. Every travel cytotechnologist job comes with its own set of duties and responsibilities based on the current needs of the healthcare facility hiring for the role. While the above duties and responsibilities are common across many travel cytotechnologist jobs, individual travel jobs listed on Nomad Health may come with duties outside of this scope. If you have questions about certain travel cytotechnologist jobs on Nomad, reach out to a Nomad Navigator.
There are plenty of good reasons why a travel cytotechnologist job is a smart move. From financial incentives to personal growth, a travel job might be just what you need to take the next step in your lab tech career.
With steady demand for the niche skills of travel cytotechnologists, you can sleep easy knowing that your job is secure and less susceptible to economic downturns.
Travel cytotechnologist jobs may pay more than staff cytotechnologist jobs. Many things can impact travel pay including your experience, education, location, credentials, and facility needs. When you browse travel cytotechnologist jobs on Nomad, you’ll see a pay breakdown (including the travel stipend) of every job so you know exactly how much you can earn before you apply.
Travel cytotechnologist jobs allow you to collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare team members ranging from pathologists and nurses to other lab tech professionals. Working closely with these teams allows you to have a broader perspective on patient care, which can grow your skill set.
Travel cytotechnologist jobs can put you on the fast track to learn about the latest education, techniques, treatments, and equipment used in the field. If you’re interested in getting ahead of the curve, applying for a travel cytotechnologist job might be right for you.
One of the biggest perks of travel cytotechnologist jobs is deciding where you want to work. From the city to the facility, it’s up to you. Accepting travel cytotechnologist jobs in new locations also exposes you to new facilities and patient populations you may not experience in a staff position.
Most travelers will agree that the best travel cytotechnologist jobs offer a combination of high compensation and opportunities to expand your clinical experience. However, what makes the best travel cytotechnologist job usually depends on personal preferences, career goals, and financial goals.
To find the travel cytotechnologist jobs for you, research is your best friend. First, you need to determine which travel agencies offer travel cytotechnologist jobs. Not all agencies work with travel cytotechnologists.
Next, you should consider the reputation of the agency you’re considering. Read testimonials and reviews that other travel cytotechnologists have written. These reviews should give you a general idea of whether the agency meets your standards, and if other travel cytotechnologists recommend them.
While pay may often be the most important benefit of travel cytotechnologist 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 travel cytotechnologist jobs.
The demand for travel cytotechnologist jobs varies across different states based on factors such as the overall demand, the number of healthcare facilities, and the demographics of the regional population. Additionally, states with larger populations and advanced healthcare infrastructure may need more travel cytotechnologist jobs.
As one of the biggest states, California has multiple medical facilities in densely populated areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco that often hire for travel cytotechnologist jobs. Although California has a high cost of living, this may also result in attractive pay rates.
Like California, certain high-growth metropolitan areas in Texas have travel cytotechnologist jobs available including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.
Because Florida has an older population and an expansive medical system, the demand for travel cytotechnologist jobs is high, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Older populations tend to utilize healthcare services more often, making travel cytotechnology more likely to be in demand.
The dense population and high number of healthcare facilities in New York make it a hot spot for travel cytotechnologist jobs.
If it’s your first time accepting an ER travel nurse 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 emergency room travel nurse 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 ask about the orientation and onboarding process for your travel cytotechnologist 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 the key to starting any travel cytotechnologist 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 travel cytotechnologists and lab tech professionals 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 travel cytotechnologist 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 scrubs, toiletries, and snacks.
Yes. Because of the unique, specialized services that travel cytotechnologists provide, along with the prevalence of conditions like cancer, the travel cytotechnology profession remains in high demand.
Travel cytotechnologist job contract length varies depending on the needs of the facility. In general, most travel cytotechnologist job contracts are 13 weeks long.
To qualify for most travel cytotechnologist jobs, you will need a bachelor's degree, the ASCP(CT), and the Basic life support (BLS) certification. However, each facility has different requirements for travel cytotechnologist jobs, so make sure you review the individual qualifications before you apply.
Yes, you can choose the location for your travel cytotechnologist job. Nomad Health features travel cytotechnologist jobs across the United States. Some are in desirable locations like Hawaii, California, and Florida.
How soon you can start your travel cytotechnologist job will depend on the needs of the facility. Sometimes facilities need you to start ASAP, while others may allow you to negotiate a start date based on your convenience.
From the time you apply to the last day of your shift, you’ll get ongoing support from the Nomad Navigators. Once you’re on assignment, you will also have access to Clinical Navigators who are clinicians who have been in your shoes and are equipped to help you navigate any facility or clinical-related issues that may arise.
Yes! Travel cytotechnologist jobs are an excellent way to fast-track professional growth. When you accept a travel cytotechnologist job, you can get exposure to new environments, patient populations, and technology that may help level up your skillset and compensation.