Travel Cath Lab Tech Jobs
Travel cardiac catheterization technologists are medical professionals who take temporary positions in facilities that run cardiovascular tests. They assist cardiologists in diagnosing heart conditions and perform procedures such as stent placements and angioplasties.
Your future as a cath lab tech
Scope of practice
Travel cath lab techs perform a variety of tasks and work with patients both directly and indirectly. Their responsibilities include:
- Recognizing cardiac conditions
- Performing EKG tests
- Assisting with invasive cardiac catheterization
- Reviewing lab results
- Assisting with treadmill stress testing
- Assisting in open heart or pacemaker insertion procedures
- Completing blood pressure assessments
- Caring for cath lab equipment
- Providing patient education
Travel cath lab techs take temporary positions in hospitals, as well as in specialized cardiovascular centers and outpatient clinics. They work together with surgeons and other medical professionals.
Required education and training
Once you have your high school diploma or its equivalent, you must obtain an associate degree, preferably in cardiovascular technology. Certain programs even provide specialized tracks in invasive cardiology. It’s possible to complete the degree in 12 months, but it can take up to two years.
Although being certified is not a requirement to start working as a travel cath lab tech, it is a good way of making yourself more attractive to employers. Some of the most common cath lab certification options to consider include:
- Cardiac interventional radiography
- Registered cardiovascular invasive specialist
- Vascular interventional radiography
Thirty-seven states require you to have a license to work as a cath lab tech. If you’re planning on becoming a travel medical professional, obtaining licensing can open up more opportunities. Once you get your license, you will need to get at least one year of experience in your chosen field before you can work as a travel cath lab tech.
Travel cath lab tech salary and benefits
A travel cath lab tech will usually make more than a local cath lab tech, but your experience level and training can impact how much you make. Certain states also pay more than others.
Travel cath lab techs work with agencies that provide a number of benefits. These often include travel and housing stipends, health and life insurance, retirement planning, and some tuition reimbursement.
Travel cath lab tech FAQs
Travel cath lab techs need to have an eye for detail and the ability to integrate into any work setting as quickly as possible. You must be able to effectively communicate with other healthcare providers while showing deep empathy for patients going through cardiovascular procedures.
Most positions require at least an associate degree. To make yourself as attractive as possible to prospective employers, it’s also helpful to pursue certification and licensing. Having certification and a license demonstrates that you meet all of the requirements to work in the field.
Travel cath lab techs work in temporary positions in hospitals, cardiovascular centers, and outpatient clinics. Any healthcare setting that has a cardiac catheterization lab could be a potential workplace.
Being a travel cath lab tech offers a higher salary than local positions and allows you to travel across the country and work in a variety of locations. As a travel healthcare professional, you get to learn new techniques and procedures, making you a more flexible provider.
For some people, constant traveling can be stressful because it means spending less time with family. Not all states pay the same rates, either, which can complicate your finances a bit.
Most travel assignments for cath lab techs last about 13 weeks, with the possibility of extensions based on facility needs and performance. The standard schedule is often 4 shifts of 10 hours each per week, providing a balance between work and personal time.
Cath lab tech salary and travel opportunities
Ready to earn more while doing what you love? Cath lab techs combine precision skills with exceptional earning potential. Skilled cath lab professionals find themselves in high demand across the country. More facilities seek qualified techs for both permanent roles and travel assignments. Travel positions reward you with premium pay rates; plus, housing support and travel allowances come standard with most contracts.
Cath lab techs excel in diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Their expertise shines when preparing patients, walking them through procedures, and addressing their concerns. They work with specialized equipment like electrocardiograms, phonocardiograms, and echocardiograms.
Prolink lets you take your skills as a cath lab tech nationwide. Great pay, new adventures, and outstanding benefits make the travel path perfect for healthcare professionals who dream big.
Begin your allied travel adventure with Prolink
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When you partner with Prolink, you receive an industry-leading benefits package:
- Day-one health insurance and 401(k)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Exclusive perks and discounts
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