A clinical lab scientist (CLS) play a pivotal role in the healthcare system. As an unsung hero working behind the scenes, you conduct essential laboratory tests within the medical setting. Your work provides crucial data about a patient’s health - data that aids physicians in making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing effective treatments, which directly impacts patient care and support.
Embarking on a journey as a travel clinical laboratory scientist brings a multitude of benefits and opportunities. For starters, it provides a sense of adventure and the chance to explore different parts of the country while making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients. You get the opportunity to cultivate new skills, adapt to different work cultures, and broaden your professional network. It's an enriching life journey both personally and professionally.
Interested in traveling as a CLS? Browse travel clinical lab scientist jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.
A clinical lab scientist (CLS) performs laboratory testing on blood and body fluids, which assist the entire team of healthcare professionals in diagnosing, treating, monitoring, and/or preventing disease. After earning a bachelor’s degree, most clinical lab scientists work as generalists in a core lab that performs basic microbiology and blood banking. A CLS can also specialize in areas to help meet the needs of facilities and specific patient populations.
Perform laboratory tests on patient specimens in the areas of Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology, Urinalysis and Blood Bank to assist in identifying medical disorders and to monitor ongoing patient therapy
Analyze body fluids and collect tissue samples to carry out complex procedures such as microscopic examination and use of automated analyzers
Provide crucial data about a patient’s health care needs
Aid physicians in making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing effective treatments, thereby directly impacting patient care
CLS Generalist
CLS Blood Bank
CLS Microbiology
With opportunities for travelers all over the country, we’ve selected areas with the most popular medical traveling jobs to help you find your best fit.
Medical travel positions are competitive and financially unique to fit your skills and desired travel lifestyle. Did we mention that you’ll know your compensation upfront before you apply for your new travel job?
Laboratory professionals need certifications before you get on your way. Your state licenses and certification costs are covered, so you can get and stay qualified.
When you become a travel clinical lab scientist, you can take advantage of the weekly, tax-free per diems and housing stipends to help cover daily expenses, like transportation and meals.
When you’re a medical traveler you get to combine your love of travel with your ambition of your career. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience in your field while experiencing a great work life balance.
Being a travel clinical laboratory scientist is an exciting way to grow your experience, but what if your dream travel assignment is asking for certifications you don’t have? Don’t fret. You have a team helping you behind the scenes to ensure you get the training you need and the financial assistance to cover the cost of licensing and certifications.
Licensing and certification can be confusing. It’s hard enough keeping up with the requirements of your home state, so how do you get compliant for places you’ve never been? Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty. Work with compliance experts, your recruiter and the facility, so you have all relevant credentials required for any and all traveling clinical laboratory scientist jobs.
Some of your compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty in lab.
The three parts of compliance
Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations
Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses
Testing: Certifications, online trainings, and workplace safety exams
To become a travel clinical lab scientist or lab supervisor, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field. This provides you with the foundational knowledge needed for a career in the lab. After obtaining your degree, you'll need to pass a certification exam administered by a nationally recognized agency such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The certification validates your skills and knowledge, making you more appealing to employers.
Before beginning your travel career, you'll have to gain 12-18 months of on-the-job experience in a laboratory setting. This experience will equip you with the practical skills needed to handle real-world lab situations.
Travel clinical lab scientists have opportunities at healthcare facilities nationwide. In top cities across the U.S., these professionals are in high demand in hospitals, independent laboratories, clinics, public health organizations, and educational institutions.
The average weekly pay of a clinical laboratory scientist can greatly vary depending on factors such as geographical location, years of experience, certification, and the specific healthcare facility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was about $54,180.
With a travel job, it is all typically over the phone because it’s not feasible most times to have a face-to-face. It’s important to get a good feel for the employer and position by asking some detailed questions on what is important to you so that you have a good idea on the job details and what you can expect from the position.