Travel Surgical Tech Jobs
Make a Difference as a Travel Surgical Tech
As a certified surgical technologist, sometimes known as operating room techs or scrub techs, you ensure that a surgical procedure runs smoothly by providing support to surgeons, nurses, and other members of the surgical team. The high pressure atmosphere of the operating room doesn't phase you, and you're ready to take your skills on the road as a travel professional. You get to do a job you love, feel fulfilled at each day's end, explore new cities and spaces, and of course, make some pretty great cash.
Interested in traveling as a surgical tech? Browse travel surgical tech jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.
What is a travel surgical tech?
Surgical technologists, also known as surgical techs or operating room technicians, play a vital role in the operating room. Surgical techs are well-versed in the understanding of hundreds of medical procedures and tools, as well as infection control practices. Your meticulous attention to detail and crucial role in patient care make you a pivotal part of any surgical team.
Typical Surgical Technologist Responsibilities:
- Prepare the operating room by setting up the surgical instruments and equipment, preparing sterile solutions, and ensuring that all surgical equipment is functioning properly
- Sterilize all the tools that will be used during the operation
- Prepare patients for surgery by washing and disinfecting incision sites
- Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants
- Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, and instruments
- Assist in transferring patients to the recovery room and cleaning and restocking the operating room for the next operation
- Assist surgeons and keep track of surgical supplies, equipment inventory, and patient records related to the surgery
Choose where you go
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.
Advantages & Perks for Travel Surgical Tech Jobs
Competitive pay
Travel techs are the backbone of medical traveling. Pay transparency means you can see surgical tech salary information before you even apply.
Per diem
Travel surgical technology professionals qualify for a weekly, tax-free per diem that can help you cover the cost of moving, like your transportation, meals, and other expenses.
Certifications
Level-up, tech. Get your state licenses and travel nurse requirements reimbursed.
Travel life
See new spaces. See new faces. Grow and learn in your career as you grow and learn in various cities all over the country.Medical Traveler Compliance & Licensure
Being a travel certified surgical tech in the clinical surgical setting is a great way to grow your experience and learn on the job. What if your dream travel positions ask for certifications you don’t have? Don’t sweat. You’ll get training and financial assistance for the cost of licensing and certifications!
Degrees and Certifications
Keeping up with the world of licensing and certification can be intimidating. Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty but getting compliant for your home state and others you want to travel to are easier as a medical professional. Compliance experts work with your recruiter and the facility to ensure that you have all the relevant credentials and job details required for any and all travel surgical tech jobs.
Compliance Requirements
Some of your compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty.
The three parts of compliance
- Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations
- Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses
- Testing: Certifications, online training, and workplace safety exams
FAQs
Who can become a travel surgical tech?
To become a surgical technician, you must first enroll in a surgical technology program accredited by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). It is crucial for graduates to make sure they attend a surgical technologist program with NBSTSA certification, as most states require surgical techs to be certified through their program. While some schools offer a bachelor’s or associate's degree in health sciences with a surgical specialty, most students opt for the shorter programs.
Following your certification, you must gain at least two years experience before applying for surgical tech travel jobs.
What is the average salary for a surgical tech job?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for a certified surgical technologist was approximately $49,710. However, the salary range can vary widely depending on factors such as geographical location, years of experience, level of education, type of healthcare setting, and specific duties of the role. Typically, surgical tech travel jobs will pay higher hourly and weekly pay than permanent positions in the same location.
Are there any common surgical tech certifications I should consider?
Yes! Though CST certification is not required by all facilities, a Certified Surgical Technologist examination (CST-ERC) can be offered through either the NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) or the NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing). The NBSTSA is always accepted by hospitals, but the NCCT is only accepted by some. Some states now mandate CST requirements. Employers also prefer that allied health professionals like travel surgical techs have certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS).
Where are jobs available for travel surgical technologists?
Traveling surgical tech agencies like Fusion offer opportunities primarily in the operating rooms of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. However, they can also find surgical tech jobs in the surgical suite in outpatient care centers. Other settings where surgical techs might work include offices of physicians who perform surgical services such as outpatient surgery, and dental offices for oral surgeries.