Finding your First Med Travel Job After Graduation 

Graduations are periods of massive life changes. You’ve finished an intense and stressful period of your life, and you’re finally ready to start your career. And if you’re a medical student, you’ve got plenty of career options. One of those options is working as a medical traveler.  

Allied travelers, travel nurses, and locum tenens physicians are all types of medical travelers. These are high-paying jobs that offer the opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country (or even the world). But how do you get started? There is a process for finding your first med travel job after graduation, and it starts with research.  

What Do I Need To Do To Start My Career As A Medical Traveler? 

The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of medical traveler you want to be. Do you want to be an allied traveler, a travel nurse, a locum tenens physician, or something else? Each of these has different requirements, so you’ll need to do your research to figure out which is the best fit for you. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult and time-consuming process.  

But once you’ve figured out what type of medical traveler you want to be, you can start looking for jobs. One of the best ways to do this is to use a job board specifically for medical travelers. These job boards will have hundreds of listings for medical traveler jobs, and you can use them to find jobs that match your skills and interests.  

Another great way to find medical traveler jobs is to use a recruiter. Recruiters specialize in finding jobs for medical travelers, and they can help you find the perfect job for your skills and interests.  

Once you’ve found a few jobs that you’re interested in, it’s time to start applying.  

The process of finding a medical traveler job is similar to the process of finding any other job. You’ll need to submit a resume and cover letter, and you may need to interview for the position. But the good news is that there are plenty of resources out there to help you with the process.  

What Do I Need To Account For To Be A Successful Medical Traveler? 

Before you start your job search, it’s important to understand the requirements of being a medical traveler. First and foremost, you need to be licensed in the state where you’ll be working. Most medical travelers work in multiple states, so you’ll need to be licensed in each state where you plan to work.  

You’ll also need to have malpractice insurance. This is typically provided by your employer, but you’ll need to make sure you’re covered.  

There are other requirements that vary by employer, but these are the two most important.  

Experience Levels 

The level of experience you need to be a medical traveler varies by employer. Some employers will hire new grads, while others prefer candidates with more experience. You can find entry-level positions, but they may be more competitive.  

To increase your chances of being hired, consider working as a travel nurse or locum tenens physician before you graduate. This will give you the opportunity to build up your experience and show employers that you’re a good fit for the job.  

Skill Level 

Medical travelers need to be highly skilled and have a strong understanding of the medical field. They must be able to work independently and be comfortable with a fast-paced environment. You also need to be able to adapt to new situations quickly and be able to work well under pressure.  When you’re applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your skills and experience that show you’re a good fit for the job. Your resume should demonstrate your clinical skills, as well as your ability to work independently.  

Travel 

One of the most important things to consider before you become a medical traveler is how much you’re willing to travel. Medical travelers typically have to relocate every few months, and some employers require travel within the United States. The rate of which you’ll have to travel also varies by employer.  

Some medical travelers are able to take their families with them, while others have to travel solo. If you have a family, you’ll need to consider whether or not you’re willing to uproot them every few months.  

Compensation Levels 

Medical travelers typically earn more than their staff counterparts. This is because they’re often willing to work in less-desirable locations or take on more shifts. The exact compensation you can expect to earn will vary by employer and location.  

To get an idea of what you could earn, search for medical traveler jobs on job boards or ask your recruiter for salary information. 

Your Marketability 

Your marketability as a medical traveler depends on your skillset and experience. If you’re a new grad, you may be less marketable than a candidate with more experience. However, you can make up for this by being willing to work in multiple states or in rural areas.  

Recruiters also look for candidates who are easy to work with and who have a positive attitude. If you’re a team player and you’re able to adapt to new environments, you’ll be more attractive to employers. The ability to speak multiple languages is also a plus, if you’re looking to work in a diverse area. 

Marketing yourself isn’t easy, especially in the medical field. However, if you put in the effort, you can make yourself a more attractive candidate. Use your personal connections, attend job fairs, and reach out to recruiters to get your name out there. 

The Bottom Line 

As an up-and-coming medical traveler, you’ll definitely encounter some challenges. Whether you’re moving to a new country, simply traveling to a new hospital, or working with a new company, you can be sure that you’ll come across some bumps in the road. However, these challenges are nothing compared to the rewards you’ll reap from medical travel. You’ll get to help people, see new places, and make a real difference in the world. So go out there and make the most of your medical travel career!