What are Travel Healthcare Jobs?
Travel healthcare jobs are short-term clinical assignments that allow licensed healthcare professionals to work in different locations while gaining experience in their specialty. The contracts typically last 8 to 13 weeks, sometimes longer, with the possibility of extension. Many travel roles also offer competitive pay packages, housing stipends, health benefits, and other incentives.
Healthcare facilities rely on travel professionals to fill temporary staffing gaps, manage seasonal patient surges, cover leaves of absence, address workforce shortages, and help ensure continuity of care.
Some examples of traveling healthcare professionals include travel nurses, who make up a significant portion of healthcare travel roles, as well as allied health professionals such as imaging technologists, respiratory therapists, and surgical technologists. All of these professionals serve as essential members of care teams.
Click here to view all traveling healthcare jobs available through Gifted Healthcare in a variety of specialties and locations!
10 Highest Demand Travel Healthcare Jobs in 2026
At Gifted Healthcare, we work with facilities across the country to place travel healthcare professionals in a variety of short-term roles. These are the roles we see most frequently requested by hospitals and clinics that offer competitive pay and flexible schedules.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
A travel nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who fills short-term assignments at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across the country. They are highly sought after due to ongoing staffing shortages, seasonal patient surges, and specialized care needs. Facilities often need temporary coverage for MedSurg, Stepdown, ICU, ER, and critical care units.
Travel nursing contracts typically last 8 to 13 weeks, though assignments can be longer depending on the facility’s needs. Many travel nurses take consecutive assignments in different locations.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track travel nurse pay separately, industry data shows travel nurses often earn higher total compensation than staff RNs due to stipends and contract incentives, with rates varying by specialty and location. Most travel nurses earn between $2,000-$3,000+ per week in 2025, and in addition, they typically receive housing stipends, travel reimbursement, benefits, and other perks.
To become a travel RN, you’ll need to:
- Complete an accredited nursing program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree).
- Hold a current RN license in the state where you will work (or obtain a compact nursing license).
- Have at least 1-2 years of clinical experience in your specialty.
- Maintain the required certifications (such as BLS, ACLS, CCRN, etc.).
- Partner with a healthcare staffing agency that can place you in assignments that match your skills and goals.
2. CT Technologist
Travel CT Technologists perform advanced imaging services that help doctors diagnose and treat patients. This can include trauma and stroke evaluation, oncology and cardiac imaging, as well as abdominal, musculoskeletal, and neurological scans.
They're an essential part of many care teams, including emergency departments, radiology and imaging departments, surgical units, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers. Because of their critical role, CT Technologists are often in high demand across the country.
According to current and previous travel CT Technologist jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, most pay more than $2,000 per week (with some paying upwards of $3,000).
To become a travel CT Technologist, you’ll need to:
- Complete an accredited radiologic technology program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree).
- Get ARRT CT certification (or be eligible to take the exam).
- Obtain state licensure, if required where you plan to work.
- Have at least 1-2 years of hands-on CT experience.
- Understand patient positioning, radiation safety, and contrast protocols.
- Maintain BLS certification and any additional facility-required credentials.
Explore travel CT Technologist jobs.
3. Registered Respiratory Therapist(RRTs)
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are advanced healthcare professionals who care for patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders.
They are trained to provide critical care in hospitals, manage ventilators, deliver oxygen therapy, and educate patients on breathing and lung health. RRTs are essential members of healthcare teams in acute and chronic care settings.
According to current and previous travel RRT jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, most pay more than $1,800 per week (with some paying upwards of $3,000).
To become a travel Registered Respiratory Therapist, you’ll need to:
- Complete an accredited respiratory therapy program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree).
- Get RRT credentialing (or be eligible to take the RRT exam).
- Obtain state licensure, if required where you plan to work.
- Have at least 1-2 years of hands-on respiratory therapy experience.
- Be skilled in ventilator management, oxygen therapy, and patient assessment.
- Maintain BLS certification and any additional facility-required credentials.
4. Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)
A Radiologic Technologist, or Rad Tech, is a healthcare professional that performs medical imaging procedures. They use equipment such as X-rays, CT scanners, MRI machines, and sometimes fluoroscopy to help diagnose and treat patients. Rad Techs also help prepare patients for procedures and work closely with radiologists and other healthcare providers.
These professionals typically work in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and specialized diagnostic facilities. Their expertise is essential, which is why facilities often turn to travel Rad Techs to fill urgent staffing needs.
According to current and previous travel Radiologic Technologist jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, most pay more than $2,100 per week (with some paying more than $3,000).
To become a travel Rad Tech, you’ll need to:
- Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology from an accredited program.
- Pass the certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Obtain state licensure, if required where you plan to work.
- Gain at least 1-2 years of clinical experience as a staff Radiologic Technologist.
5. MRI Technologist
An MRI Technologist, also called an MR Tech, specializes in performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures inside the body.
These healthcare professionals work closely with radiologists to ensure images are captured accurately for proper diagnosis and treatment. They're also responsible for preparing patients for scans and positioning them correctly in MRI machines.
According to current and previous travel MR Tech jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, most pay more than $2,000 per week (with some paying more than $2,800).
To become a travel MRI Technologist, you’ll need to:
- Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology or MRI technology from an accredited program.
- Get MRI certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).
- Obtain state licensure, if required where you plan to work.
- Gain at least 1-2 years of clinical experience as an MRI Technologist before applying for travel assignments.
6. Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians, also called Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, are responsible for taking ultrasound images of tissues, organs, and blood flow to help diagnose medical conditions. These healthcare professionals work closely with physicians and radiologists to ensure high-quality images are captured for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
While many people associate ultrasound primarily with pregnancy, sonographers examine many areas of the body, including the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, thyroid, pelvic organs, muscles, and soft tissues. In addition to monitoring fetal developments, these scans can help detect conditions such as cysts, tumors, gallstones, blood clots, and organ abnormalities.
According to current and previous travel Ultrasound Tech jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many positions pay more than $2,000 per week, with some assignments paying over $2,700 per week depending on specialty, location, and experience.
To become a travel Ultrasound Technologist, you’ll typically need to:
- Earn an associate’s (most common) or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited program.
- Obtain certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or a similar credentialing organization.
- Obtain state licensure, if required where you plan to work.
- Gain at least 1-2 years of clinical experience as an Ultrasound Technologist before applying for travel assignments.
Explore travel Ultrasound Tech jobs.
7. Sterile Processing Technician(SPT)
A Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing medical instruments and equipment for surgeries and other procedures. These healthcare professionals work behind the scenes in hospital sterile processing departments, operating rooms, and surgical centers.
Their duties typically include decontaminating used instruments, operating sterilization equipment, assembling surgical instrument trays, inspecting tools for damage or contamination, and packaging sterilized equipment.
Although they don’t work directly with patients as often as some other healthcare roles, Sterile Processing Technicians play a critical role in patient safety by helping prevent infections and ensuring surgical teams have properly sterilized equipment.
According to current and previous travel Sterile Processing Technician jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many assignments pay more than $1,000 per week, with some paying over $1,600 per week depending on location, experience, and facility needs.
To become a travel Sterile Processing Technician, you’ll typically need to:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED (some employers may prefer or require you to complete a sterile processing training program).
- Obtain certification through organizations such as the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).
- Gain 1-2 years of experience working in a hospital sterile processing department.
- Meet other state or facility-specific requirements before applying for travel assignments.
8. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) assists surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses before, during, and after surgeries.
Their primary responsibilities include preparing the operating room, arranging surgical instruments, draping patients, and passing instruments, holding retractors, and maintaining a sterile field for the surgical team.
CSTs are essential for patient safety, surgical efficiency, and infection prevention, which is why travel positions are often in high demand. According to current and previous travel jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many assignments pay more than $1,600 per week, with some paying over $2,600 per week.
To become a travel Certified Surgical Technologist, you’ll typically need to:
- Complete a CST training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Obtain certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Gain 1-2 years of experience working as a surgical technologist before applying for travel assignments.
- Meet any state or facility-specific licensure or credentialing requirements.
9. Cath Lab Technician
A Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab Technician assists cardiologists with diagnostic and interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab. They often work with angiography, stents, pacemakers, and other cardiac devices.
Working under the direction of the cardiologist, they help set up equipment, monitor imaging systems, and provide support during minimally invasive cardiac and vascular procedures. While they don’t diagnose or treat patients themselves, their role is essential for evaluating and addressing heart and vascular conditions such as blocked arteries, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.
Travel Cath Lab Tech positions are highly sought after, and according to current and previous travel jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many assignments pay more than $2,200 per week, with some paying over $3,500 per week.
To become a travel Cath Lab Technician, you’ll typically need to:
- Complete a formal training program in cardiovascular technology or an allied health field.
- Obtain certification through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) – Cardiovascular Interventional Technology.
- Gain 1-2 years of clinical experience in a cardiac catheterization lab.
- Meet any state or facility-specific licensure or credentialing requirements.
Explore travel Cath Lab Tech jobs.
10. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides essential bedside care and support to patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and long-term care facilities. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.
LPN responsibilities typically include monitoring vital signs, administering medications (where permitted by state law), dressing wounds, assisting with personal care, and documenting patient progress. They follow strict care plans (to ensure patients meet their daily health needs) and communicate patient status to supervising RNs or physicians.
According to current and previous travel LPN jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many assignments pay more than $1,300 per week, with some paying over $1,700 per week, depending on location, experience, and specialty area.
To become a travel Licensed Practical Nurse, you’ll typically need to:
- Complete an accredited practical nursing program.
- Obtain state licensure by passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
- Gain 1-2 years of clinical experience in a nursing role before applying for travel assignments.
- Meet any other state or facility-specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling Healthcare Jobs
How long do assignments typically last?
Most travel healthcare assignments last 8-13 weeks, but some may be shorter or longer depending on the facility and specialty.
Do I need prior experience to take a travel healthcare assignment?
Yes, most travel positions require 1-2 years of clinical experience in your specialty before you can apply.
Are housing and travel covered?
Many travel assignments include tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel expenses if eligibility requirements are met under IRS guidelines
Can I keep benefits between assignments?
Yes, if you elect health coverage through your agency, you can maintain medical, dental, and vision benefits even during short breaks between assignments.
Can I get support if issues come up on assignment?
Yes, we provide 24/7 support, so you always have someone to contact if questions or emergencies arise on assignment!
Benefits Becoming a Traveling Healthcare Professional with Gifted Healthcare
If you’re thinking about becoming a traveling healthcare professional, there are so many options to choose from. If you’re already qualified to work in one of these positions, we can help you find your next rewarding role with competitive pay!
When you partner with Gifted for your next travel healthcare role, you can expect:
- Weekly Pay & Tax-Free Stipends: Receive timely pay and financial support for housing, meals, and incidental expenses.
- Access to Exclusive Jobs: Many positions aren’t publicly advertised on websites; we partner with specialized facilities to connect you with unique opportunities.
- Day 1 Health Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on your first day, if elected.
- Health Coverage Between Assignments: Maintain your elected benefits even during short breaks between jobs.
- 24/7 Support: Assistance from the Gifted team every day of the year, including holidays, via call, text, or live chat.
- Reimbursements: Support for select licenses, certifications, and other essential items needed for your assignment.
- Perks & Savings Platform: Access exclusive discounts on everyday essentials and special offers.
Ready to start the process? Apply now to speak with one of our recruiters!
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