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My Life as a Traveling Cytotechnologist

The perks of being on the road

By Latasha Carter

Posted on: March 20, 2013
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The choice to become a traveling cytotechnologist was born more out of necessity than desire.  I had recently quit my job, expecting a new one in my hometown. When the new job did not occur, I was in crisis mode. Having met a traveling cytotechnologist once in my career, I decided to give it a try. I registered with an agency, and within a month, I had an assignment. Thus my career as a traveler began.

Let me start off by saying that all traveling agencies are not created equal. You have to do your research and make sure you find a reputable one. There are many online sites that you can search to get information from prior travelers on which agencies are best.

Each traveling assignment has an agent attached to it. If an opportunity becomes available, the agent will give you a call to see if you qualify for the particular assignment. Each opportunity requires a particular skill set, and the agent will determine if you meet the qualifications. Luckily for me, I have done just about everything in cytology. Therefore I usually qualify for every assignment. This makes me more marketable as a cytotech. Examples of certain skill sets desired are: ThinPrep and SurePath certification, experience with both imaging systems, non-gyn experience, and fine needle aspiration collection/adequacy experience.

If the assignment agent determines that you are qualified for the position, a phone interview with the lab or hospital supervisor is arranged. If the supervisor likes you, the job is yours. An assignment can range from 2 weeks to 6 months or even longer.

With each assignment you have the ability to accept or decline the offer. If you accept, the agency does everything for you. Normally, housing is arranged, salary is discussed, and other perks are negotiated for you. Everything is usually paid for by the agency: housing, transportation to the city, rental car, and meal allowance. You do have the option to bring your own car and find your own housing.

Health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans are usually offered by the agency. With all of these perks, I am often asked: how does the agency make money? The answer is that is very expensive for the hospital/lab requesting a temp. It can cost as much as $10,000 a month to have a traveler. Trust me, the agency makes a profit.

Some of the perks of traveling are meeting new people and seeing new places without having to pay for travel expenses. As a cytotech I usually have weekends off, so I can explore the area and try new things. The downside is that it can become tiring living out of a suitcase, and if you have a family it can be stressful. Most agencies allow someone to travel with you as long as they pay for their own flight. Your guest can live with you for free and enjoy the same perks as you do. I have to say that I have enjoyed traveling and if you have an adventurous spirit, you will too.

Latasha Carter is originally from Alabama. She received her cytology training at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.  Since graduating she has worked in numerous locations, including: New Jersey, Florida, New Hampshire, Indiana and Georgia.  She has been employed in private labs, not for profit labs, hospital and reference labs.  Needless to say, she has worked her way around in the cytology field.  The first ten years have been exciting and she looks forward to what the future holds.


In FOCUS With ASCT Archives
 

Denise I traveled with Aureus Medical. Dr. Thompson, it is wonderful to hear from you. I would love to stop buy and speak to the class at some point.

Latasha  Carter April 28, 2013
Pinson , AL

Denise I used Aureus Medical Group. Dr. Thompson, I am glad you liked the article. Maybe I can speak to the class about my experiences sometime.

Latasha  Carter April 25, 2013
ATLANTA , GA

What agency did you use?

Denise April 20, 2013

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