Introduction to Traveling Medical Assistant
As a medical assistant, you have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and traveling can enhance this experience. Traveling medical assistants can explore new places, meet new people, and gain diverse medical experiences. If you’re considering a career as a traveling medical assistant, here are some tips to get you started.
Tip 1: Research and Choose the Right Agency
When it comes to traveling medical assistant jobs, it’s essential to research and choose the right agency. Look for agencies that specialize in medical staffing and have a good reputation. Consider factors such as: * Benefits and pay: What kind of benefits and pay can you expect from the agency? * Job opportunities: What kind of job opportunities are available, and where are they located? * Support and resources: What kind of support and resources does the agency offer to its travelers? Some popular agencies for traveling medical assistants include: * AMN Healthcare * Medical Staffing Network * Cross Country Healthcare
Tip 2: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a traveling medical assistant, you’ll need to meet the basic requirements. These include: * Certification: You’ll need to be certified as a medical assistant (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA). * Education: You’ll need to have completed a medical assistant program or have equivalent experience. * Licensure: You’ll need to be licensed to practice as a medical assistant in the state where you’ll be working. * Immunizations: You’ll need to be up-to-date on all necessary immunizations. It’s also a good idea to have: * Basic life support certification: This can include CPR or BLS certification. * Experience: Having some experience as a medical assistant can be beneficial.
Tip 3: Prepare for the Lifestyle
As a traveling medical assistant, you’ll be living and working in new places. To prepare for this lifestyle, consider: * Housing: You’ll need to find housing in each new location. Some agencies offer housing stipends or assistance. * Transportation: You’ll need to have a reliable way to get to and from work. Some agencies offer transportation reimbursement or assistance. * Finances: You’ll need to budget for living expenses, including food, entertainment, and travel. * Support system: It’s essential to have a support system in place, including family, friends, and colleagues. Some things to keep in mind: * Be flexible: Be prepared to adapt to new situations and environments. * Be open-minded: Be open to new experiences and people. * Take care of yourself: Make sure to prioritize self-care, including exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
Tip 4: Build Your Skills and Knowledge
As a traveling medical assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to work in different settings and gain diverse medical experiences. To build your skills and knowledge, consider: * Continuing education: Take advantage of continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest medical procedures and technologies. * Specialized training: Consider specialized training in areas such as phlebotomy, EKG, or medical billing. * Networking: Network with other medical professionals to learn about new job opportunities and best practices. Some popular certifications for medical assistants include: * Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). * Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): Offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). * Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Tip 5: Stay Organized and Prepared
As a traveling medical assistant, you’ll need to stay organized and prepared. Consider: * Create a checklist: Create a checklist of things to do before each new assignment, including: + Researching the new location + Finding housing and transportation + Updating your certifications and licensure + Packing and preparing for travel * Use a planner or calendar: Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your schedule, appointments, and deadlines. * Stay connected: Stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues through regular phone calls, emails, or video chats. Some popular tools for staying organized include: * Trello: A project management tool that can help you stay organized and on track. * Google Calendar: A calendar tool that can help you keep track of your schedule and appointments. * Evernote: A note-taking tool that can help you stay organized and focused.
📝 Note: Staying organized and prepared is key to success as a traveling medical assistant. Make sure to create a checklist, use a planner or calendar, and stay connected with loved ones.
Additional Tips and Resources
Here are some additional tips and resources to consider: * Join a professional organization: Joining a professional organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), can provide you with access to continuing education opportunities, networking events, and job listings. * Use online resources: Use online resources, such as job boards and forums, to find job opportunities and connect with other traveling medical assistants. * Consider a travel buddy: Consider traveling with a friend or colleague to make the experience more enjoyable and to have a built-in support system.
| Agency | Benefits | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| AMN Healthcare | Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) matching | $25-$40 per hour |
| Medical Staffing Network | Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off | $20-$35 per hour |
| Cross Country Healthcare | Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) matching | $25-$40 per hour |
In summary, becoming a traveling medical assistant can be a rewarding and exciting career path. By researching and choosing the right agency, meeting the basic requirements, preparing for the lifestyle, building your skills and knowledge, and staying organized and prepared, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to stay flexible, be open-minded, and take care of yourself, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career as a traveling medical assistant.
What is the average salary for a traveling medical assistant?
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The average salary for a traveling medical assistant can vary depending on the agency, location, and experience. However, salaries can range from 25 to 40 per hour.
How do I find traveling medical assistant jobs?
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You can find traveling medical assistant jobs by researching agencies that specialize in medical staffing, such as AMN Healthcare, Medical Staffing Network, and Cross Country Healthcare. You can also use online job boards and forums to find job listings.
What kind of benefits and support can I expect as a traveling medical assistant?
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As a traveling medical assistant, you can expect benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) matching. You can also expect support from your agency, including housing assistance, transportation reimbursement, and access to continuing education opportunities.
