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FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers - TravelImaging
imaging Jobs
The travel information you typically ask from start to finish…
We’ve taken the most regularly asked questions about the travel imaging
industry and separated them by category. If any of your questions
are not answered below, please feel free to email us at info@travelimaging.com.
We will be more than happy to help answer any and all your questions!
Please click on a question below to expand or collapse the answer.
Beginning Stages
 What
are the standard requirements to becoming a traveling imaging professional?
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Typically, you will need a minimum of 1 year of recent experience (which may include internships). There are some leniencies depending on the facility and job requirements. You must also be a graduate of an accredited healthcare professional program in the U.S. or Canada. A valid license in the state you are interested in working in and proof of the right to work in the U.S. need to be provided as well. |
Will traveling be looked at positively or negatively on my resume?
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Positively! Over the years, the travel imaging industry has become more familiar with human resource professionals and imaging directors. There are many positive attributes that you acquire while on assignment and hiring authorities are now better able to perceive them. By traveling to different assignments, it shows your dedication to your profession in times of need. It also shows flexibility, adaptability, and your ability to pick up new techniques, duties, and settings quickly. Lack of experience will never apply to you. When looking at your resume, hiring authorities will be impressed by your varied experiences. |
What qualities will ensure my success
as a traveler?
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Open-mindedness. Flexibility. Strong communication skills. Eagerness to learn. Ability to pick things up quickly. Positive attitude. Exceptional clinical skills. Independent nature. Dedication to your profession. Compassion towards patients. Adventurous personality. |
Will each state I travel to require that I be licensed in that state?
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Each state has its own rules and regulations, and they change quite frequently. Click here for licensure information in each state. It’s a good idea to for you to contact the individual state boards in your states of interest to receive up to date information directly. Most travel companies will offer you full assistance in obtaining any necessary licenses. Some companies even reimburse you for the cost of your license. |
What should I look for while choosing a
travel company?
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Each company differs in the perks and benefits they offer. It’s important to select the items that are most important to you and research the top companies to see if they match with your preferences. Opt for the company that is best suited to your needs. Remember, selecting your travel company is one of the most significant steps in your traveling career. |
What if I’m not happy with the company I am
traveling with?
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It’s beneficial for you to keep the literature and information you receive while you are researching different companies, in case you do become unhappy with your first selection. Due to the amount of quality companies out there, finding a new company shouldn’t be a cumbersome task. Generally, it’s best to finish your current assignment before switching companies. Click here for a list of our premier providers |
Will I be required to sign a long term contract
with the company I choose to work with?
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Each company is different in regards to the contracts they have their travelers sign. Normally, the contracts you agree to are assignment specific, meaning your obligation only exists on an assignment by assignment basis. Be sure to thoroughly read any contracts prior to signing as you don’t want to be bound to a company if you aren’t 100% committed. Your specific recruiter will be able to walk you through their agreement and any legal wording you need clarification on. |
Assignment Conditions
How long will I be scheduled to work
at a particular location?
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For the most part, assignments are 13 weeks long. However, it’s very common for travelers to extend assignments to 26 weeks or longer. Extensions are being offered more frequently, and it’s up to the traveler on whether they prefer to stay or not. On occasion, there are short term assignments that last for less than 13 weeks. |
Will I have a say in where I will travel to?
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One of the perks of traveling is being able to choose where your assignments are. The top travel companies have assignments with all types of healthcare facilities in all 50 states of the U.S. Part of the process of becoming a traveler is to communicate your preferences in assignment, facility type, and location with your recruiter prior to being presented with options. A good recruiter will only present options to you that match with your preferences. |
Do I have to actually travel away from home to be considered a “traveler”?
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Not necessarily. Since the top travel companies are working with all types of healthcare facilities in all 50 states of the U.S., it’s very likely that they will have several “travel” positions in locations close to your hometown. This is a fantastic way to benefit from all the perks of a travel assignment, without having to pack your bags and drive to a new destination. A number of therapists prefer to stay local because they are able to balance their home life with a flexible and rewarding career. |
How will I learn the specifics of the position
and facility I will be working
at?
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When a facility utilizes travelers, they generally have a set orientation for them. Each facility has its own way of orientating and integrating their travelers. Systems will vary based on the how many travelers the facility has, size of the facility, and the methods the facility uses to orient their permanent staff. Your recruiter can usually brief you on orientation information as part of the job presentation process. Orientation details should also be one of the areas you discuss when you interview for potential assignments. |
How long does it take after I submit my application before I can start my
first assignment?
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Timing very much depends on you and your ability to start an assignment. If you wish, many companies will immediately start presenting you with options once your profile has been processed. If you are urgent, it’s possible for you to be working within a week, assuming your license is current in that State (if applicable). On the other hand, if you communicate that you aren’t looking to start an assignment for a few months, your travel company will wait to present you with options. It’s entirely up to you. |
Pay and Benefits
How much will I be paid?
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Pay rates vary depending
on your specialty, location, and facility type.
Imaging professionals can earn
various amounts depending on their specialty.
In addition, travel companies
can offer more than just an hourly rate. Some include
non-taxable per diem wages as part of your compensation.
Your recruiter can help breakdown the individual pay packages
they offer. |
Are bonuses offered to compliment my
hourly pay?
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Depending on the assignment, bonuses may be offered. There may be completion bonuses when you finish your 13 week assignment or you may be offered a sign on bonus when you accept an assignment. Additional more common bonuses include referral bonuses and loyalty bonuses. Be sure you ask your recruiter for complete details on bonuses offered during your research stage, as bonuses and incentive programs fluctuate from company to company. |
What type of insurance is offered? What is my out of pocket cost?
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Typically, full medical, dental, and basic life insurance are offered by the travel company at minimal or no cost to you. The type of coverage and more precise details can be obtained from each specific company. As an alternative, you may be able to choose to receive a fixed benefit payment each month instead of insurance coverage. |
Will I be eligible to participate in a retirement
program?
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Most of the better travel companies will allow their travelers to participate in their company retirement programs. Some of the most common offered are 401K and IRA accounts. Eligibility and matching amounts differ for each company. |
Are continuing education hours offered?
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Travel companies only like to align with the most well-informed and educated therapists in the industry. Because they believe in the importance of continuing education, travel companies will reimburse their imaging professionals for courses taken throughout their assignments. Reimbursement amounts are company specific. |
Will my travel expenses be covered?
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Virtually all the travel companies take care of or reimburse you for the expenses occurred commuting to and from an assignment. Amounts and coverage types vary for each company. If you are traveling locally, some companies also provide you with daily mileage reimbursement. |
Housing
Do I need to find my own housing while on
assignment?
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Not unless you prefer to locate your own housing arrangements. One of the highly regarded benefits of traveling is the free, fully arranged, private housing offered. While on assignment, the travel company pays 100% for a completely furnished, quality apartment, condominium, or hotel. |
Am I responsible for the utilities if I take advantage of the company-
arranged housing?
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Generally, all basic utilities are set up and fully covered by the travel company. Depending on the travel company, cable and internet service may be the traveler’s responsibility. |
What if I choose to find my own living
arrangements while on
assignment?
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If you provide or wish to find your own accommodations, many travel companies will supply you with a generous stipend that can be used towards your housing costs. |
Personal
What do I do with my mail? Do I change my
address temporarily?
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You have several options as what you can do with your mail. You can have your mail forwarded to your temporary address each time you move. You can set up a PO Box with an independent mailbox/shipping outlet and arrange to have the organization forward your mail on a set schedule. Or, you can have your mail forwarded to a family member or friend and have that person forward your mail to you on a weekly basis. |
How do I handle my banking arrangement
while I’m on the road?
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Banking while traveling has become much easier due to the mobility of banking institutions. Nearly every travel company offers the ease and security of having your paycheck electronically deposited into an account of your choice. Depending on the company, you will receive your pay stub via regular mail or you will have online access to your pay history. You won’t have to worry about running to the bank or be concerned about the postal system’s inconsistencies. Other banking options are automatic bill pay and internet banking. |
Am I able to bring my spouse, children,
and/or friends with me when I’m on assignment?
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Absolutely! Many travelers move around as a family. This is a fabulous way to explore the U.S. with your family or closest friends. When doing this, it’s important to communicate who you will be traveling with to your recruiter. This way, you’ll be sure that you’re provided with suitable housing accommodations. |
What if my travel imaging professional friend and I want
to travel together?
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It’s very common for friends to travel together. Depending on the needs in the area, you can either work at the same facility or at different facilities in the same city. The travel company can work with you on housing arrangements, placing you together in an apartment or situating you in different private apartments in the same complex. |
Can I bring my pet with me?
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Yes! Bringing your pet with you on assignment is typically not a problem. However, there are certain stipulations that you must adhere to. You’ll need to take advantage of private housing. In addition, if the apartment complex requires a separate pet deposit, you’ll also be responsible for that. |
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