Articles for Pathologists' Assistants, Histotechs, & Lab Managers

Where’s Your Next Dream Travel Job? Pick the Right Contract for Your Lab Career

Written by Deborah Hills, PA(ASCP) | Aug 31, 2022 12:44:48 PM


Many pathologists’ assistants and histotechs pursue travel contracts based on the financial advantages. Travel PA and histotechs enjoy compelling benefits including free housing and car rental, paid meals, health insurance, 401K match, and more. However, a competitive overall compensation package isn’t the only reason why qualified PAs and HT/HTLs opt for contract opportunities. Working as a travel resource grants lab professionals the opportunity to explore various facilities across the country, building their credentials at labs in different cities around the U.S. 

Do You Know How to Choose Your Next Temporary Home Away From Home? 

A reputable lab staffing agency will have access to travel jobs on a nationwide scale. It is possible to work with a lab recruiter to find contract opportunities close to home. However, most travel positions will take you to a new city or state, making it important to go into the process with a few tips on choosing the right assignment for your career. 

When selecting your next dream job, consider:

Partner With the Best Lab Staffing Agency

Some job seekers assume that working with multiple lab staffing agencies maximizes exposure and increases the odds of landing an opportunity. However, using several lab recruiters often convolutes the process and slows momentum. Partnering with a single, reputable staffing recruiter to assist your search prevents spreading your job efforts too thin for better final results. More importantly, lab staffing recruiters prioritize dedicated employees with their open positions. A lab recruiter with hands-on lab experience is an ideal choice when making your final partner decision. 

Be Flexible on Location 

The first (often surprising) suggestion for travel pathologists’ assistants and histotechs? Avoid limiting your search to specific cities. Often, PAs and histotechs start their job search by pinpointing only one or two states for submissions. (Ohio and Washington, we see you). However, limiting your search based on ZIP code can mean missing out on amazing opportunities in other areas. Keeping an open mind on region enables your recruiter to find the best possible match for your skills and qualifications. 

Keep an Open Mind on Lab Setting

Contract opportunities offer more than a chance to experience a new city; they also allow histotechs and pathologists’ assistants to experience a new work environment as well, including:

  • Community Hospital Labs
  • Independent Labs
  • University Labs
  • Private Pathology Groups

If you have a specific lab type you’re interested in trying, now’s the time. A capable lab staffing recruiter can help you widen the search to include a broad range of facilities that suit your needs and interest levels. Best of all, exploring new lab types on contract delivers the ultimate “try before you buy” option, so you’ll know if it’s a work environment you’ll want to pursue again in the future. 

Prioritize Communication

One of the best ways to find your next dream job is to keep the lines of communication open with your lab staffing recruiter. A good pathology/histology recruiter wants to know your personal and professional goals in advance to best shape their search for you, so share these details with them. Also, make openness and honesty a consistent part of the conversation. If you’re sent an opportunity that you know isn’t a fit (or that you’re just not interested in) — tell them. Transparency will give your recruiter the information needed to find the right match for you. 

Let Nicklas Medical Staffing Help You Find Your Next Dream Job

Nicklas Medical Staffing helps PAs and histotechs find contract, contract-to-perm, and permanent lab opportunities to build their pathology and histology careers. Contact us today to learn more about our open positions across the U.S. Download our Travel Pathologists Assistant and Histotech Salary Calculator to take a deeper dive into the financial benefits of contract lab jobs.