Benjamin is originally from South Dakota and he’s been an Aya traveler since November 2020. He discussed how RTs have evolved from being just task-oriented individuals to becoming key clinical decision-makers.

“Among their providers is Benjamin Cisneros, RT, who, over the past 10 years said his duties and influence as a member of the care team have continued to progress.

Respiratory therapists are the Swiss army knives of the hospital, said Cisneros, a per-diem therapist working in Los Angeles. Many hospitals are now encouraging, or even requiring, bachelor’s or master’s degrees. With expanded autonomy, we’re shaping care plans, making critical recommendations, and being recognized as the pulmonary experts that we are. We respond to emergencies, assist in diagnoses, manage chronic respiratory conditions, educate patients, and support special procedures.

He said the experience that he’s acquired combined with his education continues to open doors to various employment opportunities. I can become a preceptor or a mentor, he said. Or I could pursue being a resource or team leader.”

Read the full story .

• Gain insights from a seasoned Aya recruiter and former radiology tech with over 20 years of experience, offering firsthand knowledge on the evolving field of Radiologic Technology.
• Learn how flexibility, adaptability, and a trusted agency like Aya can support travel radiology techs in navigating new assignments and excelling in diverse clinical environments.
• Explore the high demand for skilled travel radiology techs, the benefits of partnering with a reputable agency, and valuable career advice for those entering the field.

Throughout my career, both as a nurse and now as Aya’s nurse fellow, I’ve learned there is no substitute for listening to the experts. On the clinical side, the most qualified experts are clinicians who have committed years of time and energy to learning all they can so they can provide the best care possible. In the same sense, recruiters are experts in the current travel landscape and can offer a ton of knowledge and helpful career guidance. This is especially true in specialized fields like radiology, where experience and expertise are vital to understanding the nuance and demands of the profession.  

Recognizing this, I was thrilled to connect with , Aya recruiter and former radiology tech. With over 20 years of experience, Brian has seen both sides of the healthcare equation, working as a clinician and a recruiter. He spent nearly two decades in direct patient care as a radiology tech before transitioning to his current recruiting role at Aya. Brian offers incredible insights into the evolving field of Radiologic Technology, with a journey is full of rich experience and firsthand knowledge.

Can you share a little bit about what led you to become a radiology tech?

Of course! In my case, it came down to a personal experience. When I first started school, I was considering my options when I remembered as a high schooler having an MRI and X-rays done for some injuries. I remember being fascinated by the analytical and technical side of that process, and ultimately that experience left a positive impression on me about the field and led me down the radiology tech path.

Academically speaking, the other thing that drew me to the radiology field was the anatomy and physiology aspect. I was always interested in how things worked, and the idea of learning about how the muscles, bones and body systems were connected and worked together was exciting to me!

In your time practicing as a clinician, what was your focus in radiology?

I started out in the X-ray department for the first six months of my career. At the time, facilities would cross train you into a different modality directly (additional schooling was an option then, but it was not always a requirement). So, I was approached to cross train into CT, and for the next 15 years I did a combination of both, depending on the setting I was working in. Eventually, I also cross trained into MRI and did all three of those specialties concurrently for four years before pivoting into recruiting.

That’s an expansive work experience resume! And it does pivot nicely into my next question which is, where do radiology techs typically work?

Most radiology techs work in inpatient hospital settings, but there are also outpatient facilities that employ radiology techs. And there are many roles radiology techs can fill in both of those settings.  

Within the inpatient hospital role, there are the more common roles like the work I did in CT and X-ray, but radiology techs can specialize in many different modalities, such as diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology and more.  

Examples of outpatient settings that employ radiology techs include imaging companies, larger MD groups/clinic and standalone ER facilities, generally specializing in X-Ray, CT or MRIs.

In terms of workflow and pace, what’s it like being a radiology technician from a day-to-day standpoint?

It totally depends! Workflow and pace vary from tech to tech, facility to facility or even department to department. Some radiology tech roles are incredibly fast paced, like a level one trauma center — your workflow is “requisition prints off, shooting images, right into next case.” You might get some brief moments to connect with your coworkers in the radiology room, but then it’s right on to the next order. It’s fast paced and high intensity — to give you an idea, when I was working as a rad tech, I averaged about 10 miles per shift of walking in a 12-hour shift!

In other radiology environments, you’re going to have longer cases where the imaging series or cases can take a while (MRI, IR Lab, etc.) and you might be stationed in one area throughout your shift with patients coming to you via transport. Those settings can require a lot of technical knowledge, complex imaging and collaboration with radiologists.

Speaking of the clinical environment, what do you miss most about the clinical setting?

The patient care — I think back to the last clinical setting I was in; I was working in an outpatient setting and something I loved about that environment was that I got to see my patients repeatedly, which isn’t always the case on the inpatient side. My patients would come back in for their follow-up scans at one-month, three-month and six-month intervals, etc. I loved it because I had the opportunity to really get to know their stories. I got to see their progress and was able to be a part of their journey — I found that very rewarding.

Do rad techs collaborate with other clinicians in their work?

Definitely. For starters, there are your fellow radiology professionals — other rad techs and radiologists — as well as working closely with speech therapy for swallow studies. But some of my best friends are ICU and CCU nurses. I would see them every shift! We’d be in critical care units doing the daily chest X-rays, tube placements verifications, etc., and we had to coordinate together a lot. It’s vital in that environment to work together because there are lots of lines, important tubes and machines. Communication is everything in those situations, so we had to collaborate and learn how to work well with each other.

What piece of career advice would you give a rad tech who is entering the field today?

I would say my best advice is to be open-minded and ready to learn. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to learn from your fellow rad techs, nurses, radiologists, and other specialties.

I remember being told during radiology school: “When you get into your career, just wait and see — you’ll work with ten different techs, and they’ll likely do the same exam ten different ways.” And that’s proven to be true in my career — but all those different approaches helped me learn and develop my own way of doing the job. I took a little from one tech, something else from another one and then customized and found what worked best for me. That’s an approach that many clinicians use to become proficient in their field, but it’s especially true for radiology techs with so many technical aspects of the work.

That’s so true, nursing is very similar in that sense — everyone develops their own way to do the work. Speaking of work in the radiology field, in a “big picture” sense, do you believe that becoming a radiology tech is a good career today?”

I do, yes. First, the work is meaningful; you get to do good and help people. Secondly, there’s a great deal of need for skilled rad techs in every healthcare setting, which means you’ll always have lots of career options. And finally, with that increased need comes competitive compensation, which is always an important thing to consider in your career choice.

From a demand standpoint, is the need for travel radiology techs high currently?

Yes, 100 percent. Right now, travel radiology techs are in very high demand. There are a ton of jobs, and we need more radiology techs than ever. As a recruiter, it honestly feels like we can’t get enough.

In my research, I came across so much information about how hospitals are utilizing their radiology programs more than ever, particularly in areas like IR and CT. Have you observed that trend in your recruiting role?”

Yes, absolutely. High-functioning imaging departments are vital for healthcare organizations, and building out these programs requires clinically strong techs who know what they’re doing and have the trust of the radiologist.

In terms of selecting an agency as a traveler, why do you believe it’s important to establish a relationship with a reputable agency like Aya?

Support is everything. As a traveler, you need an agency that will advocate for you and have your back as you navigate through your journey. Especially for travelers today, there are lots of agencies out there and it can be hard to know which one to choose. No matter what you prioritize as a traveler, having an established relationship with an agency that will go to bat for you when support is needed is essential.

In that same sense, what do you tell prospective travel rad techs who may have concerns about transitioning to a new facility or starting travel for the first time? Do you have any advice or any tips that you’d like to share with your travel techs?

Yes. The fact is, no matter if you’ve been doing this work for one year or for ten years, every facility you walk into you, the more open-minded you are, the easier the transition’s going to be for you. Every facility is different, you’re going to have to add something new to your clinical practice to thrive there. This is especially important for new travelers — you have to adapt to what the radiologists want versus what you’re used to doing. In my opinion, that’s the most important part for their success: being flexible, adaptable and open-minded.

Finally, and maybe most importantly, how does Aya support and advocate for radiology techs who are on assignment with them?

First of all, as a recruiter, we are your advocate. Whatever the situation calls for, we’re there for you. As a traveler, I think it starts with accepting that there can be unknowns that arise in your journey. But if or when issues arise and we need to get in touch with payroll, a facility, HR, whomever we need to connect with to resolve this situation as your recruiter, we’re going to do it. And it doesn’t stop there — beyond the role your recruiter plays in your journey, Aya designates additional support staff for every part of your experience.

We recognize how much bandwidth traveling and clinical work can require from you, so we want to take care of as much of the other part as we can. You’ll be assigned support staff to help you with your licensing needs, credentialing process, your overall experience as a traveler and even staff members who are tasked with ensuring your specific clinical background matches a facility’s needs. From A to Z, we’ve got you covered.

• Â鶹ֱ˛Ą surgical technicians can explore new locations while earning a competitive salary that includes base pay, tax-free per diems for housing and meals, and opportunities for higher-paying assignments in high-demand regions.
• Â鶹ֱ˛Ą surgical techs have the flexibility to prioritize what matters most, whether it’s higher pay or a preferred location, with the ability to easily filter job searches and receive guidance from recruiters.
• It’s crucial to consider the “Total Value” of assignments, which includes not just pay but also benefits, relocation costs, and agency support—key factors in sustaining a successful travel surgical tech career.
• Â鶹ֱ˛Ą provides travel surgical techs with the largest job network in the industry, offering diverse opportunities with real-time job updates to help professionals achieve their personal and professional goals.

Table of Contents

1. Maximizing Total Assignment Value
2. Access to Ongoing Opportunities

Â鶹ֱ˛Ą surgical technicians enjoy a unique opportunity to not only explore new places, but also earn a competitive salary. As you begin your journey as a traveler, it’s important that you have an understanding of how travel surgical tech pay works. Let’s break it down. First, you’ll receive your base pay, which varies depending on factors such as location, facility and shift.

Additionally, you may be eligible for tax-free housing and meal/incident per diems. The per diems are to provide reimbursement for expenses incurred while traveling away from home for an assignment. With the flexibility to choose when and where you work, travel surgical techs can take advantage of higher-paying salary opportunities in regions with higher demand, allowing you to maximize your earning potential while satisfying a desire to explore and diversify your clinical and life experiences!

As mentioned, your traveling surgical tech salary range will depend on a variety of factors. One of the best things about being a travel surgical tech is that you get to decide what’s important to you!

If you’re looking for the highest-paying surgical tech opportunities, you can sort by pay when searching for jobs in your Aya account. If location is more important to you, narrow your search by city or state. Your recruiter can provide all the details once you find a job you’re interested in.

Maximizing Total Assignment Value

When thinking about your travel surgical tech career path, it’s important to look beyond just the paycheck. While compensation is a large factor for any job, it’s useful to frame your assignment with the “Total Value” in mind. Let’s break this down.

When considering potential assignments, on the surface it’s easy to get fixated on the weekly compensation numbers, but it’s important to remember there’s a great deal of value beyond pay. Some agencies or job boards may try to catch your eye with higher pay rates, but often cut value in other areas.

Things to consider when evaluating assignments include benefits, relocation costs (including cost of living) and agency support while on location. These factors make a huge difference in improving your experience, offsetting costs and contributing to your ability to sustain a career as a travel surgical tech.

So, as you weigh your options, remember that transparency and support go a long way. You’re not just filling a role — you’re partnering with an agency that values your expertise and is committed to your success every step of the way.

Search Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Tech Jobs Now

Access to Ongoing Opportunities

In addition to compensation, benefits and the freedom to choose when and where you work, one of the most important things you’ll need in your travel surgical tech career is access to jobs. Particularly in the allied health field, it can be hard to find an agency that has the job network and relationships you need to find the assignment you want. That’s where Aya comes in.

Whether you’re looking for surgical tech jobs near you or seeking the adventure of travel assignments, Aya offers diverse opportunities to help you reach your personal and professional goals. Aya has the most jobs in the industry, and job details are updated in real time, which means you can rely on the accuracy of information you see.

If you’re ready to start on your travel surg tech journey, register now to search all jobs and express interest with one click.

• Working as a travel surgical tech offers a rewarding and dynamic career in healthcare, providing opportunities to work in various states.
• Graduates can choose between two primary certifications: the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the NBSTSA and the Tech in Surgery (TS-C) from the NCCT, with each offering different benefits and recognition levels.
• Certification and registration requirements vary by state, with some states requiring specific certifications and others accepting either or none, often on a facility-specific basis.
• Â鶹ֱ˛Ą provides specialized licensure support for states like Washington, Colorado, Virginia, and New Hampshire, assisting with application fees, submission processes, and comprehensive guidance.

Table of Contents

1. What’s the Difference Between NCCT vs NBSTSA Certifications
2. Which State and Which Certification?
3. Beyond The Certification
4. Â鶹ֱ˛Ąâ€™s Licensure Programs

Working as a travel surgical tech can be one of the most exciting and rewarding career paths in healthcare, but it can be hard to know where to start. One question we get often is, “How can I work in other states as a travel surgical tech?” We’ve got all the information you need to jump into the travel surgical tech line of work!

After you’ve graduated from an accredited surgical tech program, there are two primary certification options for you as a surgical tech, the NBSTSA and the NCCT. It’s also important to note that surgical techs who already have experience and training in the field (through previous hospital experience or military training) can often work in states throughout the US, with some stipulations. And while certification is not always a requirement, many employers prefer that you have a certification from one of these institutions. Having this improves your chances of employment and demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the surgical tech field. Let’s break down each of these options:

• A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification from the and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This certification is the gold standard in the industry.
  
• A (TS-C) certification with the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
  
• An additional career path that some surgical techs take is to be uncertified. Surgical techs who have had experience in the field already, or military training, can work on a state-by-state or facility-by-facility basis, depending on policy.

What’s the Difference Between NCCT vs NBSTSA Certifications

When considering the path to getting your surgical tech certification, here’s what you should know: The NBSTSA certification and the NCCT certification are both recognized credentials in the field of surgical technology, but they differ in several key aspects. The NBSTSA certification, also known as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, is regarded as the gold standard in the industry.

It requires candidates to graduate from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited surgical technology program or gain equivalent education and experience, followed by passing a rigorous examination. On the other hand, the NCCT certification for surgical technologists requires completion of a surgical technology program or equivalent experience, followed by passing the certification exam.

While both certifications demonstrate competence in surgical technology, the NBSTSA certification may carry greater recognition within the field due to its higher requirements and affiliation with accredited programs.

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Which State and Which Certification?

Generally speaking, whether you have NBSTSA, NCCT or are uncertified, policies will vary by state and facility. However, below are some basic guidelines for states and license requirements:

• NBSTSA Required: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
  
• Accept Either NBSTSA or NCCT (Facility Specific): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Again, please keep in mind that state compliance requirements change frequently and also differ per facility. Feel free to ask your recruiter and licensing team member any questions you may have at any point in this process. Don’t worry —they’ll be there to guide you through every step of the way!

Beyond The Certification

Along with the unique state requirements for your surgical tech certifications (covered in detail here), certain states require that you register with specific state boards before practicing in their state.

The four states with additional registration requirements beyond your standard certifications are WA, CO, VA, and NH — and Aya provides hands-on support for each of them.

Â鶹ֱ˛Ąâ€™s Licensure Programs

Aya offers specialized licensure projects tailored for Washington, Colorado and Virginia, aimed at facilitating the licensure process in these states. From covering application fees to managing the submission process, we strive to alleviate the burden for clinicians seeking licensure in these regions.

While we don’t have a dedicated program for New Hampshire, we extend our assistance to clinicians navigating licensure requirements there, recognizing that each state’s process may vary. Our approach involves providing comprehensive checklists, guiding clinicians through the necessary steps, and reviewing their submissions before finalizing and submitting their applications. You provide the information, and Aya covers the cost and submits your application for you!

• Surgical techs play a vital role in the operating room, ensuring smooth and safe surgeries through their detailed knowledge and ability to anticipate needs.
• Many surgical techs are exploring travel surgical technology, allowing them to work in diverse healthcare settings across the country, enriching their professional and personal experiences.
• Â鶹ֱ˛Ą surgical techs can be generalists or specialize in areas like cardiovascular, obstetrics, labor and delivery, orthopedics, and first assist, with some specialties requiring additional certifications.
• To become a travel surgical tech, one must graduate from an accredited program, obtain certification, gain relevant experience, conduct thorough research, and apply for travel positions through platforms like Aya, which offers extensive support and job opportunities.

Table of Contents

1. Types of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Techs
2. Becoming a Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Tech
3. Choosing Aya: Elevating Your Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Tech Career

Surgical techs play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe execution of surgeries. Their attention to detail, extensive knowledge of surgical procedures and ability to anticipate needs in the surgical suite make them indispensable members of the OR team.

Upon completion of their education, certifications and gaining clinical experience, many surgical techs are venturing into the exciting field of travel surgical technology. This offers surgical techs the chance to apply their skills in diverse healthcare settings all over the country while broadening their professional horizons, enriching their life experiences and using their expertise to ensure positive patient outcomes nationwide.

Types of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Techs

Surgical techs are most commonly generalists who can prep and assist for a variety of surgical cases and specialties. However, there are some exceptions that can influence which jobs you’re able to apply for based on your specific surgical background. Examples of specialized areas include cardiovascular operating room (CVOR), obstetrics (OB) and labor and delivery (L&D), orthopedics and first assist (note: while specializing doesn’t always require additional certifications, first assist positions do call for additional certifications).

Becoming a Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Tech

So, what do you need to do to become a travel surgical tech? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered from A to Z.

Step 1: Graduate from an Accredited — You’ll need to complete an accredited surgical technologist program approved by or . These programs, typically offered by community colleges or vocational schools, require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment.

Step 2: Obtain Certification — After graduation, you’ll need to pursue certification such as CST from , which is the “gold standard” for surgical techs, or TS-C from . While not mandatory for every job or state, certification enhances employability and showcases your dedication to the field.

Step 3: Gain Experience — Ideally, you should have at least 12 months of relevant surgical tech experience, which ensures compliance with state board requirements. Facilities often seek techs with 6 to 12 months of recent experience for travel positions and can require up to 12 to 24 months for subspecialties.

Step 4: Research! — One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful journey as a travel surgical tech is research! Read the experiences of other travel surgical techs, look at different areas of the country that you might be interested in going to and do some research about what you might need to prepare for in life as a travel surgical tech. All these things help you understand what you want and what to expect!

Step 5: Apply for Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Positions — Now’s the time to apply! for access to the largest job network in the staffing industry. You’ll be set up with one of Aya’s world class recruiters who will walk you through each step of the process. The most important step you can take is being meticulously thorough and accurate in your experience section when applying, as well as taking your time on your skills competency checklist. This provides your recruiter with all the knowledge they need to find the right fit for you based on your specific skillset.

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Choosing Aya: Elevating Your Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Surgical Tech Career

The best thing about partnering with Aya for your travel surgical tech career is the support and infrastructure that Aya provides. From the most jobs — and the most exclusive opportunities — to the support and assistance from Aya’s experience, credentialing and payroll departments, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.