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TravaLab, nationwide mobile phlebotomy

We provide mobile phlebotomy services nationwide to patients within the comfort of their homes, offices, or health clinics. We are partnered with several speciality labs, research groups, and clinical trials teams. Our mission is to bridge phlebotomy needs with accessibility and convenience for all.

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The Travalab Cycle

• Physician orders test and provides Patient with kit and requisition form. Patient schedules appointment on the website. Confirmation reminder is sent to Patient with time and date.

Mobile Phlebotomist

• Specimen collection is performed by one of our Licensed Professional Phlebotomist Sample is prepared for processing and shipping by the Phlebotomist A tracking number with audit trail of appointment becomes available

• Specimen is received by the Laboratory Sample analysis is performed Results become available for Physicians to discuss with Patients

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Inside the Travel Lab is a multi-award winning travel blog founded by doctor turned writer Abigail King. Founded in 2008, it goes behind the scenes to bring stories from around the world to curious, responsible travellers. 

Table of Contents

What to expect

Welcome to Inside the Travel Lab, where we’ll help you travel the world while holding down a professional career. We’ll take you behind the scenes, share the stories we find, and give you tips on where you can find the best places to stay, eat and get to know the different traditions across the globe.

And we’re here for you whatever stage of life you’re in: juggling young kids, dealing with an empty nest, rebuilding after divorce, travelling solo or heading into retirement.

It’s what matters that matters, not what your life currently looks like. So if you care about the people, places and cultures you visit then you’ve come to the right place.

Who is behind Inside the Travel Lab?

Abigail King is an award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster. She is the founder of Inside the Travel Lab, described by National Geographic Traveler as “essential reading” and Lonely Planet as “one of the best in the world. 

She first studied Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge before completing her medical degree and working as an Intensive Care & ER doctor for the best part of a decade before swapping the wards for a life on the road.

She’s travelled to over 60 countries, spoken at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on the subject of sustainable tourism and for the EU & NASA in Helsinki on the topic of digital integrity and counter terrorism. 

She’s travelled to over 60 countries and likes hot tea, fresh strawberries and marmite toast, buttered just right.

RECENT AWARDS

AITO Travel Blogger of the Year 2023

Vuelio Top Independent UK Luxury Travel Blog – 2023

TravMedia Awards Finalist Blogger of the Year – 2022

Travel Media Awards Blogger of the Year Finalist – 2022

More awards and media mentions here.

What makes this blog different?

We honestly (and slightly embarrassingly) want to make the world a better place.

Taking You Behind the Scenes 

Whether that’s talking to survivors from the Nagasaki bomb attack or interviewing people who saw the Iron Curtain fall, we believe that it’s people who make a place.

Authentic Social Interaction

Other sites use robots to make it look as though someone is replying to you. We don’t. Every response you get comes from a real person. Usually me ;-) We don’t get involved in buying likes, gaming algorithms or any other soul-sapping venture born of desperation. If you like what we do, great! If not, well, there’s no point in faking it, right?

Travelling how people travel

Marketers enjoy pigeon-holing everyone into a niche. Solo travel, family travel, adventure travel and business travel.

Well, guess what? That’s not how people live!

Here, we cover a mix of solo travel, couples travel, family travel, business travel and travel with a baby and toddler because that’s life as most of us know it: a work in progress.

Our Philosophy is Responsible Travel

Here on Inside the Travel Lab, responsible travel has been our default position since we began.

But it’s not always easy and the information we have about the world and how we affect it shifts all the time. So, without being preachy, and without taking the joy out of things, here’s the section for responsible travel .

Hi, I’m Abi and I love hearing people’s stories.

I help busy professionals learn about the world and plan experiences that combine passion and purpose with having a good time.

So, why did you leave medicine?

If there’s one question that people always ask when they first meet me and hear about my life, it’s this one: why did I leave medicine?

But let’s back up a bit, shall we? And start at the beginning.

The Beginning: Brighton-ish

I grew up, mainly, in southern England near the forward-thinking and cosmopolitan city of Brighton. Not that it seemed that way at the time. Like many a teenager, I couldn’t wait to get out, to escape and to see the world. 

My parents had met in Nigeria and then split when we lived in Saudi. We came back to the UK, my Dad moved to Oman and then to New York, so different perspectives on the world seemed ready-stitched into my life. 

On the peak of Kilimanjaro during a Medical School Placement in a Hospital in Tanzania

The Medical Years

Yep. I didn’t just go to Medical School, I went all the way through, qualified and then worked in hospitals for the best part of a decade. My specialty was Accident and Emergeny & Intensive Care. That’s often ER to George Clooney fans and ITU and ventilators for the rest. I was three years from becoming a consultant when I made the decision to switch. 

I actually didn’t think that much of it at the time, but it’s something I get asked time and time again. 

The other big question is whether or not I regret it.

The truth is, I couldn’t imagine spending the whole of my life doing only one thing. I had felt torn when applying for University places because there was just so much I wanted to do and so many places I wanted to see. 

I felt great love and passion towards making a difference, and was luckily pretty good at science and passing exams. Medicine seemed like a good fit and like more of a responsible choice. Perhaps I could write and travel in my spare time; I’d never be able to be a doctor in my spare time. 

The change I didn’t see coming…

What I hadn’t fully appreciated, because the system was about to change, was that the type of doctor I wanted to be didn’t have any spare time. Nearly ten years in and I had one weekend off every six or more weeks, into which had to fit all weddings and family occasions and moving house every six months as part of the job. Instead of 9-5, I was 2pm to 4am. I never saw anyone outside the hospital, but I did have a great off-peak gym subscription, no queues at the supermarket and a coterie of urban foxes skulking around in the twilight like me. 

With an apology to the foxes, I felt as though my life was slipping away. If I stayed like this, I would be doing the same thing day after day after day until I had run out of days.

So I took a deep breath and made a choice. Was this how I wanted my one and only life to be? And if not, what would I do to change? 

Our first visit to India, over 15 years ago. The Taj Mahal hasn’t aged a bit.

Becoming a Writer/How I Left Medicine

I did what I’d always done. I read a book.

Armed with “The Freelancer’s Handbook” by Andrew Crofts, I saved my money and hatched my plan. 

For years, I’d held my husband’s job back because mine kept us fixed in the UK. What if we tried a move with his work and I tried out this writing idea?

If it turned out to be a fantasy and I tried to return, I would at least have a less embarrassing story to tell at interview as I begged to get my job back. 

So, we moved to France. And then Spain. And I never looked back.

My first blog header for Inside the Travel Lab – stepping into an oasis in Oman

Starting Inside the Travel Lab

The blog stood out for the quality of writing. The writer captures the imagination, transports your mind and makes you really want to experience and sense the beauty of Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. – Visit USA Media Awards.

Except, poetic as it sounds, it didn’t quite work out like that.

I had no experience, no contacts and no idea what I was doing. 

According to The Handbook, I should start pitching editors but rejection followed rejection because I didn’t have things called clips and cuttings. 

And it was the classic job search Catch-22. No work without experience, no experience without work. 

So, I started a blog. It wouldn’t count as “clips and cuttings” but it would, hopefully, show that I could write. 

And so, on one late night in the hot summer of pink city Toulouse, the Travel Lab was born. Someone had already taken that name, so after some scurrying about, I found a variation. 

Inside. I liked it. Inside access. Inside tips. Inside ideas. 

Forty minutes and 9.99 later and www.insidethetravellab.com was mine. 

The Next Ten Years

And then, the rollercoaster began.

“Influencers” weren’t really a thing back in 2008, with no instagram and no brand partnerships. 

I spent my time travelling, writing and desperately, so desperately trying to start a family.

Inside the Travel Lab was my place for all the stories that the mainstream media would reject and it grew to find people who cared about the world and wanted to know more, to see more.

Surgery and loss tumbled one after the other, over and again, and then, in late 2016, we welcomed the miraculous arrival of our daughter, Rosa. Followed, almost immediately, by more family illness. 

While my twenties glided by, my thirties tested me to the max. 

What’s Next?

So, here we are in 2023, emerging from the Covid pandemic. Older, wiser and less likely to throw myself out of an aeroplane or scramble across a floating wire in the mountains or sleep in a tent on the border of Guatemala with a local gift of a machete. 

But full of joy and passion for the world at large, hope in the future and excitement at the thought of what could wait around the corner.

That includes a new role as the Head of Digital Content & Strategy at Bradt Travel Guides.

But Inside the Travel Lab goes on. I could never wave goodbye to this place.

Here are some of our new projects, aimed at bringing the world closer and sharing even more stories:

• The Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©  
• The Travel Toolkit ©
• A look at the benefits of sustainable tourism

Let’s Work Together

 We love connecting people with places and products they’ll love. If sponsorship was good enough for Shakespeare and Michelangelo, it’s good enough for us!

Have a brand that values integrity, responsibility, beauty and luxury?  Please contact us: [email protected]

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.   See the small print for details.

Our wellness advice is expert-vetted . Our top picks are based on our editors’ independent research, analysis, and hands-on testing. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Where to get a COVID-19 test for travel

Going on a trip? Don't forget your COVID-19 test.

As more and more people get their vaccinations , the desire to travel grows stronger , fueled largely by the declining cases of COVID-19. The world is starting to feel a little bit safer. 

If you're preparing to cure your cabin fever, don't forget that you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to many destinations -- and to get back into the US, if you plan on traveling abroad . 

Though COVID-19 tests aren't in short supply anymore, some places still won't test you if you don't have symptoms or known exposure. That said, there are plenty of locations you can get tested for COVID-19 before traveling, as detailed below.

Community testing centers

Chances are, there's a park or parking lot near you reserved for drive-through COVID-19 testing. Some community testing sites are managed by state or local governments, others are managed through private companies and others may be a partnership between the two.

Color , for example, is a medical testing company that has several community testing sites across California.

To find community testing sites near you, check your local department of health website. If you can't find a testing site that way, a quick Google search of "COVID-19 testing near me" or "COVID-19 testing in [city]" should do the trick. 

You may have to pay for a test at a community testing center, because tests are generally reserved for people who have symptoms (and recreational travel is still not encouraged). However, some testing sites may offer free tests even if you don't have symptoms. 

A drive-through test might be the most convenient option.

Urgent care

Most urgent care centers offer both PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. You can check the website of local urgent care centers or call to find out if testing is available. Most cities have multiple urgent care centers, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a test this way. Again, whether or not you pay depends on each urgent care center's particular policy. 

Doctor's offices and clinics

Your primary care provider may be willing to test you for COVID-19 if you don't have symptoms, although your insurance may not cover the test or the cost of the office visit for this purpose. It can't hurt to ask. 

Passport Health , a travel medicine and immunization agency with clinics across the US, offers COVID-19 testing specifically for travel. The agency has locations in 33 states .

Your primary care provider may offer you a COVID-19 test for travel.

Most large pharmacy chains offer COVID-19 testing for travel, but you'll probably have to pay out of pocket. Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all have COVID-19 tests available for travel. The exact cost you incur may vary, but out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 tests generally hover between $100 and $150.

Kroger and Walmart pharmacies also offer COVID-19 testing in some states, and the same rule applies: The test is free if you have symptoms, but you have to pay for travel, recreation or simply peace of mind. 

If you go to a local pharmacy (not a chain), give the location a call to see if they offer COVID-19 testing for travel. There's a good chance they will have tests available, but it might cost more to get one from an independent business versus a large corporation. 

Medical labs

Cut out the middleman and head straight for a medical laboratory for your COVID-19 test. Quest Diagnostics, the lab where many tests go for processing anyway, offers drive-through COVID-19 testing . The lab requires you to pay for the test if you aren't showing symptoms. 

Curative is a new medical lab that was founded in January 2020 to develop a new type of sepsis test. The company quickly pivoted to making COVID-19 tests that March, and it now offers COVID-19 testing at more than 10,000 locations throughout the US. Curative processes all of its tests at its labs in San Dimas, California; Pflugerville, Texas; and Washington, DC.

Some travel destinations offer COVID-19 tests for guests. Call your destination to see if they offer return testing -- that is, the test you need to get back into the US. Keep in mind you still need to arrange your own test to get to your destination.  

Many airports offer travel COVID-19 tests for passengers. Whether or not it'll cost you depends on a number of factors, including what entity, exactly, is providing the test; whether or not they bill health insurance; and whether people showing symptoms are prioritized. 

To find out if the airport you're flying out of offers COVID-19 testing, search the airport's official website. You may also have some luck checking the website of your preferred airline. Delta has a handy tool where you can find a list of airport testing locations based on the country you're traveling from. United has information specific to certain cities and countries. 

Just keep in mind that some airports might not offer rapid tests, which means you shouldn't wait until the day of your flight to get your test. Not only could you miss your flight due to a long line, but if you can't get rapid results, you may not be able to board at all.

You may be able to find a COVID-19 test at the airport, but don't bank on getting your results immediately before your flight.

If you have some time to spare, consider buying an at-home COVID-19 collection kit instead of venturing out for a test. 

There are more than 10 at-home COVID-19 tests available for people without symptoms or known exposure, including those from Everlywell, LetsGetChecked and Picture from Fulgent Genetics. 

You can even order one on Amazon or call your local drugstore to see if they're stocking the new over-the-counter COVID-19 test from Ellume . 

From the time you order one of these tests, it'll take five to seven days to get your results, so this option is best for people who plan ahead. 

At home with a health care professional

Ready , a new urgent care telehealth platform backed by GV, Google's investment arm, offers in-home rapid COVID-19 testing. Book your appointment online and a qualified health professional will show up at your door to administer the test. You can also mail-order a test and take it while a health care worker supervises via a video call.  

BeeperMD offers a similar service, but only in Florida at this time. 

At-home kits are a good option for people who have time to spare before their trip.

When to get your COVID-19 test for travel 

Time -- or more accurately, timing -- is of the essence when it comes to getting a COVID-19 test for travel. The exact guidelines you need to follow will vary based on where you're going, where you're coming from and whether or not you're visiting multiple locations. 

In general, it's a good idea to take your COVID-19 test so that you receive results within three days of travel. This means you can take a rapid antigen test 24 to 72 hours before traveling or you can take a PCR test four to six days before travel. PCR tests usually take 24 to 72 hours to process.

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The New Travel Essential

Before catching your flight, there's one last thing to check off the list. Test and travel confidently with Labcorp’s trusted COVID-19 PCR tests.

Preferred Pre-Travel Test

Fast results, tests for your family.

Testing Before You Travel

Pixel by Labcorp customers get their COVID-19 PCR test results quickly, allowing them to travel safely.

Request a test kit online or purchase at a store

Request a test kit online or purchase at a store near you.

Most kits purchased online arrive within 2 days.

Collect your sample at home

Collect your sample at home using a short, painless nasal swab.

Ship back same-day for faster turnaround time.

Ship your sample back to our lab

Most kits arrive within 2 days.

Access your results online

On average, results are received in 1-2 days from when samples arrive at the lab.

Where to Purchase Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Kits

Available at over 6,000 Walgreens stores nationwide. Kits are located in the pharmacy. Check in-store availability at  walgreens.com .

Available at select CVS stores in Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Kits are located in the pharmacy. Check in-store available at  CVS.com .

On-demand Delivery

Available to be delivered by DoorDash® and Instacart® through Walgreens. Check availability at  walgreens.com .

Know the Travel Guidelines for Your Destination Before You Go

*Rules for COVID-19 testing and quarantining can vary greatly among U.S. states. Some destinations may not accept test results from self-collected samples; please check with your destination to confirm. Visit the CDC’s  Travel Planner  to be routed to the relevant health department in order to understand what’s required before traveling to that destination. Labcorp OnDemand services are only available in the US. If you are traveling internationally, you’re unable to ship kits from international locations.

The CDC has different travel guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people—and recommends delaying travel until you’re fully vaccinated. Click  here  for the latest information on domestic travel and  here  for the latest on international travel. The agency’s website notes that even fully vaccinated people are at risk of getting and spreading new COVID-19 variants when traveling.

Labcorp is a leader in the fight against COVID-19

At Labcorp, we’re on a mission to improve health and improve lives. Our network of CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratories has performed over 38 million COVID-19 molecular (PCR) tests, and their effectiveness has been proven for the U.K., South African and Brazilian variants. With the first FDA authorized at-home kit, we are continuing to be a global leader in the fight against COVID-19. Learn how Labcorp is developing new ways to help fight the crisis.

Can I purchase a kit for travel?

The Labcorp OnDemand® COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit is a RT-PCR test that is designed to determine active infection of SARS-CoV-2. Many destinations require negative PCR results within a specific timeframe. We recommend that you reach out to your destination’s government for their specific requirements and timelines before making your purchase. Some destinations may not accept test results from self-collected samples.

How many kits can I purchase at once?

You can purchase up to 5 kits at one time by adjusting the quantity in your cart. Each kit is shipped individually and should be returned in the packaging included in each kit.

Can kids take the Labcorp OnDemand COVID-19 test?

The test is authorized for ages 2 and older.  All people aged 18 years or older can collect their own sample.  Children between the ages for 14-17 can collect their own sample under adult supervision. Children 2-13 can use this test when samples are collected by an adult.  

Can I ship a kit internationally?

Labcorp OnDemand® services are only available in the US.  Unfortunately, we're unable to ship kits internationally.  

How long does it take to get COVID-19 test results back?

Currently the average time to deliver results is 1-2 days from when your sample is received at the lab.  Our labs process samples seven days a week.  

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Specialties, comphealth blog, working as a travel lab professional: a chance to travel and be challenged by your career.

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Kathleen Stone

Kathleen Stone is a writer for CompHealth from Salt Lake City, Utah. In her spare time, she loves going to the desert, trying new foods and being with family.

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Lab tech travel career guide

Traveling lab tech jobs with nomad health.

Medical lab technicians, or clinical lab technicians, are the hidden hands of the hospital. Behind the scenes, they support patient care by providing doctors and nurses with critical and valuable information about a patient’s lab work. Without them, an accurate and timely diagnosis would be nearly impossible.

At Nomad, we offer access to a variety of traveling medical lab tech jobs nationwide. Our mobile app and matching algorithm help travel lab techs find the perfect assignment with the highest pay. On top of great travel job options, we provide a full scope of benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance . To cover the small expenses that add up, Nomad also offers one-way travel stipends of up to $1,000, as well as reimbursements for certifications, licenses, and scrubs. 

We understand becoming a traveling lab tech can be stressful and intimidating, so we’ve provided travel resources to help you succeed. If you’re a travel lab tech with Nomad, you have a dedicated team of Navigators to answer any questions and assist with the application process. Even while on assignment, our in-house group of expert clinicians, the Clinical Excellence team, is available to advocate for your needs to facilities, regardless of your specialty.

Ready to find a lab tech travel job?

Travel lab tech salary information.

A travel lab tech at Nomad can make an average compensation of approximately $2,227 a week. That means for an average 13-week contract, the gross salary is approximately $29,000.* 

Increasing your salary as a travel lab technician can be driven by factors like the location of the assignment, the type of hospital (rural or metropolitan), and the type of specialty within the hospital. Choosing jobs with a shift differential for working later hours can also boost your take-home salary. For example, working a night shift could add extra dollars to your hourly rate.

Additionally, gaining different certifications like the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential can appeal to certain facilities and increase your chance of getting a higher-paying assignment. 

*Subject to change. This is based on Nomad’s travel lab tech jobs as of March 21st, 2023.

Browse our highest-paying lab tech travel jobs

Types of lab tech travel jobs.

Travel lab technicians have the ability to work in many different settings such as hospitals, diagnostic labs, physician offices, and outpatient offices. A medical lab technician travel job includes rotating through core lab specialties such as virology, chemistry, microbiology , blood bank, histology/ cytology , and hematology.

Within the laboratory setting, there are other specialized medical lab technicians performing testing and analysis. For example, travel histotechnicians  help turn patient tissue samples into microscope slides; this specialty requires a Histotechnician certification, which is different from a medical lab technician certification. For general travel lab technician jobs, the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is the most common certification required.

Medical lab tech (MLT)

A medical laboratory technician (MLT), or a clinical laboratory technician, is a lab tech that has earned their MLT certification through one of three major organizations: the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) , the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) , and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) . Medical lab technicians are capable of working in any lab setting but can specialize in a specific area if cross-trained.

A medical lab tech will perform testing and analysis in the core lab of a hospital. They may run labs such as a complete blood count (CBC) with differentials, serum lactate values, troponin values, and urinalysis. They also run chemistries like a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), which includes values like electrolytes, glucose, and creatinine.

Job functions of an MLT vary depending on where the technician is assigned. Some hospitals will have their medical lab techs collect and count bone marrow slides for patients with leukemia. A tech working in microbiology can plate and examine the organism that is making the patient sick, and also perform susceptibility tests to identify which drug will be the most effective. A medical lab technician in the blood bank can perform antibody testing and find units of blood for a patient. 

Ultimately, a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, basic math, and proper lab procedures is essential to being a successful and versatile travel medical lab tech.

Browse histology travel jobs

How to become a travel lab tech, step 1: obtain your education from an accredited lab tech program.

In order to become a traveling lab technician, start by graduating from high school and enrolling in an accredited medical laboratory technology or laboratory sciences program for two to four years.

Step 2: pass the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) exam

Then, sit for the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) exam. The MLT exam with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is considered the industry gold standard. There are three different ways to qualify for testing for the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) exam with the ASCP. The first method is to obtain an associate degree from an accredited college or university and successfully complete a National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) approved Medical Laboratory Technician program within the last five years.

More ways to become a travel lab tech

Obtain your education from an accredited college and complete training hours.

The second method is to graduate from an accredited college or university with credits in chemistry and biology, and successfully complete a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course within the last ten years. 

Graduate from an accredited college and get three years of full-time clinical experience

The third method is to graduate from an accredited college or university with credits in chemistry and biology and accrue three years of full-time acceptable clinical experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years.

Once one of these requirements is met, register for and pass the MLT exam. Once you pass, you are fully certified to work as a medical lab technician. Be sure to check for any state-specific and hospital-specific licensure requirements as they can vary. Gain experience in a lab for at least twelve months to learn the ropes and get comfortable managing your own workload. For travel lab technicians, at least one year of recent broad lab experience is ideal so facilities can utilize your skills in many ways.

Travel lab tech job description

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a laboratory technician performs medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. More specifically, they test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples. Lab techs also operate different types of laboratory equipment, such as automated cell counters and microscopes, and are expected to know how to clean, manage and troubleshoot basic laboratory equipment. After analyzing different types of labs, medical laboratory technicians accurately record data from the tests to the patient’s medical record. Although most of the job is performed independently in the lab, techs must routinely call and discuss abnormal results and findings with nurses and physicians.

Being a team player and having a collaborative attitude is a necessary skill for lab techs as they are part of a larger ecosystem of healthcare professionals that interact together often. Most of a travel lab technician's job is not patient-facing, but some travel lab techs will work directly with patients on the floor to collect samples. On rare occasions, they may be expected to draw blood from patients, although most hospitals will utilize nursing staff or phlebotomists. Overall, a lab technician’s role can involve many solitary tasks so having the ability to focus and perform repetitive tasks is important. 

As a technician, you are expected to set up, calibrate, and maintain the microscopes, cell counters, and other equipment. Maintenance of these devices includes cleaning and testing sterility to ensure quality. In general, clinical laboratory technicians work under the supervision of clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers. Laboratory technologists, also known as medical laboratory scientists, are required to have higher levels of education and training than technicians. Although laboratory technologists are expected to do more of the quality control, laboratory technicians should also have a basic grasp of quality control procedures. 

A travel medical lab technician will perform all the same duties as a staff laboratory technician but will fill critical staffing needs in hospitals throughout the U.S. Most hospitals offer eight-hour shifts at three different times of the day. A successful travel lab tech will be flexible and comfortable with quickly adjusting to new workflows and equipment.

Travel lab tech healthcare resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm

American Society for Clinical Pathology. (n.d.). Get Credentialed. Board of Certification. Retrieved from https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed/#us-certifications

American Association of Bioanalysts. (n.d.). Medical Laboratory Technician. Retrieved from https://www.aab.org/aab/MLT.asp

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. (n.d.). Addressing the Clinical Laboratory Workforce Shortage. Retrieved from https://ascls.org/addressing-the-clinical-laboratory-workforce-shortage/

Data USA. (n.d.). Clinical Laboratory Technician. Retrieved from https://datausa.io/profile/cip/clinical-laboratory-technician#about

American Medical Technologists. (n.d.). Medical Laboratory Technician. Retrieved from https://americanmedtech.org/Medical-Laboratory-Technician

Browse general lab tech travel jobs

Frequently asked questions about lab tech travel careers, where do traveling lab techs get paid the most, what is the top salary for a traveling lab technician, how do i become a traveling lab tech, what is the difference between a travel lab technician and a travel lab technologist, author profile.

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Pros and Cons of Being a Traveling Medical Lab Tech

Are you a medical laboratory technician deciding if a career as a traveling healthcare professional is right for you? When considering any major decision, it helps to start with a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks between options. There are many great aspects to traveling medical lab tech jobs, but like any job, it isn’t for everyone. Here’s a list of some pros and cons of a career as a healthcare traveler to help

Pros of Being a Traveling Medical Lab Tech

Enjoy traveling through work.

One of the biggest benefits of working as a traveling medical lab tech is the ability to travel the country while earning money. If you’re a medical technician who enjoys traveling to new cities, this is a great opportunity. For many would-be travelers, time away from work and a steady income can make it difficult to set out on new adventures. As a traveling medical lab tech, it’ll be easier than ever before. Plus, each new assignment can take you on a completely different adventure.

Unique Job Opportunities

The demand for medical lab technicians is projected to be very strong for the next few years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . However, the amount of job opportunities will vary by city and can fluctuate depending on other variables. If medical lab tech jobs are hard to come by in your area,  traveling opens up new options. Job placement agencies are well-connected to hospitals throughout the country and can help you find jobs in fun locations.

Earn a Better Paycheck

Traveling medical lab techs are often able to earn a higher salary than those who work in permanent positions. Pay does vary by location and assignment, but due to the high-demand nature of these jobs, pay can be higher. Plus, some job agencies provide contract completion bonuses, referral bonuses, and more that can increase total earning potential.

Don’t Worry About Housing

Since you’ll be traveling to new places every 13 weeks, healthcare staffing agencies will offer either free housing options or a tax-free housing stipend to cover living expenses. Both of these options allow traveling medical techs to keep even more of their paycheck and not be concerned about temporary housing costs.

Cons of Being a Travel Medical Lab Technician

Fluctuating pay rates.

Many full-time workers are used to receiving the same base pay throughout the entire year, so it can be difficult for some to adjust to new wages between each new assignment. Financial planning will be important when it comes to certain bills that remain constant. Fortunately, most assignments will include housing.

It Can Get lonely

Some people get homesick very easily, and a life of traveling and working can end up feeling a bit lonely if you’re in a part of the country where you don’t know anyone. For this reason, many traveling medical technicians will bring family or pets along with them on assignments. If you work for an agency like LRS Healthcare, you’ll also be able to contact your recruiter at any time, 24/7, so you’re never completely alone.

If you’ve decided that a career as a traveling medical lab technician is a good fir for your lifestyle, apply with LRS Healthcare today! As an industry leader in healthcare staffing, we work to connect you with some of the best medical lab tech jobs around the country.

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Aya delivers:

• The most jobs in the industry. We have the largest and most reliable job database, which means the jobs you see are open, updated in real time and ready for you!
• Competitive advantage over other agencies. Front-of-the-line access through our direct facility relationships — many with quick (even same-day) offers, giving you the best chance of securing your ideal opportunity.
• Expedited licensing and streamlined compliance. An industry-leading on-time start rate and strong relationships with boards of nursing across the country to accelerate the process in all 50 states.
• Expert career guidance. A dedicated recruiter to help you achieve your dream career. Travel, per diem, permanent — we have the reach and access to get you the jobs you want, and the expertise to help you realize your long-term goals.
• A best-in-class support system and an exceptional experience. Enjoy accurate, weekly pay, and an entire team dedicated to your happiness on assignment, 24/7.

Plus, you get everything you expect from the largest healthcare staffing company in the industry:

• Exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment. Want to take time off? Keep insurance coverage for up to 24 days between assignments.
• A generous 401(k) match.
• Paid company housing (we'll help you bring your pets along, too!) or a generous housing stipend.
• Paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• The industry's only clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment.
• Access to unlimited continuing education units online.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements, when applicable.
• Pay listed above includes taxable wages and tax-free expense reimbursements.

For all employees and employee applicants, Aya is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer, including Disability/Vets, and welcomes all to apply. Please click here for our EEO policy.

• Bi-weekly weekend travel home.
• A rental car and paid housing.

With Aya Locums you get:

• Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
• Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay.
• Dedicated application and assignment support.
• In-house credentialing and licensing teams.
• Full coverage of licensing costs.
• Travel and lodging coverage.
• Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
• Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
• Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
• Generous 401k match.
• Aya may provide other benefits where required by applicable law, including but not limited to reimbursements.
• Aya coordinates all travel and lodging accommodations.
• Travel information is received the evening prior to your scheduled departure.
• Airfare is covered and, if driving to the assignment, reimbursement is available.
• Once notice is received, communication from our team is sent via email and text to ensure you are kept in the loop as soon as information becomes available.
• Your safety is Aya's top priority. We work closely with the facility to ensure additional security measures are taken onsite so you can focus on what really matters: patient care.
• Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements.

Experience the Aya difference today

• A dedicated recruiter who advocates for you every step of the way.
• We'll ensure the hiring manager prioritizes your interest and schedules an interview quickly.
• A streamlined hiring process means offers are often presented within 24-48 hours after an interview with a hiring leader.
• Flexible start dates that work around your availability.
• We make it simple with one point of contact the entire time.
• University of Washington (UW) offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

With Aya, you get:

• Higher compensation - we negotiate on your behalf.
• Work-life balance - contracts are up to 40 hours per week, with workdays ending mid-late afternoon and weekends off!
• An employee advocate - our team ensures you have the support needed to be successful in your role.
• Options post contract - extend, convert to a permanent employee or find a new job.
• Paid company housing (pets are welcome to tag along) or a generous housing stipend.
• If qualified, continued insurance coverage over the summer.
• A generous 401k match.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way.
• A credentialing specialist to streamline the entire compliance process.
• Freedom and flexibility around your current schedule.
• The easy-to-use Shifts app. Select shifts anytime, anywhere.
• Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs at thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
• A robust team to support you every step of the way to ensure you start on time, have accurate payroll and an exceptional experience.
• Certification and other reimbursements, when applicable.

Privacy Overview

Central Arkansas Library System receives largest-ever $500,000 grant

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Central Arkansas Library System has received its largest-ever grant of $500,000.

Officials said the grant from the Mellon Foundation would support the library’s Memory Lab, the Encyclopedia of Arkansas and the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies.

The Memory Lab is at the Roberts Library of Arkansas History & Arts . Patrons use it to digitize family memories, such as photos, videos and audio cassettes.

Library officials said the grant will permit Memory Lab expansion, including hiring a full-time coordinator, updating the schedule to include Saturday hours, adding media formats that can be digitized and creating micro labs at neighborhood CALS branches.

CALS regional manager Joe Hudak is excited about the planned memory lab expansion.

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring memory labs to our branches both within Little Rock and in our two-county service area,” Hudak said. “Local and family history is important, especially for people who are not always included in traditional histories.”

Hudak added that the lab expansion would help the library reach patrons, promote Arkansas history and provide a community service.

Officials said the grant funds the salary of Encylopedia of Arkansas staff and would also fund website upgrades for digital collections from the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies .

A CALS spokesperson said this was the first Mellon Foundation grant in Arkansas since 2016. 

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.

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Security team upgrades travel processes, earns NNSA coin

BY MYLES COPELAND AND KARLI MASSEY

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Bernardo Diaz has been part of a few big changes.

He and his team from Sandia’s International Security and Risk Management were recognized by NNSA on March 12 for improvements that make it faster and easier for Sandians and other nuclear security enterprise contractors to travel to foreign nations on behalf of NNSA and other U.S. government agencies.

“Thousands of travelers will benefit from these improvements, enabling us to more effectively accomplish NNSA’s mission with our international partners,” said NNSA Sandia Field Office Manager Daryl Hauck, who presented Bernardo an NNSA Enhanced Mission Delivery Initiative coin in appreciation of his effort to help nuclear security enterprise processes move quicker and more efficiently. “He showed persistence in making it happen. He didn’t take no for an answer.”

NNSA’s Enhanced Mission Delivery Initiative aims to improve efficiency, productivity and collaboration across the nuclear security enterprise.

Bernardo worked with NNSA officials to reduce the number of approvals needed for these types of trips.

“I know what a pain it is to cut red tape,” he said. “I think my previous experience told me, ‘We can change it.’”

Bernardo’s “previous experience” includes reestablishing U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Havana was his first assignment as a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 1961 and remained so when Bernardo arrived in 2014.

“It was a hardship post,” said Bernardo, who moved there with his wife and dog. “The Cuban people are incredible, but the work was hard. The country was stuck in the 1950s. Not much has progressed in terms of infrastructure.”

Bucking 70 years of history, Bernardo was part of the team that carried this international effort across the finish line. The Department of State Superior Honor Award hangs in his Sandia office, recognizing his “Outstanding sustained performance and significant contribution in support of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.”

Years later, Veronica Robles, a member of his staff who helped lead the project, credited Bernardo with driving the improvement in the travel process.

“Bernardo really took the time,” Veronica said. “Our travelers go through a lot. The biggest thing I always go back to is to reduce the human stress of it all. How can we make it a little bit better? How do we get them out the door to do that mission work?”

“This award is satisfaction we’re doing what’s right to serve the mission,” Bernardo said.

NNSA awards coin for quick delivery

Coin presentations like the one to Bernardo are a new way the NNSA is recognizing Sandians who cut red tape and speed innovation and product delivery.

The second coin in this series went to manager Stephen Neidigk and his team from the Transportation Safeguards and Surety Program, which delivered a mobile high-security vault in just six months.

To meet a national security need on this tight timeline, the team used several forms of advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, technical embroidery and model based systems engineering, to move from concept to construction without formal drawings.

Stephen’s team delivered models and manufacturing specifications that allowed several vendors to construct major components of the vault that were subsequently assembled at Sandia.

“Typically you spend 75% of your design time on the drawings,” Stephen said. “When you’re budget- and time-constrained, it forces you to figure out solutions within those constraints … This work required a functional prototype. It was a build-to-think exercise. Let’s build it, learn, adjust and do it again.”

This drastically different approach, which included Stephen carrying a 1/20-scale model of the vault to meetings to convey the concept and support design discussions, delivered a full scale prototype in about a quarter of the time usually required for this type of project. The solution was a 20-foot shipping container with a 30,000-pound vault inside.

“We didn’t recreate the wheel,” Stephen said. “Completing the prototype vault was an excellent example of Sandia’s ability to deliver at the speed of relevance. We utilized experience and technology developed over the last 40 years to save time and completed an 80% solution in six months as opposed to 100% solution in five years.”

“While other recent innovations have focused on process improvements, this project uses the Labs’ know-how in system integration, working with partners to meet a national security need,” Labs Director James Peery said during the coin presentation on March 18. “This is one of the areas where Sandia excels.”

• Sandia chases two big new goals
• How we know they work
• Conference offers perspectives on real-world nuclear issues