CT Tech Travel Nursing Jobs

CT Tech

Computed tomography technologists, also known as CT techs, play a major role in the diagnostic side of patient care, marking a significant need for healthcare professionals within this niche of radiologic technology careers. Sometimes referred to as “rad techs” in a broader sense, individuals in this field are highly sought after. This constant demand has opened up numerous lucrative CT tech positions and related jobs across the country!

How Much Does a CT Tech Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists, which includes computed tomography technologists, was $73,410 in May 2023. This is the most accurate and up-to-date representation of CT salaries. Now, travel nurse CT techs can earn significantly more than permanent nurses. Location, specialty, experience, assignment length, shift type (day/night/weekend), and contract specifics all contribute to a travel nurse salary and add up fast.

What Does a CT Tech Do?

CT techs are a specific type of radiologic technologist who administer CT (computed tomography) scans. These scans are crucial for collecting internal body images that help with diagnosis and ensure patients receive the proper care, such as finding neurological concerns and conditions, cancer, fractures, internal injuries, muscle disorders, tumors, blood clots, and more. The role of a CT tech is incredibly important because the better the imaging, the better the diagnosis, and the better the treatment.

But a CT tech’s job isn’t only about capturing images. They help prepare and position patients for testing, which is crucial for safety because radiation and IV contrast are involved. CT techs also operate and care for intricate diagnostic imaging equipment and confer with physicians after testing about the imaging results.

Is CT Tech a Good Career?

With a career as a travel CT tech, it’s easier for you to avoid nurse burnout while still sharing your amazing skills and talents with facilities nationwide that need your help with providing the best patient care. Traveling is also a great way to sharpen your skills, gain experience in a variety of places, and build your resume — all while you explore the country!

How to Succeed as a CT Tech

To succeed as a CT tech, you must be an excellent communicator. You’ll be the bridge between patient and physician, helping answer any questions that may arise. As part of this responsibility, CT techs have to be well-versed in a variety of medical terminology relating to various specialties. They must also be problem-solvers and experts in operating CT machines, radiation safety, and proper patient positioning.

As a CT tech, your ultimate goal is to help ensure that CT scans are performed safely and with the clearest imaging possible and that results are communicated to any healthcare professional who requests them. This work is essential to making the right diagnoses and treating various medical conditions.

Where Do CT Techs Work?

CT techs mostly work in an acute hospital setting and are typically found in the radiology unit. They often work closely with the ER, oncology, and other units most commonly needing this type of imaging. Outside of hospitals, CT techs can also work in clinics, physician’s offices, imaging centers, and other healthcare facilities.

Who Works in Radiologic Technology?

CT techs support and work alongside a variety of healthcare professionals in the radiology unit and other units that partner closely and depend on the results of each CT scan. This can include specialists, ER nurses and physicians, radiologists, oncologists and oncology nurses, surgeons, neurologists, fellow rad techs, and other allied health pros.

How is a CT Tech Different from a Radiologic Technologist?

All CT techs are rad techs, but not all rad techs are CT techs. Radiologic technologists are a group of techs who aid doctors by helping create and share clean diagnostic imaging results so the physicians can then make a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan for each patient. CT techs are separated by the fact that they operate and test on CT machines doing CT scans. Rad techs also may each be specialized in MRI, X-ray, mammography, sonography, and other areas.

Who’s Treated by CT Techs?

Patients cared for by CT techs tend to be in the radiology unit, which is sometimes also called the imaging unit. However, patients with a variety of healthcare issues and concerns are treated by CT techs. Some of the more common reasons for an individual to undergo a CT scan include neurological conditions, internal injuries, and muscle disorders, pinpointing a tumor or blood clot, detecting liver and lung masses, or aiding with surgical procedures. CTs are a fairly common procedure for people to undergo in order to uncover the root of health concerns.

How to Become a CT Tech

To become a CT tech, certain educational qualifications, certifications, and experience are typically necessary.

Commonly required CT tech education:

• Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology (AS)
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT)

Commonly required CT tech certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist’s Computed Tomography (ARRT-CT) certification exam

Commonly preferred CT tech certifications:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Fluoroscopy (Fluoro)

Commonly required experience to become a travel CT tech:

• Facilities typically require 1-2 years of recent, in-hospital experience to hire you as a travel CT tech. This experience helps ensure both personal protection and high-quality patient care.

Where are CT Techs Needed Most?

California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland are the locations where CT techs are needed most.

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What is a Permanent Nurse?

A permanent nurse, often referred to as a staff nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) who is employed full-time at a healthcare facility, as opposed to taking on various travel nursing assignments. While travel nursing offers RNs the opportunity to explore new locations and contribute to patient care across different communities, permanent nursing positions provide more stability. This stability allows nurses to establish themselves in a specific specialty and pursue career advancement within a single healthcare setting.

If you’re considering permanent placements, partnering with an agency like Medical Solutions can help you maximize your career potential. Apply today, and let the best recruiters support you in finding your ideal role among numerous exclusive permanent RN and allied jobs at leading hospitals across the United States.