Can You Be A Travel Physician Assistant? Salary & Lifestyle

Yes, you absolutely can be a travel physician assistant (PA)! This career path offers a unique blend of professional fulfillment, travel opportunities, and competitive compensation. This article covers everything you need to know about becoming a travel PA, including the necessary qualifications, salary expectations, lifestyle considerations, and how to find travel PA jobs.

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What is a Travel Physician Assistant?

A travel physician assistant is a certified PA who takes on temporary assignments, typically lasting from a few weeks to several months, at healthcare facilities across the country (or sometimes internationally). These facilities often have staffing shortages, need coverage for vacations or leaves of absence, or require specialized skills for a specific project. The locum tenens physician assistant field is growing, offering PAs exciting and diverse opportunities.

The Appeal of the Travel PA Lifestyle

The life of a travel PA is characterized by flexibility, variety, and adventure. Here are some of the key attractions:

• Travel Opportunities: Explore new cities, states, and even countries while advancing your career.
• Professional Growth: Exposure to diverse patient populations, medical settings, and clinical practices enhances your skills and broadens your experience.
• Competitive Compensation: Travel physician assistant salary is often higher than that of permanent positions due to the temporary nature of the work and the need to attract qualified candidates.
• Flexibility: Choose assignments that align with your interests, location preferences, and desired work-life balance.
• Networking: Build connections with healthcare professionals nationwide, opening doors for future career opportunities.

Fathoming Travel PA Requirements

To become a travel PA, you need to fulfill several travel PA requirements:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program.
• Certification: Passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and maintaining current certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Licensure: Possessing a valid and unrestricted PA license in the state where you plan to work. Some travel PA companies can assist with obtaining licenses.
• Experience: While not always mandatory, most travel PA positions prefer candidates with at least one to two years of clinical experience. This experience helps you adapt quickly to new environments and handle a variety of medical situations.
• Skills: Excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills are essential. You must be adaptable, resourceful, and able to work independently.

State Licensing Specifics

One of the biggest hurdles can be navigating state licensing requirements. Each state has its own unique process, application fees, and processing times. Some states offer expedited licensing for PAs with clean records. Many travel PA companies have licensing specialists who can guide you through the process, making it significantly easier.

Credentialing

Credentialing involves verifying your education, training, and experience to ensure you meet the standards of the healthcare facility. This process can take several weeks or even months, so it’s essential to start early. Travel PA companies typically handle the credentialing process on your behalf.

Investigating Travel Physician Assistant Salary and Benefits

Travel physician assistant salary can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Specialty: Certain specialties, such as emergency medicine, surgery, and cardiology, tend to offer higher pay.
• Location: Assignments in high-demand areas or areas with a higher cost of living typically pay more.
• Experience: More experienced PAs generally command higher salaries.
• Demand: Periods of high demand, such as during flu season or in areas with staffing shortages, can lead to increased pay rates.

Salary Expectations

While specific numbers fluctuate, a travel PA can generally expect to earn a higher hourly or weekly rate compared to a permanent PA position. This is due to the temporary nature of the work and the additional expenses associated with travel.

Factor	Impact on Salary
Specialty	High-demand specialties (e.g., Emergency Medicine) typically pay more.
Location	High cost-of-living areas and remote locations often offer higher pay.
Experience	More experience generally translates to a higher earning potential.
Assignment Length	Shorter assignments might have higher hourly rates to compensate for the limited duration.

Benefits Packages

In addition to salary, travel PA positions often come with comprehensive benefits of travel PA:

• Housing: Many travel PA companies provide free or subsidized housing, which can significantly reduce your living expenses.
• Travel Reimbursement: Reimbursement for travel expenses, including airfare, mileage, and rental cars.
• Health Insurance: Access to health insurance coverage, although the specifics can vary.
• Malpractice Insurance: Coverage for medical malpractice liability.
• Licensing Assistance: Help with obtaining and maintaining state licenses.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) Allowance: Funds to cover the cost of CME courses and conferences.

Delving into Travel PA Specialties

Travel PA specialties are diverse, offering options for PAs with a wide range of interests and experience:

• Emergency Medicine: Working in emergency departments, providing urgent care to patients with a variety of medical conditions.
• Hospital Medicine: Managing patients in the hospital setting, coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
• Surgery: Assisting surgeons in the operating room and providing pre- and post-operative care.
• Primary Care: Providing comprehensive primary care services to patients in outpatient clinics.
• Urgent Care: Treating patients with acute illnesses and injuries in urgent care centers.
• Cardiology: Assisting cardiologists in diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
• Orthopedics: Providing care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
• Dermatology: Treating patients with skin disorders and performing cosmetic procedures.
• Oncology: Assisting oncologists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
• Pediatrics: Providing medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.
• Mental Health: Treating patients with mental health disorders.

The right physician assistant travel assignments can help you gain experience in different areas and specialize in your field of choice.

How to Become a Travel PA: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a travel PA:

1. Complete Your Education: Graduate from an accredited physician assistant program.
2. Pass the PANCE: Obtain your PA certification by passing the PANCE.
3. Gain Clinical Experience: Accumulate at least one to two years of experience in your desired specialty.
4. Obtain State Licenses: Secure PA licenses in the states where you want to work.
5. Partner with a Travel PA Company: Research and select a reputable travel PA company that aligns with your goals and preferences.
6. Create a Compelling Resume: Highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments in your resume.
7. Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your clinical experience and career goals.
8. Accept an Assignment: Review the assignment details carefully, including the location, duration, responsibilities, and compensation package.
9. Complete Credentialing: Work with your travel PA company to complete the credentialing process.
10. Start Your Assignment: Arrive at your assignment location, familiarize yourself with the healthcare facility, and provide high-quality patient care.

Selecting the Right Travel PA Company

Choosing the right travel PA company is crucial for a successful travel career. Consider the following factors:

• Reputation: Research the company’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials.
• Job Opportunities: Evaluate the company’s access to travel PA jobs in your desired specialties and locations.
• Compensation and Benefits: Compare the company’s compensation packages, including salary, housing, travel reimbursement, and health insurance.
• Support: Assess the level of support the company provides, including licensing assistance, credentialing support, and ongoing support during your assignments.
• Communication: Choose a company that communicates effectively and responds promptly to your questions and concerns.

Some popular travel PA companies include:

• Barton Associates
• CompHealth
• Medical Doctor Associates
• LocumTenens.com
• Weatherby Healthcare

Crafting a Winning Resume

Your resume is your first impression, so it’s essential to make it stand out. Here are some tips for creating a compelling resume:

• Highlight your skills and experience: Focus on the skills and experience that are relevant to travel PA positions.
• Quantify your accomplishments: Use numbers to demonstrate your achievements whenever possible.
• Use action verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs to showcase your abilities.
• Tailor your resume to each position: Customize your resume to match the specific requirements of each job.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure your resume is free of errors in grammar and spelling.

Examining the Day-to-Day Travel PA Lifestyle

The travel PA lifestyle is exciting but also presents unique challenges. It’s important to be prepared for:

• Frequent travel: Packing and unpacking, navigating new cities, and adapting to different time zones.
• New environments: Learning new electronic health record (EHR) systems, protocols, and procedures.
• Working with unfamiliar teams: Building rapport with new colleagues and quickly integrating into the healthcare team.
• Being away from home: Spending extended periods away from family and friends.

However, with proper planning and a positive attitude, you can overcome these challenges and thrive as a travel PA.

Time Management and Self-Care

Managing your time effectively and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize your tasks, set realistic goals, and take time for yourself to relax and recharge. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can help you stay energized and focused.

Building a Support Network

Building a strong support network is crucial for coping with the challenges of the travel PA lifestyle. Connect with other travel PAs, join online forums, and stay in touch with family and friends. Having a support system can help you stay motivated, connected, and resilient.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Like any career path, being a travel PA has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• High earning potential
• Travel opportunities
• Professional growth
• Flexibility
• Variety

Cons:

• Frequent travel
• Unfamiliar environments
• Being away from home
• State licensing complexities
• Uncertainty

Before embarking on a travel PA career, carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the typical length of a travel PA assignment?

A: Travel PA assignments typically range from a few weeks to several months, with 13-week assignments being the most common.

Q: Can I choose where I want to work?

A: Yes, you can specify your preferred locations and specialties to your travel PA company, and they will work to find assignments that match your criteria.

Q: How does housing work for travel PAs?

A: Many travel PA companies provide free or subsidized housing. The type of housing can vary, ranging from apartments to hotels.

Q: Do I need to have experience to become a travel PA?

A: While not always required, most travel PA jobs prefer candidates with at least one to two years of clinical experience.

Q: What expenses are covered by the travel PA company?

A: Most travel PA companies cover travel expenses, including airfare, mileage, and rental cars, as well as housing and malpractice insurance.

Q: How do I maintain my PA certification while traveling?

A: You can maintain your PA certification by completing continuing medical education (CME) requirements and passing the PANCE recertification exam every ten years.

Q: What happens if an assignment is cancelled early?

A: Most travel PA companies have policies in place to protect you if an assignment is cancelled early. They may offer you a replacement assignment or provide compensation for the cancelled assignment.

Q: Is the travel PA lifestyle suitable for everyone?

A: The travel PA lifestyle is best suited for individuals who are adaptable, independent, and enjoy new experiences.

Final Thoughts

A career as a travel physician assistant can be incredibly rewarding, offering a unique blend of professional fulfillment, travel opportunities, and competitive compensation. By carefully researching the travel PA requirements, benefits of travel PA, and lifestyle considerations, you can make an informed decision about whether this career path is right for you. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can thrive as a travel PA and enjoy a fulfilling and adventurous career.