Want a Healthcare Job with Travel Options? Here’s How to Make the Move

Transitioning into a career in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you’ve planned it out with a clear strategy. This field offers stability, growth, and a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. And if you’re someone who wants to combine healthcare with travel or explore global career opportunities, there are so many exciting paths waiting for you! Let’s look at some basics for setting yourself up for success in healthcare while keeping travel as part of your journey.

Define Your Healthcare Career Goals and Vision

The healthcare field has many different career paths, each with its own demands and rewards. Take some time to explore which type of role suits your interests and goals, especially if you’re looking to travel or relocate. Are you passionate about patient care, physical rehabilitation, or maybe even medical technology? Your interests will guide you toward a specific area, whether clinical roles like nursing or physical therapy, or administrative roles in healthcare management.

• Clinical roles for travelers: If direct patient care interests you, look into nursing, physical therapy, or paramedic roles. These fields often have demand in different locations, both domestically and internationally.
• Non-clinical roles with flexibility: If you’re interested in healthcare but prefer a less hands-on role, look into healthcare data analysis, remote patient monitoring, or healthcare project management, which often offer remote work opportunities.

Clearly defining your goals will keep you motivated and help you create a targeted action plan.

Build on Your Existing Skills and Certifications

One of the best advantages of transitioning from a wellness or fitness role into healthcare is that you may already have a valuable skill set to draw from. For example, if you’ve been a certified fitness instructor, you’re likely well-versed in human anatomy, kinesiology, and exercise science, which can transfer smoothly into physical therapy or rehabilitation roles.

• Utilize specialized certifications: Certifications like Pilates instructor training can be a major asset, particularly in physical therapy settings, where you might work with patients on mobility, flexibility, and balance. These skills will make your resume stand out and provide added value to potential employers.
• Emphasize transferable skills: Communication, empathy, and the ability to motivate others are critical in healthcare. Highlight these qualities on your resume to demonstrate your readiness for patient-centered work.

By leveraging your existing skills, you’ll enter the healthcare field with a unique perspective that enhances your overall qualifications.

Pursue the Necessary Education and Certifications

Most healthcare roles require specific credentials, so after identifying your field of interest, research the necessary education, certifications, and licensing. For those interested in traveling, keep in mind that certifications and requirements vary by country. Here are the broad steps to take:

• Research your options: Many universities and vocational schools offer programs tailored to career changers. If you already hold a degree, consider an accelerated program to streamline your transition.
• Explore online courses: Flexible online programs make it easier to balance your studies with work or family commitments, allowing you to gain the necessary credentials without interrupting your life.
• Consider international certification: If you’re aiming to work abroad, some fields, like nursing and physical therapy, have international certification programs that allow you to work in multiple countries. Look into options like the International Council of Nurses (ICN) certification for nursing or other organizations in your field of choice.

Getting the proper education and certification is an investment in your future and makes you eligible for travel and relocation roles.

Build a Network in the Healthcare Community

It’s essential to create a network in the healthcare industry, especially if you’re new to the field. Building connections will give you insight into the day-to-day realities of healthcare and help you understand what’s needed to thrive.

• Attend industry events: Join healthcare conferences, seminars, or even virtual events. Many organizations, like the American Nurses Association (ANA), offer resources for members, including events and job boards.
• Get active on LinkedIn: LinkedIn groups focused on healthcare can be a fantastic resource for advice, job postings, and connections. Look for groups that focus on traveling healthcare professionals or healthcare jobs abroad if you’re interested in working internationally.
• Volunteer or shadow professionals: Spending time in a clinic, hospital, or health-focused nonprofit provides invaluable insights. Volunteering or shadowing also adds experience to your resume and makes you more competitive in the healthcare job market.

Networking in the healthcare industry can open doors to unique opportunities, both locally and internationally, and provides a support system as you transition.

Gain Experience with Short-Term Contracts or Locum Positions

If you’re eager to start traveling but don’t yet have long-term experience in healthcare, look for short-term contracts or locum tenens positions. Locum tenens is a type of temporary work that allows healthcare professionals to cover for other staff members, often in various locations. These roles are ideal for trying out new settings, building skills, and gaining a sense of what it’s like to work on the road.

• Consider travel nursing or therapy assignments: For those interested in patient care, travel nursing and travel therapy roles offer opportunities across the U.S. and internationally. These assignments can come with perks like housing stipends and travel reimbursements.
• Check out telehealth roles: If you’re in a non-clinical or consulting role, telehealth is a fantastic way to work with patients remotely. This is particularly popular in fields like mental health counseling, dietetics, and case management.

Short-term assignments can give you a taste of the travel lifestyle without requiring a permanent move and help you gain valuable experience.

Embrace Cultural Sensitivity and Language Skills

When working in healthcare, especially internationally, cultural sensitivity and language skills are essential. These abilities will not only help you connect better with patients and colleagues but also make your transition into new environments smoother and more meaningful.

• Learn the local language basics: Even a few phrases can go a long way in making patients feel comfortable and respected. Many healthcare organizations offer language training for employees working abroad.
• Understand cultural nuances in healthcare: Different cultures approach healthcare and wellness in unique ways. Familiarize yourself with local customs and values around medicine, healing, and patient care. This knowledge helps build trust with patients and can even make you more effective in your role.

Building cultural awareness is key for anyone looking to work abroad or in diverse communities and is a valuable skill in healthcare careers.

Be Open to Unconventional Healthcare Roles

Healthcare careers are diverse, and some roles may surprise you with their flexibility and travel opportunities! Consider roles that blend healthcare with other fields, allowing you to work in varied locations and settings.

• Public health and outreach: Public health professionals often travel to implement health initiatives, conduct research, or deliver healthcare services in different regions.
• Global health consulting: Consultants work with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or Doctors Without Borders to provide health guidance and support across multiple countries.
• Medical equipment and pharmaceutical representatives: If you’re interested in a sales or consulting role, this path can offer both travel and a unique perspective on healthcare.

Exploring these less traditional paths can help you find a role that aligns with your passion for healthcare and your desire to see the world.

These tips will give you a head start on creating a healthcare career that’s as mobile as you are! With the right mix of planning, education, and openness to unique opportunities, you can build a meaningful career that allows you to make a difference, gain invaluable experience, and see the world.

Featured image by Elianna Gill on Unsplash