If you want a fulfilling job in healthcare but also love the idea of seeing new places, working in different environments, and staying flexible, then becoming a traveling medical assistant (MA) might be the career path for you. This role involves providing patient care during short-term assignments in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
This guide covers what it means to be a traveling medical assistant, the steps to get started, and what to expect once you’re in the field.
What Is a Traveling Medical Assistant?
A traveling medical assistant or travel medical assistant is a trained healthcare professional who performs various responsibilities to support medical teams. These may include:
- Taking vital signs and preparing patients for exams
- Collecting lab samples and assisting with minor procedures
- Updating electronic health records
- Handling appointment scheduling and insurance paperwork
- Communicating with both patients and healthcare teams
What is a traveling medical assistant compared to a clinic-based one? The primary difference is flexibility and location: Travel MAs go where needed most.
Unlike traditional medical assistants who work in one location, travel MAs accept contracts through staffing agencies to temporarily fill roles in places with high demand or a staffing shortage.
Traveling medical assistants can work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Outpatient clinics
- Urgent care centers
- Hospitals
- Specialty practices
While many traveling medical assistant roles require a generalist skill set, some assignments are more specialized. Having experience in one or more specialties can make you more sought-after and open up a wider range of assignment opportunities.
Common specialty areas include:
- Cardiology
- Orthopedics
- OB/GYN and Fertility
- Pediatrics
How to Become a Traveling Medical Assistant
Like other healthcare positions, travel MA jobs typically call for practical training, relevant certification, and some on-the-job experience.
If you’re wondering, “What is a traveling medical assistant position like, and how do I qualify for one?”, let’s walk through the steps.
How to Become a Traveling Medical Assistant: Education Requirements
In Texas, you don’t need a formal degree to become a medical assistant, but most medical facilities expect candidates to be ready to hit the ground running. That means candidates must have the clinical knowledge, hands-on skills, and professionalism that come with graduating from an accredited program.
For instance, Texas Health School’s Medical Assistant Program is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The program is designed to help students gain the clinical knowledge and administrative training needed to work in outpatient clinics, physician offices, and other healthcare settings.
Certification
While it isn’t a legal requirement in Texas, certification is often a must for travel jobs. Most healthcare facilities want assurance that you’re prepared to meet industry standards.
Common certification options include:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
How to Become a Traveling Medical Assistant: Clinical Experience
Traveling MAs are expected to be confident and competent from day one. Having at least 6-12 months of clinical experience before taking a travel contract is often recommended. This helps you become familiar with electronic health records, clinical workflows, and the day-to-day pace of patient care.
Working With a Medical Staffing Agency
Staffing agencies connect you with available assignments and handle much of the logistics, including contracts, housing stipends, and travel arrangements.
If you’re a student or graduate of Texas Health School, our Office of Career Services can help you explore your options and connect with relevant job opportunities, including travel roles.
How Much Does a Traveling Medical Assistant Make?
Being a travel MA can be a personally rewarding job, as it allows you to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. But how much does a traveling medical assistant make?
Pay can vary based on your experience, certifications, and where you’re placed, but many traveling MAs earn more than their full-time, single-location counterparts.
How Much Does a Traveling Medical Assistant Make: Salary Insights
- National Average: $42,000–$55,000 annually
- Hourly Rate: $20–$30 per hour
- In Texas: Wages may fall in the $18–$27 range, depending on the city and healthcare setting
More remote or high-need areas often offer higher pay to attract skilled professionals quickly.
Additional Perks
Beyond the salary, candidates should also factor in other perks they may receive, such as:
- Housing stipends or paid accommodations
- Per diem for meals and travel
- Completion bonuses for longer contracts
- Access to healthcare coverage through staffing agencies
- Licensing or certification reimbursement
Pros and Cons of Being a Traveling Medical Assistant
Like any career path, being a travel medical assistant has ups and downs. Understanding the benefits and downsides helps you decide if it fits your lifestyle and aligns with your long-term goals.
Pros
- Flexibility: You can choose when and where you want to work.
- Diverse Experience: You’ll gain exposure to different specialties, software systems, and clinical workflows.
- Networking Opportunities: Each assignment allows you to connect with providers and healthcare teams in new locations.
- Adventure: You’ll have the opportunity to explore new cities or regions while continuing your work in healthcare.
Cons
- Unpaid Gaps Between Assignments: Time off between assignments may not be paid, depending on your agency.
- Inconsistent Schedules: Assignment dates can vary, and some roles may involve last-minute changes or gaps in work availability.
- Adjustment Fatigue: Constantly adapting to new systems and workflows can be tiring.
Still, many MAs find that the variety and flexibility of the work outweigh the cons of its temporary nature.
Is This Career Path Right for You?
Travel medical assisting isn’t for everyone, but it is an excellent option for those who prioritize adaptability, independence, and variety in their day-to-day work. The following traits often help medical assistants thrive in travel roles:
- Strong communication and time-management skills
- Confidence in clinical settings
- Comfort working with new software and systems
- Ability to adjust quickly
- Flexibility and problem-solving ability
If these qualities sound like you, a career as a traveling medical assistant could be a strong fit.
Career Growth
This role can also be a launchpad for future opportunities. Some traveling MAs go on to become office managers or trainers, while others pursue further education in nursing or allied health. The hands-on experience and adaptability you build on the road can strengthen your resume and broaden your career options.
Texas Health School helps lay the groundwork with a program that prioritizes job readiness, clinical experience, and ongoing career support, all of which are important if you plan to work in diverse healthcare settings.
Start Your Journey With Texas Health School
A career as a traveling medical assistant allows you to build your clinical skills, see new places, and make a difference. With the proper training, certification, and support, you can enjoy a flexible and rewarding career.
Texas Health School offers a nationally accredited Medical Assistant Program that can be a valuable stepping stone in your journey toward a career as a travel MA. Enroll now, or contact us to request more information.