Traveling Medical Assistant positions exist and represent a growing segment of the healthcare workforce. This career path responds directly to the increasing demand for qualified healthcare support staff across the country. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, frequently experience temporary vacancies or staffing shortages. The mobility of Medical Assistants allows them to fill these immediate, short-term needs, bringing their skills to diverse locations where patient care is needed most. This high-demand environment drives the opportunities available for MAs willing to travel for contract work.
Defining the Traveling Medical Assistant Role
A Traveling Medical Assistant (MA) performs the same core clinical and administrative duties as a permanently employed MA, but on a contractual, temporary basis. These professionals function as highly adaptable, short-term employees deployed to various healthcare settings needing immediate staffing relief. They are expected to integrate quickly into a new team and workflow with minimal orientation.
The scope of work is comprehensive and dual-focused, encompassing both back-office and front-office responsibilities. Clinically, this includes measuring vital signs, assisting providers with examinations and minor procedures, administering injections, and collecting laboratory specimens. Administratively, the MA handles scheduling appointments, managing patient records, processing insurance paperwork, and coordinating communication. Traveling MAs operate in environments such as outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, hospitals, and specialty practices like cardiology or pediatrics.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
A clear set of prerequisites must be met to qualify for travel contracts, ensuring the MA can begin work quickly upon arrival. Candidates must first complete an accredited medical assisting program, which provides foundational knowledge in pharmacology, human anatomy, and clinical procedures. This education typically results in a certificate, diploma, or an associate’s degree.
Achieving national certification is a common requirement for securing travel contracts, as it validates professional competency. Major certifications include:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Staffing agencies typically require a minimum of one to two years of clinical experience before an MA is considered ready for the demanding nature of travel work. This experience ensures the MA is proficient and comfortable managing a full workload without the need for extensive on-site training.
Compensation and Financial Considerations
Compensation for a Traveling Medical Assistant is structured differently than for a permanent employee, often resulting in higher overall earnings. The pay package typically consists of two main components: a taxable hourly wage and non-taxable stipends. The hourly rate forms the base pay, subject to standard income taxes.
The stipends are intended to cover the higher costs of living while away from home, such as meals, housing, and other incidentals. Since these stipends are non-taxable, they significantly increase the total take-home pay compared to a traditional MA salary. To maintain this non-taxable status, the MA must demonstrate they maintain a “tax home.” This is a permanent residence where they incur substantial duplicate expenses while on assignment. Traveling MAs often earn a total compensation package 20% or more higher than the median annual salary for a permanent MA, which is typically around $42,000.
Understanding Travel Assignments and Logistics
Travel assignments are defined by their finite duration, with standard contract lengths typically running for 8, 13, or 26 weeks. This short-term structure requires MAs to be highly adaptable, quickly learning facility-specific protocols, electronic health record systems, and team dynamics. Onboarding at a new facility is usually brief, focusing on essential compliance and system access rather than extended training.
Housing logistics are a central consideration. The staffing agency may offer agency-provided housing, arranging and paying for accommodations near the worksite, or the MA can elect to receive a housing stipend and secure their own lodging. State-specific requirements are another logistical consideration, as some states require MAs to hold specific registration or licensing. Agencies typically assist the MA in securing the necessary credentials for the assignment location.
How to Secure a Traveling MA Position
The primary pathway for securing a traveling MA role is through specialized travel healthcare staffing agencies. These agencies serve as the intermediary, matching the MA’s skills and availability with the temporary staffing needs of hospitals and clinics. The process begins with the MA submitting credentials and completing a thorough vetting process.
Vetting includes background checks, skills assessments, and providing medical records to ensure compliance with facility requirements. Candidates should have an organized portfolio of professional documents ready, including proof of education, national certification, and recent clinical experience. The agency recruiter identifies suitable contract opportunities and negotiates the pay package and logistics. Once an offer is accepted, the agency handles final credentialing and prepares the MA for the assignment start.
Career Outlook for Traveling Medical Assistants
The career outlook for Traveling Medical Assistants remains strong due to the persistent demand for healthcare support staff. Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations, ensuring a steady supply of contract opportunities. This growth is tied to an aging population and the expansion of healthcare services, creating staffing needs in diverse geographic locations.
The experience gained from travel work, including exposure to different specialties and organizational systems, creates pathways for professional advancement. Traveling MAs can leverage this varied experience to specialize in a specific clinical area or pursue management roles like office manager or training coordinator. For many, the travel experience serves as a strong foundation for pursuing further education in healthcare, such as becoming a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.